Ultrasonographic monitoring of bone union after fractures of long bones.
Bone union after fracture was monitorem using ultrasonography to evaluate the progres sof 15 long bone fractures treated conservatively or surgically (intramedullary nail or external stabilizer). The USG images of late postfracture changes were assessed in 21 patients an average of 60 weeks post trauma. The course of changes observed in USG imaging was observed to be generally parallel to the indications of bone union confirmed in clinical and radiological examinations. The phases of echogenic changes in callus were essentially similar to the scheme described by other authors, but there was some delay in their occurrence. After an average time of 59,43 (20-486) weeks post fracture, callus could still be seen as a convexity or slight depression in the course of the echo of dense matter. The image of an echo originating from the intramedullary nail could still be seen for up to 15 weeks after fracture. Ultrasonography brings additional qualitative data on the progress of fracture healing, but one should keep in mind that it is subjective in nature and dependent on the operator.
Glinkowski
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Oddział Chirurgii Urazowo-Ortopedycznej, Szpital Praski, Warszawa.