Diagnosing Extremity Fractures and/or Dislocations Using Ultrasound Presenting to the Emergency Department

Diagnosing Extremity Fractures and/or Dislocations Using Ultrasound in Adult Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of ultrasound in diagnosing the presence or absence of extremity fractures or dislocations.

Hypothesis: Can ultrasound be used as an accurate and effective method for determining the presence or absence of extremity fractures or dislocations? Is there a difference in amount of pain experienced prior to and after the ultrasound?

This prospective, multicenter cohort study. The sampling method will be a convenience sample of all adult patients presenting to the ED with symptoms concerning a fracture and/or dislocation of an extremity. Once a patient has been deemed an appropriate candidate for the study, written consent will be obtained from one of the Associate Investigators. Once consent has been obtained, a resident physician will perform the ultrasound examination on the affected extremity(s) and note their findings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• clinical suspicion of a fracture and/or dislocation of an extremity
• Age Greater than 18 years
• English speaking
• able to give consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age less than 18 years, including emancipated minors
• Unstable patients with B/P below 90mmHg systolic
• Open, unstable, or suspected compound fracture
• Physician has reviewed X-Rays and made diagnosis before ultrasound could be done
• X-Rays will not be ordered
• Patient is pregnant
• Patient cannot give own consent
• English is not the patient's primary language