High frequency ultrasound in evaluation of traction efficacy among children with femoral fractures

Abstract

Objective To explore the application of high frequency ultrasound in evaluation of traction treatment for femoral fracture in children. Methods A total of 62 children with femoral fracture and undergoing traction treatment in our department from March 2017 to December 2018 were recruited in this study. High frequency ultrasound and X-ray plain filming were used respectively to detect them at admission and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after the initial fracture occurred. The soft tissue injury (muscles and vessels) around the fracture, angle and displacement of the fracture, blood supply around the osteotylus (resistance index, RI), and length and thickness of the osteotylus during fracture healing were observed and monitored. The results obtained by ultrasound were compared with X-ray in terms of the time of the first detection of osteotylus and the size of the osteotylus. Results Ultrasound and X-ray showed statistically significant difference in the first indication of callus (P < 0.05), with that of former earlier. In the 2nd and 3rd weeks, statistical differences were seen in length and thickness of the osteotylus between the ultrasound and X-ray examination (P < 0.05), with those of ultrasound longer and thicker. But no such differences were observed at the 4th week between the 2 methods. Conclusion High frequency ultrasound can dynamically present the fracture line, and early display the damage of soft tissue (such as muscles, blood vessels, etc.) around the fracture site and the growth of the osteotylus. High frequency ultrasound has consistent results with X-ray examination in the detection of bony callus, and is a safe non-radiative skeletal system examination.

Keywords

• femur fracture
• traction
• x-ray examination
• high frequency ultrasound
• children