Ultrasound diagnosis of neonatal fracture / 中华围产医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and characteristics of ultrasound imaging in diagnosing fractures in neonates.Methods:Thirty neonates with bone fracture in Beijing Chaoyang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital during January 2018 to June 2019 were retrospectively recruited. The causes and ultrasound imaging features of these cases were analyzed. The ultrasound findings were compared with the results of X-ray examination.Results:Among the 30 cases, 29 (96.7%) were diagnosed as fracture due to birth trauma, including 28 (93.3%) of clavicle fracture and one (3.3%) of humerus fracture, and one (3.3%) with rib fracture probably caused by metabolic osteopathy. The ultrasound imaging characteristics included interruption of bone continuity, dislocation and/or angulation of fracture ends, and callus formation during recovery. All of the 30 cases were diagnosed by ultrasound. However, X-ray examination failed in the diagnosis of one clavicle fracture.Conclusions:Ultrasound is an accurate and reliable method for the diagnosis of neonatal fracture. The main characteristics of ultrasound imaging include interruption of bone continuity, dislocation and/or angulation of fracture ends and callus formation.