The Place of Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Rib Fractures
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Original Investigation

The Place of Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Rib Fractures

Turk J Osteoporos 2015;21(3):109-112 DOI: 10.4274/tod.45477
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Abstract

Conclusion:

The results of our study showed that ultrasonography is superior to chest x-ray, in detecting rib fractures.

Results:

Rib fracture was detected in 20 patients (62.5%) according to ultrasonography results. A mildly displaced fracture was detected in 7 patients (35%), hematoma was detected in 3 patients (15%) and multiple fractures (in 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th ribs) were detected in 1 patient (5%).

Materials and Methods:

Ultrasonography findings of 32 patients with minor blunt chest trauma showing no evidence of a rib fracture on anteroposterior chest x-rays, were documented. Presence of cortical discontinuities, acoustic shadows, reverberation artifacts, and hematoma by ultrasonography was proposed as the diagnostic criteria for detecting the rib fracture.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether ultrasonography is superior to chest x-ray in detecting rib fractures in patients with minor blunt chest trauma and chest pain.

Keywords: Rib fracture, blunt chest trauma, ultrasonography