Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Cortical Bone Assessment Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves: A Reproducibility Study in a Healthy Population
Published on: January 31, 2025
Using ultrasound to diagnose long bone fractures
Alexandra J O'Brien1, Mohamad A Moussa
1Alexandra J. O'Brien practices in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Mass. Mohamad A. Moussa is the program director of the emergency medicine residency program and assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Abstract:
Point-of-care ultrasound may be an alternative to radiographs for diagnosing long bone fractures when medical resources are limited. Safe and timesaving, ultrasound also can be used in the ED as a screening tool for suspected long bone fractures and can detect associated musculoskeletal injuries. Ultrasound can be used in radiation-sensitive patients such as children and pregnant patients.Studies have found that clinicians using ultrasound can detect long bone fractures with an average 90% sensitivity and specificity after an average of 1 to 4 hours total of didactic and practical training. More research is needed to determine standards for ultrasound training, patient morbidity outcomes, cost effectiveness, and insurance benefits.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
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...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...