Role of Transthoracic Ultrasound in the Detection of Radiographically Undetected Rib Fractures

Abstract

 To determine the role of high resolution ultrasound in rib fractures after normal radiography.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study patients presenting with chest trauma in the hospital and having radiography to rule out rib fracture, but having normal chest X-ray, were included . Demographic details were noted. They were assessed for rib fracture using high-resolution ultrasonography.
Results: In this trial, a total of 230 cases were included. The mean age of the patients was calculated as 33.07+10.32 years of age. Rib fracture using high resolution ultrasound in patients with normal radiography after blunt chest trauma was found in 72.17% (n=166) patients while 27.83% (n=64) patients had no finding of the rib fracture. The most commonly fractured rib in this study was found to be 6th rib.
Conclusion: Detection of rib fracture using high resolution ultrasound after blunt chest trauma is higher than radiography