A PILOT-STUDY TO ASSESS THE SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF AN INTRASOUND DEVICE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ANKLE FRACTURES

Objective-To investigate the use of a simple intrasound device in the detection of malleolar fractures in the accident and emergency (A&E) d epartment. Methods-Patients aged 16 to 70 years with ankle injuries pr esenting within 24 hours were considered for inclusion in the study. T hose patients with bony tenderness, inability to weight bear, and swel ling were examined with a simple intrasound device before x ray examin ation. A positive result of discomfort, pain, withdrawal response, or combinations of these was noted. Results-The device had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 52% in detecting malleolar fractures. Conc lusions-The use of intrasound in the detection of malleolar fractures cannot be relied upon alone, but it may help to limit the number of x rays taken unnecessarily. A further study is proposed to confirm these findings.