Ultrasonography as a better diagnostic efficiency in rib fracture

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In this study, our aim was to demonstrate the need of use of ultrasonography in rib fractures in order not to face medicolegal problems. One hundred patients admitted to our emergency service with mild to moderate blunt thorax trauma were included in our study prospectively. The inclusion criteria were pain upon palpation of ribs, deep inspiration, coughing but no any other pathologies like a pneumothorax, hemothorax. All patients are evaluated with ultrasonography (USG) and direct X-rays. X-ray revealed rib fracture diagnosis in 45 of 100 patients. Rib fracture is determined with using USG in 47 of 55 patients who are agreed on lack of rib fracture with direct X-rays. USG evaluation performed by an experienced radiologist is necessary in rib fractures for early diagnosis, arranging the treatment, documentation and preventing medicolegal problems.