Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
A Novel Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging
Published on: September 17, 2013
Ultrasound as an adjunct to radiography in minor musculoskeletal pediatric trauma
Khalil Samer Abi1, Soha Haddad-Zebouni, Sami Roukoz
1Departments of Radiology, CHU Hôtel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon. aksamer@hotmail.com
Insights
Ultrasound (US) enhances radiography for pediatric musculoskeletal trauma, revealing additional bone and soft tissue injuries in 30% of cases. This imaging technique is particularly useful for occult fractures in children with normal X-rays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
Background:
- Radiography is the primary imaging modality for pediatric musculoskeletal trauma.
- Minor trauma can present diagnostic challenges, sometimes leading to missed injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of ultrasound (US) as an adjunct to radiography.
- To determine if US provides additional information in pediatric musculoskeletal trauma cases.
Main Methods:
- Fifty children with suspected fractures underwent both radiography and ultrasound.
- Imaging findings for fractures, soft tissue lesions, and other abnormalities were recorded for both modalities.
Main Results:
- Concordant fracture diagnosis in 28 cases (56%).
- Ultrasound identified fractures or soft tissue injuries missed by radiography in 15 patients (30%).
- Ultrasound detected fractures in 6/20 patients with normal X-rays.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound is a valuable adjunct to radiography in pediatric musculoskeletal trauma.
- It provides additional diagnostic information, especially in cases with normal X-rays and high clinical suspicion.
- Ultrasound's utility is operator-dependent and best suited for specific clinical scenarios.
Purpose:
To assess the value of ultrasound as an adjunct to radiography in minor musculoskeletal pediatric trauma.
Methods:
Fifty children with 53 suspected fractures were referred for upper and/or lower limbs X-rays, followed by ultrasound. On radiography, we noted presence of fracture, of soft tissue thickening, or absence of any lesion. On ultrasound, we noted presence of fracture, of soft tissue lesion, or absence of lesions.
Results:
A fracture was seen on both examinations in 25 patients with 28 fractures.In 4 patients where only soft tissue thickening was seen on radiography, ultrasound showed fracture in 1 patient, hematoma in 1 patient and was normal in 2 patients. In another patient with a doubtful diagnosis of fracture on radiography, ultrasound was normal. In 20 patients with normal X-rays, ultrasound showed fracture in 6 patients, hematoma in 7 patients and was normal in 7 patients.
Conclusion:
Ultrasound was helpful as an adjunct to radiography, it yielded additional bone (7/50 patients) and soft tissue (8/50 patients) diagnostic information in 30% of patients. However, ultrasound remains operator-dependent and can be used only in particular circumstances, especially in children with normal X-rays and a high index of clinical suspicion for an occult or subradiological fracture.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
01:24Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...