Ultrasonography: An alternative imaging modality in diagnosing greenstick fractures. Early experience in a county hospital

Abstract

Aim: In this case series clinical protocol, comparison of X-ray examination vs ultrasonography in detecting minimally displaced distal radius fractures in children is presented.

Patients and Methods: In twenty four children, 2 to 14- year old, with a suspected fracture of the distal radius ultrasound of the wrist was applied prior to X-ray. Tenderness on palpation and the point of maximal tenderness was located and marked. This was the place where the probe was first placed. The bone was examined cir-cumferentially. In cases where the children could not cooperate, the examination began at the wrist area and the probe was moved proximally.

Results: In all greenstick fractures pain on palpation was present. Whenever there was a fracture diagnosis with the X-rays, the ultrasound was also positive for fracture.

Conclusion: From the data of the above study, it seems that ultrasound, is at least as sensitive as radiography in detecting greenstick fractures. Therefore it is an alternative, low-cost, safe, effective and sensitive bedside test in order to reveal minimally displaced fractures in children.