• Ramakko B

• Bankart Lesions
• Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
• Open Access Document
• Ultrasonography

Introduction: Ultrasound is not a commonly recommended imaging modality for evaluating bone. The purpose of this report is to illustrate the usefulness of handheld ultrasound in identifying bone injury through the use of three case examples. As handheld ultrasound units are the least expensive imaging equipment, they may be the only option available or may readily complement radiographs.

Cases:
1) 37-year-old male, hit from behind by a trailer while on his bike. Right shoulder dislocation relocated at the hospital. Radiographs confirmed relocation. A Hill-Sachs deformity was identified via handheld ultrasound.

2) 67-year-old woman, reported with a hyperinversion ankle injury, 3 weeks post injury.Initial radiographs concluded there was no fracture. An avulsion was identified via handheld ultrasound.

3) 69-year-old woman presented for a lymphatic massage. The massage therapist called for an urgent consult as her pain with moving was unusual. Pain located at right lateral ribs 7-9. Pain began following a thoracic manipulation a week prior. A rib fracture was identified via
handheld ultrasound.

Conclusion: Handheld point-of-care ultrasound can be used to identify a bone injury and can complement radiographs.

Author keywords: Hill-Sachs, fracture, avulsion, point-of-care ultrasound, POCUS

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