Is ultrasonography helpful in minor trauma patients with rib fractures?

Abstract

Background: The most common injury associated with blunt thoracic trauma is the rib fracture. Outpatients, who had a minor blunt trauma that did not form any complications, present more than half of the rib fractures. Unfortunately, there are several limitations on the chest x-ray. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of rib fractures resulting from blunt thoracic trauma. Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight patients who were admitted to the Thoracic Surgery Outpatient Clinic in our center due to minor thoracic trauma between October 2017 and July 2018 were included in the study. All patients underwent chest radiography, and thorax US after a detailed history and physical examination were performed. Results: Of the 58 patients included in the study, 33 (56.9%) were male, and 25 (43.1%) were female, while the mean age was 46.79 ± 15.75 years. While the rib fractures were detected in 24 patients with chest x-ray, US detected rib fractures in 47 patients. The comparison between the two examinations, the superiority of the US in the diagnosis of rib fracture was statistically significant compared to the chest radiography (p < 0,001). Conclusions: We believe that preferring ultrasound instead of thorax CT for its less radiation and lower cost at the next step beyond chest x-ray for patients, who applied to the outpatient clinic with minor trauma and whose general condition is well, is more beneficial.