DIAS, Avanka1, Brion BENNINGER1-9. Medical Anatomy Center1, Departments of Medical Anatomical Sciences2, Neuromuscular Medicine3, Family Practice4, Western University of Health Sciences, COMP–Northwest, Lebanon, OR. USA.... [ view full abstract ]
DIAS, Avanka1, Brion BENNINGER1-9. Medical Anatomy Center1, Departments of Medical Anatomical Sciences2, Neuromuscular Medicine3, Family Practice4, Western University of Health Sciences, COMP–Northwest, Lebanon, OR. USA. Departments of Orthopaedics5, General Surgery6 and Sports Medicine7, Samaritan Health Services, Corvallis, OR. USA. Departments of Surgery8, Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation9, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR. USA.
INTRODUCTION. Many believe there are four relatively commonly recognized types of distal radius fractures (DRF); Colles’ (CF), Reverse Colles’ or Smith’s (SF), Chauffer’s (ChF), and Barton’s (BF). These fractures, by most students and qualified physicians, are loosely identified as CF due to their semblance. However, a CF is defined as a fracture 2.5cm proximal to the distal end of the radius. X-rays have been the protocol for presentations of DRF to emergency services, but ultrasound (US) has been proven to be effective in identifying fractures. The objective of this study is to determine whether 1st year medical students (MS1) are able to perform US on the distal radius to identify DRF. METHODS.First-year medical students (MS1) were introduced to the DRF types via means of lecture, x-rays, CT, and CT-3D. Fractures were induced on undissected cadaveric tissue. MS1 were taught to identify fractures using US, then asked to use 5-12 and 18 MHz probes to identify specific DRF’s. Results for DRF’s were recorded as true positives (TP), true negatives (TN), false positives, and false negatives. RESULTS. Literature search revealed no known studies. 17/18 MS1 were able to identify TP and TN of DRF. DISCUSSION. Presentation of DRF to emergency care are frequent, and are often diagnosed and treated as a CF. Using US during patient triage or early admission may facilitate speedy diagnosis and appropriate care of the specific DRF. Not only will this decrease patient wait time, US may better achieve differential diagnosis as a conjunct imaging technique. CONCLUSION. This study revealed that MS1 were able to use US to identify TP and TN of fractures on the distal radius.
Use of ultrasound in Undergraduate Medical Education , Use of ultrasound in Graduate Medical and Continuing Education , Point of Care ultrasound in general clinical practice
