REAL-TIME ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN ACUTE AND FO LLOW-UP DIAGNOSIS OF INFECTIONS IN TRAUMATOLOGY

In 50 patients with infections of soft tissue, bone and joints, ultras ound examination was the first diagnostic procedure performed after cl inical and X-ray examination. In 22 soft tissue infections the liquid portion of the infection area could be differentiated. Deep subfascial infections were detected in 7 cases before they were clinically appar ent. The results of the ultrasound examination had an influence on the operation performed in 10 cases. In 18 patients with bone infections with abscesses the linkage of the fluid zone to the bone was demonstra ble, and in 6 of these cases we saw extramedullary sequestrae as total reflecting parts. Empyema was diagnosed by ultrasound in association with clinical and laboratory parameters in 10 cases, including 3 in wh ich clinical examination had not yet led to a firm suspicion. Real-tim e sonography influenced the operative treatment (time of intervention, approach) in 36% of all these cases was helpful in the diagnosis in a ll.