title: Bedside ultrasound detection of long bone fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rapid identification of fractures of long bones is prudent, since associated bleeding and neurovascular compromise can cause significant morbidity and mortality. We describe two patients who presented to the Emergency Department with orthopedic trauma and underwent bedside ultrasound of the affected extremity. Ultrasound rapidly revealed fractures in both patients, and led to early treatment and disposition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rapid bedside ultrasound of long bones was performed on affected extremities and compared to X-rays.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Bedside ultrasonography of long bones is a rapid, reliable, and non-invasive method of evaluating patients with suspected orthopedic trauma.
authors.affiliation: University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, USA. abby807@aol.com
authors.forename: Rachana M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Tollefson
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography