Can We 'hear' Femoral Neck Fractures? Ultrasound Guided Diagnosis of Femoral Neck Fractures

Launched by MEDICAL CENTRE LEEUWARDEN · Jan 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to diagnose hip fractures, specifically femoral neck and intertrochanteric fractures, using a method called point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). This technique is being compared to traditional X-rays, which are the current standard. The hope is that POCUS, which is portable, cost-effective, and uses no radiation, can provide faster and more accurate diagnoses right in the emergency department. This could also help reduce waiting times for pain relief and ease overcrowding in emergency rooms, especially in places where X-ray machines are not available.

To participate in this trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a painful hip after a recent injury that makes your doctor suspect a hip fracture. However, if you've had previous hip surgeries, certain injuries, or if you have trouble understanding the consent process, you may not be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to undergo the ultrasound assessment for your hip and possibly help improve future diagnosis and treatment for others with similar injuries.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ≥18 years of age
• • presenting to the ED with a painful hip after trauma, suspected of hip fracture as defined by the attending clinician
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of hip fracture or surgical procedure on the bones of the ipsilateral hip (ultrasound images may be unreliable)
• • Presence of foreign body material in the ipsilateral hip
• • Skin defects at the POCUS site e.g. lacerations, infected skin
• • Extensive injuries, extreme pain or neurovascular damage where urgent intervention is required
• • Inability to give informed consent (cognitive impairments, no proficient understanding of the Dutch or English language)