Ultrasound Instead of X-Ray to Diagnose Neonatal Fractures: A Feasibility Study Based on a Case Series

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the diagnostic utility of ultrasound for clavicle fractures

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound's real-time, high-resolution imaging, and accessibility at the point of care make it a valuable tool for diagnosing clavicle fractures, with growing evidence supporting its diagnostic accuracy compared to other imaging modalities.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic utility of ultrasound in detecting clavicle fractures.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by performing a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to March 10, 2023, following established guidelines. Eligible studies that reported outcomes of interest were included, relevant data elements were extracted, and data analysis was performed using STATA software version 17.0.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of seven included studies showed high-pooled sensitivity (0.94) and specificity (0.98) values for ultrasonography in diagnosing clavicle fractures, with low to moderate heterogeneity for sensitivity and high heterogeneity for specificity. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses revealed that pediatric studies had higher sensitivity but significantly lower specificity (P=0.01) compared to mixed or adult studies. Additional subgroup analysis in the pediatric group indicated decreased heterogeneity for specificity. Fagan plot analysis demonstrated favorable post-test probabilities for both positive and negative results across varying pre-test probabilities. Additionally, the likelihood ratio scatter matrix showed moderate to high test performance for both exclusion and confirmation purposes.

CONCLUSION

The current literature supports ultrasound as a reliable imaging modality for detecting clavicle fractures. It offers accurate diagnosis without exposing patients, especially children, to radiation.

Neonatal upper limb fractures - a narrative overview of the literature

The aim of this paper is to review the topic of neonatal fractures of the upper limb, describing the different types of fractures focusing on the etiology, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical approach, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of these injuries. We included all types of research studies, both experimental and observational, published in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. The information was obtained using the keywords neonatal upper limb fracture, clavicle fracture or humerus fracture from the following resources: MEDLINE database, Embase® database and LILACS database. Other resources such as hand searches of the references of retrieved literature and authoritative texts, personal and hospital libraries searching for texts on upper limb neonatal fractures, discussions with experts in the field of upper limb neonatal fractures and personal experience, were also considered for the completion of the article.Neonatal fractures of the upper limb are consensually considered to have a good prognosis and no long-term sequelae. Conservative treatment is the option in the vast majority of the fractures and is associated with excellent results, with good healing, full range of motion, adequate remodeling without obvious deformity, neurologic impairment or functional implications.

Neonatal Skull Depression: The Role of Cranial Ultrasound

Nontraumatic congenital neonatal skull depression is a rare condition resulting from external forces shaping the fetal skull. Typically, newborns are asymptomatic, and, usually, the condition resolves in a few months with no need for intervention. However, many newborns undergo a CT scan, an ionizing technique, to check for fractures or intracranial lesions. We report a case of congenital skull depression without neurological deficits, managed conservatively through clinical monitoring and ultrasound.