Arm Pain After a Fall: The Use of POCUS to Evaluate Fractures in the Emergency Department

Falls are a leading cause of emergency department (ED) visits among older adults, often resulting in fractures. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable diagnostic tool for emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs), offering rapid, radiation-free evaluation of musculoskeletal injuries. This article examines the effectiveness of POCUS in detecting fractures, with evidence demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity, particularly for long-bone injuries. A case study of a patient with a humeral fracture highlights the utility of POCUS in diagnosis and expedited orthopedic referral. The article also discusses ultrasound physics, bone imaging techniques, and transducer selection for musculoskeletal assessments. Beyond clinical accuracy, POCUS use is associated with reduced ED length of stay and healthcare costs. While operator-dependent, structured training models are expanding ENP proficiency in POCUS. Integrating this modality into ED practice enhances timely triage and improves patient outcomes, particularly in resource-limited or high volume settings.