Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional
Official Title: Bedside Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Ankle Fractures in Children
Brief Summary:
Objectives:
A lot of children who injure their ankles come to the emergency department for an evaluation, and often an X-ray of the ankle is obtained to determine if a bone fracture is present. In more than 85% of cases, however, the injury is a sprain and not a bone fracture and can be treated with rest, ice, elevation, and pain medications. X-rays obtained in the emergency departments are time consuming, often uncomfortable for the patient, and expose children to radiation, the long-term effects of which are not yet fully understand by doctors or scientists. Bedside ultrasound is a non-invasive and a non-painful device that does not produce radiation. It was been shown to determine the presence of bone fracture in childrens' wrists and forearms just as well as X-rays do. In our study, the investigators would like to determine if a bedside ultrasound can also be used to evaluate ankle fractures in children.
Research Procedures:
In our study, the investigators will ask the parents and children, who are scheduled to get an X-ray of their ankle in the emergency department, to examine their ankles with an ultrasound machine as well. Since the bedside ultrasound is not significantly time-consuming, does not require patients to remain still, and is readily available in the department, the procedure will be performed while kids are waiting to get an X-ray, getting registered, or awaiting further treatment. On the data collection form, the investigators will document the patients' names, birthdates, medical record numbers so that their X-ray results can be compared to the ultrasound results for the purpose of the study. The information will be stored in a secure cabinet in a locked office. The investigators will also document which side is injured, where the patient feels pain and