How Portable Ultrasound Could Provide an Alternative to X-ray Machines for Diagnosing Forearm Fractures in Children
In a move that could alleviate families’ wait times in hospital emergency departments (EDs), researchers from Griffith University, Professor Robert Ware from the Menzies Institute of Health in Queensland, and Senior Lecturer Peter Snelling from the School of Medicine and Dentistry have found that portable ultrasound devices could provide an alternative to X-ray machines for diagnosing forearm fractures in children.
The study compared functional outcomes in children who underwent an ultrasound scan and those who underwent an X-ray for suspected fracture of the distal forearm. The ultrasounds were carried out by nurses, physiotherapists, and emergency room doctors at four hospitals in southeast Queensland. They treated 270 children, ranging in age from five to 15 years, during the randomized trial, which included a follow-up 28 days later and another follow-up at eight weeks. The findings show that most children made similar recoveries and returned to full physical function.
Benefits of Portable Ultrasound Devices
Portable ultrasound devices come with several benefits that make them a more optimal solution than X-ray machines. Firstly, they have a lower risk of radiation exposure, which is a primary concern when it comes to children’s health. Secondly, ultrasound scans usually take less time than X-rays, allowing medical professionals to undertake more scans in less time. Finally, families are more satisfied with the treatment they receive, and children who had an ultrasound initially had fewer X-rays and shorter emergency department stays.
Broader Implications of Portable Ultrasound Devices
The results of this study have broader implications beyond hospital diagnosis and follow-up care. Using a bedside ultrasound can free up the X-ray machine for patients who genuinely need it and can be a potential cost-cutting measure for hospitals as they reduce the number of X-rays without compromising patient safety. Moreover, it would also be beneficial in rural or remote areas by eliminating the need for children and their families to travel to a larger hospital for an X-ray.
Portable Ultrasound Technology in Emergency Departments
Portable ultrasound technology is making a significant impact in emergency departments worldwide. Many emergency physicians prefer using portable ultrasound machines due to their convenience and speed. Portable ultrasound devices are highly efficient for diagnosing internal injuries and medical conditions such as fractures, dislocations, and tendonitis, making them an essential tool in an emergency department.
The Use of Portable Ultrasound Devices in Pediatric Orthopedic Care
In pediatric orthopedic care, portable ultrasound devices offer many benefits. They are simple to operate and provide instant, high-resolution images of the injured area. With portable ultrasound devices, pediatric orthopedic specialists can diagnose, plan, and perform treatments such as resetting broken bones or casting fractures on the same day, resulting in shorter waiting times for corrective treatment.
Adopting Portable Ultrasound Devices in Pediatric Orthopedic Care
Adopting portable ultrasound devices in pediatric orthopedic care requires the right training and understanding of how they function. Physicians must undergo specialized training to master the use of portable ultrasound devices and learn how to interpret their ultrasound images. Therefore, despite the many potential benefits of using portable ultrasound devices to diagnose fractures in children, there is a need to build up the required number of skilled personnel and associated equipment before it becomes a viable alternative to X-ray machines in clinical settings.
Summary
Portable ultrasound devices could provide an alternative to X-ray machines for diagnosing forearm fractures in children, according to researchers from Griffith University. The study, which involved 270 children, ranging in age from five to 15 years, found that most children made similar recoveries and returned to full physical function. Portable ultrasound devices come with several benefits that make them a more optimal solution than X-ray machines. They have a lower risk of radiation exposure, take less time than X-rays, and families are more satisfied with the treatment they receive. Moreover, they could be a potential cost-cutting measure for hospitals, reduce the need for X-rays in rural or remote areas, and a more preferred option in emergency departments worldwide. However, adopting portable ultrasound devices in pediatric orthopedic care requires specialized training to master their use and interpret ultrasound images.
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Portable ultrasound devices could provide an alternative to X-ray machines for diagnosing forearm fractures in children in a move that could alleviate families’ wait times in hospital emergency departments (EDs).
Researchers from Griffith University, Professor Robert Ware from the Menzies Institute of Health in Queensland, and Senior Lecturer Peter Snelling from the School of Medicine and Dentistry compared functional outcomes in children who underwent an ultrasound scan and those who underwent an x-ray for suspected fracture of the distal forearm.
Dr Snelling said the ultrasounds were carried out by nurses, physiotherapists and emergency room doctors at four hospitals in south-east Queensland.
“They treated 270 children, ranging in age from five to 15 years, during the randomized trial, which included a follow-up 28 days later and another follow-up at eight weeks,” said Dr. Snelling.
“The findings show that most children made similar recoveries and returned to full physical function.”
Less than a third of children who had an ultrasound needed a follow-up X-ray and care in an orthopedic clinic.
Those who did not have a buckle fracture or a broken arm were discharged from the hospital without the need for further imaging.
Professor Ware said that children who had an ultrasound initially had fewer X-rays and shorter emergency department stays.
“Families were also more satisfied with the treatment they received,” he said.
“The results are promising and have broader implications beyond hospital diagnosis and follow-up care.
“Using a bedside ultrasound frees up the X-ray machine for patients who really need it and can be a potential cost-cutting measure for hospitals as they reduce the number of X-rays without compromising patient safety.” .
“It would also be extremely beneficial in rural or remote areas by eliminating the need for children and their families to travel to a larger hospital for an X-ray.”
Dr David Bade, Director of Orthopedic Surgery at Queensland Children’s Hospital, said: “This research will allow us to achieve a more efficient diagnosis and treatment service for these common injuries, not only in large tertiary hospitals, but possibly also in centers regional and even smaller rural areas where there may be a delay for X-ray diagnosis.
“Collaborative research like this allows us to address such health inequality in a small but significant way.”
Professor Hugh Grantham ASM, Chairman of the Foundation for Emergency Medicine, said: “This is a great example of the best emergency medicine research – identifying practical and translatable interventions that deliver immediate positive results for patients and help alleviate the burden on our hospitals and healthcare system.” ?
The research was funded through grants from the Emergency Medicine Foundation, the Wishlist Sunshine Coast Hospital Foundation, Queensland Advancing Clinical Research Fellowships, and the Gold Coast Health Study Education and Research Trust Fund.
Dr. Snelling is a practicing pediatric emergency physician at Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, which offered two of the study sites.
It has been published in New England Journal of Medicine.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230601160224.htm
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