Fracture separation of the medial clavicular epiphysis: ultrasonography findings

Abstract

Introduction It is evident that ultrasound could be a reliable substitute for radiography in very specific cases like stress or undisplaced fractures. Materials and methods Ultrasound was used to examine a physeal fracture of the sternal end of the clavicle in a 3-year-old boy. Results Results included separation and a longer distance between the manubrium and clavicle on the left. A hyperechogenic structure between the manubrium and clavicle was considered to be a metaphyseal fragment. The patient was checked again 3 weeks post-injury. Sonography revealed haematoma resorption as well as callus formation between the fragments and along the medial metadiaphysis of the clavicle. Conclusion Despite the interesting information that could be derived from the ultrasonic investigation of the medial end of the clavicle in our patient, it is mandatory to compare and prove the interpretation of the findings with other conventional methods like X-rays or CT scan.