Point-of-Care-Ultrasound to Diagnose Pediatric Forearm Fractures

Nurse practitioner–performed ultrasound had moderate to good accuracy, but why replace plain radiographs?

To determine the accuracy of nurse practitioner (NP)–performed point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for diagnosing pediatric forearm fractures, researchers in Australia prospectively enrolled a convenience sample of patients aged 4 to 16 years undergoing plain radiography (x-rays) for isolated nonangulated forearm injuries. Patients with known bone disease, nonaccidental trauma, severe injuries, or other trauma were excluded. All patients underwent POCUS, which was performed by one of six NPs who had undergone a 2-hour POCUS didactic session and three proctored examinations on patients. Radiologists and NPs were blinded to the results of POCUS and x-rays, respectively.

Of 204 enrolled patients (mean age, 9.5 years; 52% boys), 129 (63%) had fract…

Reviewing Author

Benton R. Hunter, MD

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Chair, Evidence Based Healthcare Interest Group)

Benton R. Hunter, MD

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Chair, Evidence Based Healthcare Interest Group)

Point-of-Care-Ultrasound to Diagnose Pediatric Forearm Fractures

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Reviewing Author