螺旋CT扫描在肋软骨骨折诊断中的价值

目的探讨螺旋CT在肋软骨骨折诊断中的应用价值.方法20例患者,男17例,女3例,年龄23～58岁,均有胸部外伤病史及临床症状,对比分析其常规X线胸片和胸部螺旋CT资料.结果胸部螺旋CT发现20例肋软骨骨折,X线平片均为阴性.CT表现特征包括肋软骨钙化中断伴断端明显错位(15例)和肋软骨条状略高密度影不连续伴断端明显错位(5例).结论螺旋CT扫描对肋软骨骨折的诊断有重要价值.     

Traumatic sternal segment dislocation in a 3‐year‐old girl: Sonographic findings

Sternal fractures are uncommon in the pediatric population, and sternal segment dislocations are even rarer with only a few cases reported in the literature. Most cases are secondary to direct trauma to the chest, but nontraumatic dislocations have been reported. The diagnosis can be difficult to establish with standard radiographs, while CT is not desirable in the pediatric population due to the associated irradiation. Ultrasound (US) can be used as the first‐line modality to evaluate the sternum. We report the US findings associated with a case of traumatic sternal segment dislocation in a 3‐year‐old girl. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45 :45–49, 2017     

Insufficiency fracture of the calcaneum: Sonographic findings

We present a case of insufficiency fracture (IF) of the calcaneum diagnosed by sonography (US). An 83‐year‐old woman consulted because of pain and swelling of the left heel without history of trauma. Standard radiographs showed osteoporosis without fracture. US revealed thickening of the calcaneal periosteum associated with edema of the adjacent soft tissues. Color Doppler imaging showed marked increased vascularity of the periosteum. US changes, together with the clinical and radiographic findings, were consistent with an IF of the calcaneum that was confirmed by MRI. The patient was treated successfully by conservative treatment. In the proper clinical setting, US can suggest the diagnosis of IF of the calcaneum. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009     

Ultrasound-assisted triage of ankle trauma can decrease the need for radiographic imaging

BackgroundAn ankle sprain is a common injury, and patients are usually examined with plain radiographs to rule out a fracture despite the fact that only a small minority actually have one.PurposeTo investigate if ultrasound (US)-guided triage can decrease the need for radiographic imaging in patients with ankle trauma.HypothesisOrthopedic surgeons can use point-of-care US with limited training to triage ankle trauma that requires standard radiographs.MethodsSeven junior orthopedic surgeons underwent a 30-minute standardized training session using a basic US musculoskeletal examination designed to exclude ankle fractures.One-hundred twenty-two patients with ankle trauma were included at the emergency department and underwent clinical investigation, including examination according to the Ottawa ankle rules as well as US and standard ankle radiographs. In this study group, radiographs identified 23 significant fractures. Ultrasound-guided triage could not exclude a fracture in 37 patients. All of the 23 fractures seen on radiographs were among the 37 patients where US could not rule out a fracture. Ottawa ankle rules managed to exclude the need for radiographs in 28 of the 122 patients, whereas 85 who underwent the US-guided triage could have avoided a radiograph. Avulsion fractures at the tip of the fibula were not considered significant.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that with limited standardized training a junior, an orthopedic surgeon is able to use US-guided triage during the primary examination at the emergency department to exclude at least significant ankle fractures. This practice could decrease the need for radiographic imaging, avoiding a mandatory radiographic investigation in many patients with ankle trauma. It would also make it possible to treat many patients with ankle trauma more rapidly and to reduce costs and radiation exposure.     

Les fractures du cartilage costal : un diagnostic souvent méconnu

Costal cartilage fracture is a rare misdiagnosed traumatic injury. Its clinical diagnosis is also underestimated. Clinically, it is difficult to differentiate costal cartilage fracture from osseous injuries or injuries of the soft tissues. Radiographs are insensitive for detecting cartilage injury. Sonography, CT, and MRI have been shown to be useful in distinguishing causes of chest wall pain. We report a case of costal cartilage fracture in a 25-year-old man practicing judoka.     

Thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs for walking trauma patients—is it necessary?

Numerous patients ambulating independently arrive in the Emergency Department complaining of back pain after being involved in a motor vehicle crash (MVC). We examined the yield of routine screening radiographs of the lumbar and thoracic spine in these patients. A retrospective review was carried out of the records of 3173 patients who were involved in a MVC during a 1-year period and presented to a single medical center. Radiographs of the lumbar spine, thoracic spine, or both were obtained in all patients complaining of back pain. Of 3173 ambulating MVC trauma patients, 35% (1110 patients) complained of thoracic or lumbar back pain. None of the lumbar and thoracic spine radiographs that were obtained in these patients was positive for a fracture or dislocation. The current study suggests that the yield of the routine use of spinal radiographs is very low in patients ambulating independently and complaining of back pain after a MVC.     

Sensitivity of Bedside Ultrasound and Supine Anteroposterior Chest Radiographs for the Identification of Pneumothorax After Blunt Trauma

Objectives: Supine anteroposterior (AP) chest radiographs in patients with blunt trauma have poor sensitivity for the identification of pneumothorax. Ultrasound (US) has been proposed as an alternative screening test for pneumothorax in this population. The authors conducted an evidence‐based review of the medical literature to compare sensitivity of bedside US and AP chest radiographs in identifying pneumothorax after blunt trauma. Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for trials from 1965 through June 2009 using a search strategy derived from the following PICO formulation of our clinical question: patients included adult (18 + years) emergency department (ED) patients in whom pneumothorax was suspected after blunt trauma. The intervention was thoracic ultrasonography for the detection of pneumothorax. The comparator was the supine AP chest radiograph during the initial evaluation of the patient. The outcome was the diagnostic performance of US in identifying the presence of pneumothorax in the study population. The criterion standard for the presence or absence of pneumothorax was computed tomography (CT) of the chest or a rush of air during thoracostomy tube placement (in unstable patients). Prospective, observational trials of emergency physician (EP)‐performed thoracic US were included. Trials in which the exams were performed by radiologists or surgeons, or trials that investigated patients suffering penetrating trauma or with spontaneous or iatrogenic pneumothoraces, were excluded. The methodologic quality of the studies was assessed. Qualitative methods were used to summarize the study results. Data analysis consisted of test performance (sensitivity and specificity, with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of thoracic US and supine AP chest radiography. Results: Four prospective observational studies were identified, with a total of 606 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of US for the detection of pneumothorax ranged from 86% to 98% and 97% to 100%, respectively. The sensitivity of supine AP chest radiographs for the detection of pneumothorax ranged from 28% to 75%. The specificity of supine AP chest radiographs was 100% in all included studies. Conclusions: This evidence‐based review suggests that bedside thoracic US is a more sensitive screening test than supine AP chest radiography for the detection of pneumothorax in adult patients with blunt chest trauma. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:11–17 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine     

肋软骨骨折的64层螺旋CT诊断价值分析

目的探讨64层螺旋CT在肋软骨骨折诊断中的价值,提高诊断水平。方法回顾性分析28例肋软骨骨折患者的64层螺旋CT三维重组图像,并与X线平片CT直接扫描横断位图像对照。结果28例患者中64层螺旋CT三维重组图像发现肋软骨骨折33处,23例X线平片、9例CT直接横断位图像未显示。结论64层螺旋CT对肋软骨骨折的显示优于普通X线平片及常规CT胸部横断位图像,可望成为检测肋软骨骨折的最佳影像学检查手段。     

Inflammatory disease of the costotransverse joints: US evaluation in 15 symptomatic patients

The costotransverse joints (CTJs) are small arthrodial joints which articulate with the costal tuberosity on the transverse process of the thoracic vertebrae. CTJs are composed of oval-shaped facets with a major axis, vertical at the upper vertebrae and almost horizontal at the lower vertebrae. This position explains the different movements of the ribs: the cranial ribs move on the sagittal plane and the caudal ribs on the transverse plane. Movements in directions other than these usual CTJ spatial planes can cause inflammation resulting in a stinging pain in the space between the scapula and thoracic spine. We studied 15 subjects with paravertebral pain compatible with CTJ pathology. Mean age was 29 years, 11 females/4 males. In 12 patients, the non-dominant limb was affected. US imaging was carried out using linear 12 MHz and 9 MHz probes. Scanning was performed following the long axis of the rib (transverse plane) and the short axis (sagittal plane). Sagittal scanning is the method of choice for detection of possible joint effusion and comparison with undamaged joints above and below. US identified joint effusion correlating with the site of pain in all patients. Thickening of the posterior costotransverse capsular ligament was detected in six patients mainly affecting the first thoracic vertebrae. Power Doppler showed intraarticular hypervascularization in four patients. US imaging should be performed as a first-line examination in the evaluation of patients with stinging pain in the paravertebral region. US evidence of effusion within the joints is a sure sign of involvement of these structures.     

自体肋软骨支架在鼻综合整形术中的应用探究

目的探讨鼻综合整形术中自体肋软骨支架的应用效果.方法回顾性分析本院收治的行鼻综合整形术治疗患者42例,采用自体肋软骨支架治疗,取右侧第7肋软骨自制呈人字形,构成鼻尖支架,联合肋软骨皮质和真皮组织塑造鼻尖形态.比较治疗前后患者的患侧鼻部外形变化情况,统计术后并发症发生情况,术后随访12个月统计患者治疗满意度和远期并发症,观察胸廓瘢痕恢复状态.结果术后患者的鼻孔横向直径、纵向直径鼻坎高度、鼻翼基底与面中线距离低于治疗前,鼻坎高度高于治疗前(P<0.05);术后恢复天数为(7.26±1.46)d,平均鼻尖突触高度为(0.55±0.12)cm,无1例患者出现假体突出、肿胀、渗血、感染等并发症;随访12个月,患者整形满意度评分为(8.61±1.05)分,无远期并发症发生,胸廓无明显瘢痕,恢复良好.结论鼻综合整形术中应用自体肋软骨支架美容效果良好,满意度较高,并发症风险较低,胸廓瘢痕恢复效果较好,值得推广.     

Ultrasonographic Determination of Pubic Symphyseal Widening in Trauma: The FAST-PS Study

Background: The focused abdominal sonography in trauma (FAST) examination is a routine component of the initial work-up of trauma patients. However, it does not identify patients with retroperitoneal hemorrhage associated with significant pelvic trauma. A wide pubic symphysis (PS) is indicative of an open book pelvic fracture and a high risk of retroperitoneal bleeding. Study Objectives: We hypothesized that an ultrasound image of the PS as part of the FAST examination (FAST-PS) would be an accurate method to determine if pubic symphysis diastasis was present. Methods: This is a comparative study of a diagnostic test on a convenience sample of 23 trauma patients at a Level 1 Trauma Center. The PS was measured sonographically in the Emergency Department (ED) and post-mortem (PM) at the State Medical Examiner. The ultrasound (US) measurements were then compared with PS width on anterior-posterior pelvis radiograph. Results: Twenty-three trauma patients were evaluated with both plain radiographs and US (11 PM, 12 ED). Four patients had radiographic PS widening (3 PM, 1 ED) and 19 patients had radiographically normal PS width; all were correctly identified with US. US measurements were compared with plain X-ray study by Bland-Altman plot. With one exception, US measurements were within 2 standard deviations of the radiographic measurements and, therefore, have excellent agreement. The only exception was a patient with pubic symphysis wider than the US probe. Conclusion: Bedside ultrasound examination may be able to identify pubic symphysis widening in trauma patients. This potentially could lead to faster application of a pelvic binder and tamponade of bleeding.     

Prevalence of Traumatic Hip and Pelvic Fractures in Patients with Suspected Hip Fracture and Negative Initial Standard Radiographs—A Study of Emergency Department Patients

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hip and pelvic fractures in emergency department (ED) patients with hip pain and negative standard initial radiographs. Methods: This was a retrospective, cohort study at an academic, community‐based ED. ED patients presenting during a one‐year period with hip pain for whom a plain‐film radiograph was obtained were included. Eligible patients were identified by query of electronic records. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were ordered at the discretion of the treating physician. Initial plain radiographs were read at the point of care by board‐certified radiologists. MRI images were reviewed by radiologists with fellowship training in musculoskeletal imaging. Structured follow‐up at more than one month postvisit was conducted to rule out a subsequent diagnosis of hip fracture. Ninety‐five‐percent confidence intervals (95% CIs) and kappa (κ) were calculated as appropriate. Results: Seven hundred sixty‐four of 895 patients (85.3%) had follow‐up completed (study group). Within the study group, 219 patients (29%) had evidence of fracture on initial radiographs. Of the 545 patients with negative initial radiographs, 62 patients (11.4%) underwent hip MRI during the ED visit. MRI identified 24 additional patients with hip fractures. Interobserver agreement for the presence of fracture on MRI was very good (κ= 0.847). For patients with negative initial plain radiographs who did not have a hip MRI, follow‐up did not identify any of these patients as having a subsequent diagnosis of fracture. Thus, 24 of 545 (4.4%; 95% CI = 3.0% to 6.5%) patients with negative initial plain radiographs had a hip fracture. Conclusions: In this cohort of ED patients with symptoms suspicious for hip fracture who had negative standard radiographs, the authors found that 4.4% were subsequently diagnosed as having fracture. Further studies are warranted to identify characteristics of patients requiring advanced hip imaging studies.     

Characterization of costal cartilage and its suitability as a cell source for articular cartilage tissue engineering

Costal cartilage is a promising donor source of chondrocytes to alleviate cell scarcity in articular cartilage tissue engineering. Limited knowledge exists, however, on costal cartilage characteristics. This study describes the characterization of costal cartilage and articular cartilage properties and compares neocartilage engineered with costal chondrocytes to native articular cartilage, all within a sheep model. Specifically, we (a) quantitatively characterized the properties of costal cartilage in comparison to patellofemoral articular cartilage, and (b) evaluated the quality of neocartilage derived from costal chondrocytes for potential use in articular cartilage regeneration. Ovine costal and articular cartilages from various topographical locations were characterized mechanically, biochemically, and histologically. Costal cartilage was stiffer in compression but softer and weaker in tension than articular cartilage. These differences were attributed to high amounts of glycosaminoglycans and mineralization and a low amount of collagen in costal cartilage. Compared to articular cartilage, costal cartilage was more densely populated with chondrocytes, rendering it an excellent chondrocyte source. In terms of tissue engineering, using the self‐assembling process, costal chondrocytes formed articular cartilage‐like neocartilage. Quantitatively compared via a functionality index, neocartilage achieved 55% of the medial condyle cartilage mechanical and biochemical properties. This characterization study highlighted the differences between costal and articular cartilages in native forms and demonstrated that costal cartilage is a valuable source of chondrocytes suitable for articular cartilage regeneration strategies.     

肋软骨骨折:高频超声与MSCT对照观察

目的评价高频超声和MSCT对于肋软骨骨折的临床应用价值。方法选取临床高度怀疑肋软骨骨折的患者21例,分别行高频超声及MSCT检查,MSCT重建包括VR、CPR、MPR及MIP、表面遮盖显示(SSD),获取肋软骨图像。结果 21例中,发现肋软骨骨折17例、共28处,包括第3肋软骨2处,第4肋软骨2处,第5肋软骨5处,第6肋软骨8处,第7肋软骨10处,第8肋1处。MSCT重建技术检出肋软骨骨折28处,高频超声检出肋软骨骨折26处,超声未检出第7、8肋软骨骨折各1处。MSCT和超声均发现25处骨折发生错位。结论高频超声和MSCT对肋软骨骨折均具有较高临床应用价值。对于无胸壁软组织积气患者,高频超声可作为检查肋软骨骨折的重要方法。     

Undetected hangman's fracture in a patient referred for physical therapy for the treatment of neck pain following trauma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This case report describes a patient referred for physical therapy treatment of neck pain who had an underlying hangman's fracture that precluded physical therapy intervention. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case involved a 61-year-old man who had a sudden onset of neck pain after a motor vehicle accident 8 weeks before his initial physical therapy visit. Conventional radiographs of his cervical spine taken on the day of the accident did not reveal any abnormalities. Based on the findings at his initial physical therapy visit, the physical therapist ordered conventional radiographs of the cervical spine to rule out the possibility of an undetected fracture. OUTCOMES: The radiographs revealed bilateral C2 pars interarticularis defects consistent with a hangman's fracture. The patient was referred to a neurosurgeon for immediate review. Based on a normal neurological examination, a relatively low level of pain, and the results of radiographic flexion and extension views of the cervical spine (which revealed no evidence of instability), the neurosurgeon recommended that the patient continue with nonsurgical management. DISCUSSION: In patients with neck pain caused by trauma, physical therapists should be alert for the presence of cervical spine fractures. Even if the initial radiographs are negative for a fracture, additional diagnostic imaging may be necessary for a small number of patients, because they may have undetected injuries that would necessitate medical referral and preclude physical therapy intervention.     

Missed lumbar transverse process fractures in a high school football player

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the case of a football player who had suffered a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine that was overlooked on initial chiropractic and medical examination. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 17-year-old male football player had been speared in the back by another player. He reported severe initial pain that caused him to fall to the ground, and there was a moderate degree of pain at the time of his chiropractic examination 1 week after injury. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Initial chiropractic treatment consisted of spinal manipulation to the lumbar spine. Follow-up care consisted of lumbar spine radiographs that showed evidence of a lumbar transverse process fracture at 2 levels. The boy was referred to his medical doctor, who was not convinced of the presence of a fracture and returned him to play. A computed tomography scan was subsequently performed; this confirmed fractures of the transverse processes of L2 and L3. The patient was precluded from contact sports for 4 weeks. Chiropractic care 3 weeks after injury included physiotherapy and drop table mobilization to the sacroiliac joints. The patient returned to play 4 weeks after the injury. CONCLUSION: Transverse process fractures commonly occur secondary to blunt trauma in contact sports such as football. With high-force direct trauma, radiographs should be performed to rule out fracture before returning the athlete to play or commencing spinal manipulation.     

A Prospective Comparison of Supine Chest Radiography and Bedside Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Traumatic Pneumothorax

Background: Supine anteroposterior (AP) chest radiography may not detect the presence of a small or medium pneumothorax (PTX) in trauma patients. Objectives: To compare the sensitivity and specificity of bedside ultrasound (US) in the emergency department (ED) with supine portable AP chest radiography for the detection of PTX in trauma patients, and to determine whether US can grade the size of the PTX. Methods: This was a prospective, single‐blinded study with convenience sampling, based on researcher availability, of blunt trauma patients at a Level 1 trauma center with an annual census of 75,000 patients. Enrollment criteria were adult trauma patients receiving computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis (which includes lung windows at the authors' institution). Patients in whom the examination could not be completed were excluded. During the initial evaluation, attending emergency physicians performed bedside trauma US examinations to determine the presence of a sliding lung sign to rule out PTX. Portable, supine AP chest radiographs were evaluated by an attending trauma physician, blinded to the results of the thoracic US. The CT results (used as the criterion standard), or air release on chest tube placement, were compared with US and chest radiograph findings. Sensitivities and specificities with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for US and AP chest radiography for the detection of PTX, and Spearman's rank correlation was used to evaluate for the ability of US to predict the size of the PTX on CT. Results: A total of 176 patients were enrolled in the study over an eight‐month period. Twelve patients had a chest tube placed prior to CT. Pneumothorax was detected in 53 (30%) patients by US, and 40 (23%) by chest radiography. There were 53 (30%) true positives by CT or on chest tube placement. The sensitivity for chest radiography was 75.5% (95% CI = 61.7% to 86.2%) and the specificity was 100% (95% CI = 97.1% to 100%). The sensitivity for US was 98.1% (95% CI = 89.9% to 99.9%) and the specificity was 99.2% (95% CI = 95.6% to 99.9%). The positive likelihood ratio for a PTX was 121. Spearman's rank correlation showed at ρ of 0.82. Conclusions: With CT as the criterion standard, US is more sensitive than flat AP chest radiography in the diagnosis of traumatic PTX. Furthermore, US allowed sonologists to differentiate between small, medium, and large PTXs with good agreement with CT results.     

Posttraumatic Painful Hip

Objective. Nondisplaced hip fractures may be radiographically occult and require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bone scintigraphy for diagnosis. Both examinations are expensive and are not readily available in many hospitals. Our objective was to evaluate sonography as a screening tool for occult hip fractures in posttraumatic painful hips in elderly patients. Methods. We prospectively evaluated 30 patients (mean age, 73 years), who were admitted for painful hips after having low‐energy trauma with nondiagnostic hip radiographs. After inclusion, patients underwent sonography of both hips for signs of injury. After completion of the sonographic examination and analysis of the results, patients underwent MRI of both hips. The sonographic findings were compared with the MRI findings, which served as the reference standard for accurate detection of a hip fracture. Results. Ten hip fractures were diagnosed by MRI. Sonography showed trauma‐related changes in all of those patients and in 7 additional patients, 3 of whom had pubic fractures. Sonography correctly identified 13 patients without hip fractures. The sensitivity of sonography was found to be 100%, whereas the specificity for hip fractures was 65%. Conclusions. Sonography for posttraumatic hip pain with negative radiographic findings did not result in a single missed hip fracture. Therefore, sonography may serve as an effective screening tool, mandating MRI only for cases with positive findings, whereas patients with negative sonographic findings need no further investigation. Sonography may therefore be very useful in hospitals around the world, where MRI may not be readily affordable or available.     

Birth injuries to growth plates: A sheep in wolves' clothing

Growth plate injuries (Salter‐Harris type 1 or physeal fractures) of the long bones in the newborn are easily misdiagnosed as joint fractures with dislocations due to their nonossified epiphyses on plain radiographs. Diagnosis with musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) is advantageous due to its ability to visualize the nonossified epiphysis. We present two cases of humeral growth plate fractures in newborns, one at the shoulder (proximal humerus) and the other at the elbow (distal humerus). These cases emphasize the importance of quick and noninvasive diagnosis with US to avoid unnecessary intervention. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45 :511–514, 2017     

Association of thoracic cage fractures and pericardial effusion in blunt trauma

BackgroundSeveral case reports suggest that penetrating thoracic cage fractures are an important cause for hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade following blunt trauma. However, the prevalence of this mechanism of injury is not fully known, and considering this association may provide a better understanding of the utility of cardiac component of the FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma).ObjectiveTo determine the association of thoracic cage fractures and pericardial effusion in patients with blunt trauma.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, multicenter cohort study using the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database (2015–2017) of adults ≥18 years of age whose mechanism of injury was either a fall or motor vehicle accident. Thoracic cage fractures were defined as any rib or sternum fracture. The primary outcome was the presence of pericardial effusion. Confounding variables were accounted for using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsWe included 1,673,704 patients in the study; 226,896 (14%) patients had at least one thoracic cage fracture. A pericardial effusion was present in 4923 (0.3%) patients. When a thoracic cage fracture was present, the odds of having a pericardial effusion was significantly higher (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 6.5 [95% CI: 6.1–7.0]). Patients with left and right-sided rib fractures had similar odds of a pericardial effusion (aOR 1.2 [95% CI 1.04–1.4]). Sternal fractures carried the highest odds of having a pericardial effusion (aOR 11.1 [9.9–12.3]).ConclusionThoracic cage fractures secondary to blunt trauma represent a significant independent risk factor for the development of a pericardial effusion. Our findings lend support for the mechanism of bony injuries causing penetrating cardiac trauma. Given these findings, and the fact that many thoracic cage fractures are detected after the initial evaluation, we support maintaining the cardiac view in the FAST examination for all blunt trauma patients.