title: BET 3: Bedside ultrasound for the diagnosis of sternal fracture.
abstract: A shortcut review was carried out to establish whether ultrasound is an effective diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of sternal fractures. 27 papers were found of which 4 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that in patients with blunt thoracic injury and suspected isolated sternal fracture, ultrasound seems superior to conventional radiology to diagnose sternal fracture.
authors.affiliation: Laval University, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Racine
authors.affiliation: Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Drake
mesh_terms: D055416:Evidence-Based Emergency Medicine; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D013249:Sternum / Q000293:injuries*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography