Sonographic evaluation of bone fractures: a reliable alternative in clinical practice?

OBJECTIVE The objective was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of conventional radiography and ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis of suspected bone fractures. METHOD Eighty-six patients were assessed using conventional radiography and US on the affected bone district. RESULTS Radiographic and sonographic findings were concordant in 93% of cases. In one case, US suggested a fracture not seen on radiographic assessment. Ultrasonography showed a sensitivity of 0.94 and a specificity of 0.92. CONCLUSION In clinical practice, US could become the first diagnostic approach.

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