Ultrasound Diagnosis of Fractures in Adults

Zusammenfassung

Ziel dieser Untersuchung ist es, die Wertigkeit der Ultraschalluntersuchung (US) bei der Frakturdiagnostik Erwachsener zu evaluieren. Bei 51 Erwachsenen mit Kontusionen und Frakturen wurden die Ergebnisse der Ultraschalluntersuchung mit denen einer konventionellen Röntgenuntersuchung verglichen. Es fand sich eine gute Korrelation bei Frakturen langer Röhrenknochen. US erwies sich als zuverlässig in der Diagnose diaphysärer Frakturen, weniger zuverlässig dagegen bei komplexen oder offenen, sowie bei gelenknahen Frakturen.

Abstract

The aim of this prospective study was to describe and to assess the value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of fractures in adults. We compared ultrasonographic examinations of 51 adults with 51 contusions and fractures with the subsequent radiological and physical examination findings. We found good correlation for fractures of the long bones of the upper and lower extremities. Ultrasound was most reliable for the diagnosis of diaphyseal fractures of the long bones. It was less accurate for compound injuries and fractures adjacent to joints. The use of US for the diagnosis of fractures is gaining more and more interest. If US evaluation is targeted and combined with an orthopedic examination of the pathological area, precise demonstration of the cortical disruption, soft tissue damage and hematoma is possible.

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