Describing the learning curve of novices for the diagnosis of paediatric distal forearm fractures using point-of-care ultrasound

Ultrasound Secondary Signs for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Distal Forearm Fractures: A Diagnostic Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound secondary signs of fractures in pediatric patients aged 5-15 y presenting to the emergency department with a clinically non-deformed distal forearm injury.

METHODS

This diagnostic study was conducted in South East Queensland, Australia. Emergency clinicians performed point-of-care ultrasound on eligible patients and recorded secondary signs of fractures (pronator quadratus hematoma [PQH] sign, periosteal hematoma, visible angulation) or physeal fractures (fracture-to-physis distance [FPD], physis alteration). The reference standard was the final fracture diagnosis determined by expert panel. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of secondary signs for cortical breach and physeal fractures. Diagnostic statistics were reported for each relevant secondary sign.

RESULTS

A total of 135 participants were enrolled. The expert panel diagnosed 48 "no" fracture, 52 "buckle" fracture and 35 "other" fracture. All "other" fractures were cortical breach fractures and included 15 Salter-Harris II fractures. The PQH sign demonstrated high sensitivity and moderate specificity to diagnose cortical breach fractures (91%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 78%-97% and 82%, 73%-88%). Poor sensitivity but high specificity was observed for the visible angulation and periosteal hematoma secondary signs. FPD <1cm showed perfect sensitivity and moderate specificity (100%, 80%-100% and 85%, 78%-90%) for diagnosis of Salter-Harris II fracture. Conversely, physis alteration showed poor sensitivity but excellent specificity (40%, 20%-64% and 99%, 95%-100%) for the diagnosis of Salter-Harris II fractures.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound secondary signs showed good diagnostic accuracy for both cortical breach fractures and Salter-Harris II fractures. Future research should consider optimal use of secondary signs to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Ultrasound as a Tool for Initial Diagnosis of Bone Lesions in Children Has Good Predictive Values: A Prospective Study From a University Hospital

Pediatric bone injuries are traditionally diagnosed using radiography. However, ultrasonography is emerging as an alternative due to its speed and minimal invasiveness. This study assessed the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound before radiography in a group of 186 children with suspected long bone fractures at Saint Etienne University Hospital (Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France). Patients with open trauma and severe deformity were excluded. Ultrasonography demonstrated 88.2% sensitivity and 86.4% specificity, with better results for forearm injuries. Of the 186 cases, 162 were consistent with radiography and 24 varied. Factors influencing an accurate diagnosis included the presence of indirect signs, operator experience, and examination duration, while indirect signs often led to misinterpretation. Although ultrasound cannot completely replace radiography due to its limitations in identifying deeper fractures, this study revealed its substantial efficacy and ease, supporting its potential utility in pediatric trauma emergencies.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Versus Radiographic Imaging for Pediatric Distal Forearm Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

In patients aged 5 to 15 years with a clinically nondeformed distal forearm injury presenting to the emergency department (ED), we examined whether point-of-care ultrasound or radiographic imaging had better diagnostic accuracy, with the reference diagnosis determined by an expert panel review.

METHODS

This multicenter, open-label, diagnostic randomized controlled trial was conducted in South East Queensland, Australia. Eligible patients were randomized to receive initial imaging through point-of-care ultrasound performed by an ED clinician or radiograph. Images were defined as "no," "buckle," or "other" fracture by the treating clinician. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of the treating clinician's interpretation compared against the reference standard diagnosis, which was determined retrospectively by an expert panel consisting of an emergency physician, pediatric radiologist, and pediatric orthopedic surgeon, who reviewed all imaging and follow-up.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and seventy participants were enrolled, with 135 randomized to each initial imaging modality. There were 132 (97.8%) and 112 (83.0%) correctly diagnosed participants by ED clinicians in the point-of-care ultrasound and radiograph groups, respectively (absolute difference [AD]=14.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.0% to 21.6%; P<.001). Point-of-care ultrasound had better accuracy for participants with "buckle" fractures (AD=18.5%; 95% CI 7.1% to 29.8%) and "other" fractures (AD=17.1%; 95% CI 2.7% to 31.6%). No clinically important fractures were missed in either group.

CONCLUSION

In children and adolescents presenting to the ED with a clinically nondeformed distal forearm injury, clinician-performed (acquired and interpreted) point-of-care ultrasound more accurately identified the correct diagnosis than clinician-interpreted radiographic imaging.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound versus X-ray for distal forearm fractures in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Utilizing ultrasound for the detection of distal forearm fractures in children presents a potential safe and radiation-free alternative compared to X-ray.

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken to compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in detecting distal forearm fractures in children with X-ray imaging within the period spanning January 2010 to August 2023. The electronic databases MEDLINE and Cochrane CENTRAL were utilized for data retrieval. The QUADAS-2 tool was employed to assess the quality of the included studies. Subsequent statistical analysis was performed to calculate pooled sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, as well as the diagnostic odds ratio.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis included seventeen studies, encompassing a total of 2003 patients, 2546 ultrasound scans, and 1203 fracture cases as identified by the reference test (X-ray). The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93-0.98) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.89-0.98), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 13.40 (95% CI: 7.97-21.50), the negative likelihood ratio was 0.06 (95% CI: 0.04-0.1), and the pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 209 (95% CI: 92.20-412.00). Our statistical analysis revealed low heterogeneity within our studied cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that ultrasound exhibits exceptionally high accuracy in the detection of distal forearm fractures in children and adolescents. It can be employed safely to either confirm or rule out a fracture, thus circumventing the need for potentially harmful radiation exposure in this vulnerable population. Future research endeavors should focus on establishing a universally accepted protocol for training and scanning methods to standardize practices and eliminate disparities in diagnostic procedures.

Association between elasticity of tissue and pain pressure threshold in the tender points present in subjects with fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional study

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multicomponent illness and despite its worldwide prevalence, a complete understanding of its aetiology and pathogenesis remains unclear. The goal of the study is to analyze the level of association between elastic properties of tissue measured by strain elastography (SEL) and pain pressure threshold (PPT) in the characteristic painful points described in patients suffering from FM. This was a cross-sectional, observational study. A sample comprised of 42 subjects with FM was recruited from a private care centre. The occiput, low cervical, trapezius, supraspinatus, paraspinous, lateral pectoral, second rib, lateral epicondyle, medial epicondyle, gluteus, greater trochanter, knee, and anterior tibial PPTs were bilaterally assessed using a standard pressure algometer and elastic properties of tissue were evaluated by SEL. Linear regression analysis showed significant associations between SEL and dominant trapezius PPT (β = 0.487, 95% CI [0.045, 0.930], p = 0.032) after adjustments for the age, body mass index, and menopause status (higher SEL and higher pain sensitivity). No significant associations between SEL and the other PPTs variables were found in women diagnosed with FM. The PPT of the dominant trapezius is associated with SEL measurements in subjects suffering from FM. More studies are required to fully explain the underlying mechanisms.

A Simulation Model for the Handheld Ultrasound Diagnosis of Pediatric Forearm Fractures

INTRODUCTION

Handheld ultrasound (HHU) devices have gained prominence in emergency care settings and post-graduate training, but their application in the diagnosis of pediatric fractures remains under-explored. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of an HHU device for diagnosing pediatric forearm fractures using a simulation model.

METHODS

The materials for the basic pediatric fracture model include turkey bones soaked in white vinegar to make them pliable, food-grade gelatine, and plastic containers. Ultrasound analysis of the models was done with an HHU device, Sonosite İViz US (FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc.; Bothell, Washington USA). Four different fracture patterns (transverse fracture, oblique fracture, greenstick fracture, and a torus fracture) and one model without fracture were used in this study. Twenty-six Emergency Medicine residents sonographically evaluated different bone models in order to define the presence and absence of fracture and the fracture subtype. The participants' ability to obtain adequate images and the time taken to create and recognize the images were evaluated and recorded. After the sonographic examination, the residents were also asked for their opinion on the model as a teaching tool.

RESULTS

All participants (100%) recognized the normal bone model and the fracture, regardless of the fracture type. The consistency analysis between the practitioners indicated a substantial agreement (weighted kappa value of 0.707). The duration to identify the target pathology in fracture models was significantly longer for the greenstick fracture (78.57 [SD = 30.45] seconds) model compared to other models. The majority of participants (92.3%) agreed that the model used would be a useful teaching tool for learning ultrasound diagnosis of pediatric forearm fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

All participants successfully identified both the normal bone model and the presence of fractures, irrespective of the fracture type. Significantly, the identification of the greenstick fracture took longer compared to other fracture types. Moreover, the majority of participants acknowledged the model's utility as a teaching tool for learning ultrasound diagnosis of pediatric forearm fractures.

Understanding the Learning Curve of Carpal Tunnel Release With Ultrasound Guidance: A Review

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive neuropathy and can be treated through carpal tunnel release (CTR) if nonoperative treatments fail. CTR can be performed through a variety of techniques, including traditional open, mini-open, endoscopic, and CTR with ultrasound guidance (CTR-US). The evidence on endoscopic CTR is mixed, due to a higher potential for nerve injury with endoscopic CTR compared to traditional open CTR. CTR-US offers the potential advantage of allowing the visualization of all key anatomical structures, combined with a very small incision and minimal soft tissue insult. As with any ultrasonographic technique or procedure, the learning curve needs to be considered for any provider considering adopting CTR-US. However, literature on ultrasound use around the wrist, including early evidence on the learning curve of CTR-US specifically, demonstrates this skill can be learned relatively quickly by providers with a wide range of prior experience in ultrasound and CTR. Overall, there is a need for high-quality studies comparing different CTR techniques, particularly CTR-US, as it offers the potential for considerable cost savings.

Ultrasonography or Radiography for Suspected Pediatric Distal Forearm Fractures

BACKGROUND

Data on whether ultrasonography for the initial diagnostic imaging of forearm fractures in children and adolescents is noninferior to radiography for subsequent physical function of the arm are limited.

METHODS

In this open-label, multicenter, noninferiority, randomized trial in Australia, we recruited participants 5 to 15 years of age who presented to the emergency department with an isolated distal forearm injury, without a clinically visible deformity, in whom further evaluation with imaging was indicated. Participants were randomly assigned to initially undergo point-of-care ultrasonography or radiography, and were then followed for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was physical function of the affected arm at 4 weeks as assessed with the use of the validated Pediatric Upper Extremity Short Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) score (range, 8 to 40, with higher scores indicating better function); the noninferiority margin was 5 points.

RESULTS

A total of 270 participants were enrolled, with outcomes for 262 participants (97%) available at 4 weeks (with a window of ±3 days) as prespecified. PROMIS scores at 4 weeks in the ultrasonography group were noninferior to those in the radiography group (mean, 36.4 and 36.3 points, respectively; mean difference, 0.1 point; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.3 to 1.4). Intention-to-treat analyses (in 266 participants with primary outcome data recorded at any time) produced similar results (mean difference, 0.1 point; 95% CI, -1.3 to 1.4). No clinically important fractures were missed, and there were no between-group differences in the occurrence of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

In children and adolescents with a distal forearm injury, the use of ultrasonography as the initial diagnostic imaging method was noninferior to radiography with regard to the outcome of physical function of the arm at 4 weeks. (Funded by the Emergency Medicine Foundation and others; BUCKLED Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12620000637943).

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Educational Development in Australasia: A Scoping Review

Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) technology is evolving rapidly and is being adopted by many health professionals in their clinical practice. Ultrasound is a complex skill requiring dedicated training. Appropriate integration of ultrasound education into medical, surgical, nursing and allied health professions is a current challenge worldwide. There are patient safety implications for use of ultrasound without adequate training and frameworks. The purpose of the review was to overview the status of PoCUS education in Australasia; investigate what is being taught and learned about ultrasound across the health professions; and identify potential gaps. The review was limited to postgraduate and qualified health professionals with established or emerging clinical use for PoCUS. A scoping review methodology was used to include literature in peer-reviewed articles, policies, guidelines, position statements, curricula and online material relating to ultrasound education. One hundred thirty-six documents were included. The literature revealed heterogeneity in ultrasound teaching and learning across the health professions. Several health professions lacked any defined scopes of practice, policies or curricula. Significant investment in resourcing ultrasound education is required to address the current needs in Australia and New Zealand.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Fracture-Physis Distance Association with Salter-Harris II Fractures of the Distal Radius in Children: The "POCUS 1-cm Rule"

Salter-Harris II fractures of the distal radius can result in serious complications. The aim of this study was to measure the fracture-physis distance using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to determine whether a certain distance is associated with Salter-Harris II fractures, compared with other fracture types, in a cohort of children with X-ray-identified distal radius fractures. Participants were from a parent diagnostic study conducted in an Australian tertiary pediatric emergency department, which prospectively evaluated the diagnosis of pediatric distal forearm fractures using POCUS compared against X-ray. Nurse practitioners, who underwent 2 h of training, administered a six-view POCUS protocol in clinically non-angulated pediatric forearm injuries prior to X-ray. This was a secondary analysis of data from the parent study. The 122 participants with X-ray-identified distal radius fractures from the parent study had their POCUS images interpreted by two emergency physician sonologists, who measured the fracture-physis distance. The median and maximum fracture-physis distances for Salter-Harris II fractures (n = 19) were 8.00 and 9.85 mm, whereas minimum and median distances for incomplete fractures (n = 22) were 10.20 and 15.98 mm, and those for complete fractures (n = 9) were 10.85 and 12.85 mm. Buckle fracture (n = 72) distances ranged from 4.35 to 26.55 mm, with a median of 13.65 mm. In children diagnosed with a distal radius fracture on X-ray, a fracture-physis distance cutoff of 1 cm differentiated Salter-Harris II fractures from other cortical breach fracture types, but not buckle fractures. Although this exploratory study suggests the "POCUS 1-cm rule" could be used as a secondary sign to augment the diagnosis of Salter-Harris II distal radius fractures using POCUS, further research is required to validate this measurement prospectively.