The comparison of point-of-care ultrasonography and radiography in the diagnosis of tibia and fibula fractures

Abstract Objective We aimed to compare the efficacy of Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) with radiography in the diagnosis of tibia fracture (TF) and fibula fracture (FF), and determation of fracture characteristics. Methods Patients aged 5–55 years who were admitted to ED due to low-energy, simple extremity trauma, who had a suspected TF and FF on physical examination were included in this prospective study. One physician performed POCUS examination. Other physician evaluated the radiography images. The obtained results were compared. Results A total of 62 patients were included in the study. TF was detected in 21 patients by radiography and in 24 patients by POCUS. FF was detected in 24 patients by radiography and in 25 patients by POCUS. Ten of the patients had both TF and FF. Compared with radiography, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of POCUS in the detection of TF were 100%, 93%, 88% and 100% (95% CI, 91–100%), respectively. Compared with direct X-ray imaging, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of POCUS in the detection of FF were 100%, 97%, 96% and 100% (95% CI, 96–100%), respectively. We determined that POCUS is also successful in detection of fracture features such as angulation, step-off, extension into the joint space that can determine the treatment decision. Conclusion This study demonstrated that POCUS was found to be as successful as direct X-ray imaging in the diagnosis of TF and FF.