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Sonographic detection of occult bone fractures
M Graif1, V Stahl-Kent, T Ben-Ami
1Department of Radiology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Pediatric Radiology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
High-resolution ultrasound can detect bone fractures in infants with painful swelling, even when initial X-rays are negative. This non-invasive imaging technique aids in diagnosing pediatric fractures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Ultrasound Diagnostics
Background:
- Radiographic studies are standard for suspected bone fractures in children.
- Infants with painful localized swelling may present diagnostic challenges.
- Soft tissue hematomas can obscure underlying bone injury on initial imaging.
Observation:
- Two infants (20 and 24 months) presented with painful swelling in the femoral and clavicular regions.
- Initial radiographic studies of the adjacent bones were negative for fractures.
- High-resolution ultrasound was employed to investigate the swelling.
Findings:
- Ultrasound clearly identified bone fractures in both infants.
- Soft tissue hematomas were also visualized.
- Subsequent radiographs confirmed the fractures 6-8 days later.
Implications:
- Ultrasound can be a valuable adjunctive tool for detecting bone fractures in pediatric patients, especially when initial radiographs are inconclusive.
- Examining bone contours with ultrasound for fractures in cases of painful localized swelling is recommended in children.
- The rapid, non-invasive nature and thin tissue penetration make ultrasound particularly useful for pediatric fracture diagnosis.