Bedside ultrasound vs x-ray for the diagnosis of forearm fractures in children

Rachel Rowlands, James Rippey, Sing Tie, James Flynn

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    36 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background Painful forearm injuries after a fall occur frequently in children. X-ray study is currently the gold standard investigation. Ultrasound (US) is a potential alternative that avoids exposure to ionizing radiation and may be less painful than x-ray study; and familiarity and skill with US is increasing among emergency physicians. Objectives The primary aim of this study was to determine if a cohort of physicians with little or no previous experience with US could, after a short training program, safely exclude forearm fractures in children. Secondary aims were to compare any pain or discomfort associated with clinical examination, US, and x-ray study and to determine the acceptability of US as a diagnostic tool to parents and patients. Methods A prospective, nonrandomized, interventional diagnostic study was performed on children between the ages of 0 and 16 years who had a suspected fracture of the forearm. US scanning was performed by a group of physicians, most with little or no previous US experience. Results After the brief training program, a group of pediatric emergency physicians could diagnose forearm fractures in children with a sensitivity of 91.5% and a specificity of 87.6%. Pain associated with US was no better or worse than pain associated with x-ray study. Patients and parents preferred US over x-ray study as an investigation modality for suspected forearm fractures. Conclusion A group of pediatric emergency physicians with limited previous experience could, after a short training program, diagnose forearm fractures in children. Pain associated with US was no better or worse than pain associated with x-ray study.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)208-215
    Number of pages8
    JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine
    Volume52
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2017

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