Use of Ultrasound to Evaluate Clavicle Fractures in Pediatric Patients

Utility of Bedside Ultrasound to Diagnose Clavicle Fractures in the Pediatric Emergency Department

This studies investigates the hypothesis that bedside ultrasound is as accurate as plain x-rays for diagnosing clavicle fractures in children in a pediatric emergency department. Children with shoulder injuries are enrolled and receive both an ultrasound imaging (experimental) and x-rays (standard-of-care) to see if ultrasound has the same (or better)accuracy, with less cost, time, and radiation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 1-18 years
• Pain from recent shoulder/clavicle injury
• Intact neurovascular exam
• Radiographs performed as part of normal ED evaluation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hemodynamic instability
• Multisystem trauma
• Altered mental status
• Open wounds to injured shoulder
• Developmental delay
• Prior radiographs at another clinic/hospital for this injury
• Previous clavicle fracture on the affected side
• Ultrasound gel allergy
• Non-English-speaking parents/child (unable to give informed consent)