Rib Fractures, Thoracic Injuries
Conditions
Keywords
Costochondral Joint Separation, Ultrasound, Blunt Thoracic Trauma, Thoracic Surgery, Computed Tomography
Brief summary
This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasound in detecting costochondral joint separation in patients with blunt thoracic trauma. By comparing ultrasound findings to computed tomography (CT) results, the study seeks to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool. The results will help improve the diagnosis and management of costochondral injuries while minimizing radiation exposure. The study is a prospective, interventional trial conducted at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine.
Detailed description
This study investigates the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasound (USG) in identifying costochondral joint separation in patients presenting with blunt thoracic trauma. The study aims to assess USG's sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compared to computed tomography (CT), which is considered the gold standard. Costochondral separation, a condition where the connection between the rib and its cartilage is disrupted, is often challenging to diagnose with traditional imaging techniques. Ultrasound offers a non-invasive, portable, and radiation-free alternative, potentially allowing for rapid diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. Participants will undergo both USG and CT imaging as part of the diagnostic protocol. The primary outcome measure will be the diagnostic accuracy of USG in detecting costochondral joint separation. Secondary outcomes include time to diagnosis, patient comfort, and correlation of ultrasound findings with clinical presentations. The study will be conducted prospectively at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine from March 2025 to March 2027, involving a sample size of 51 patients based on power analysis. Data collected will include demographic information, trauma specifics, imaging findings, and clinical outcomes. The results are expected to contribute significantly to the field of thoracic trauma care by demonstrating the utility of ultrasound in settings where quick and accurate diagnosis is critical.
Interventions
DEVICEUltrasound (USG)
The intervention involves the use of a portable ultrasound (USG) device to assess costochondral joint separation in patients with blunt thoracic trauma. The ultrasound examination will focus on detecting disruptions in the connection between the ribs and cartilage, providing a non-invasive, radiation-free diagnostic method. A 12-MHz linear transducer will be used to scan the rib area for fractures or separations. The findings will be compared to those of computed tomography (CT), considered the gold standard. This intervention is designed to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in this context.
Sponsors
Caner İşevi, MD
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
This study employs a single-group design where all participants will undergo both ultrasound (USG) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. The purpose is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of USG in detecting costochondral joint separation by comparing its findings with those of CT, considered the gold standard. No control or comparison groups are included in this study.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Patients aged 18 to 80 years * Patients with blunt thoracic trauma * Patients suspected of having costochondral joint separation * Patients who provide consent for ultrasound and CT imaging
Exclusion criteria
* Patients under 18 or over 80 years of age * Patients with penetrating thoracic trauma * Patients with subcutaneous emphysema that prevents ultrasound evaluation * Patients allergic to ultrasound gel * Pregnant patients (as CT imaging is contraindicated) * Patients unable to undergo CT imaging * Patients who refuse to participate in the study * Obese patients (body mass index \>30), as ultrasound evaluation may be challenging
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Participants with Accurate Ultrasound Diagnosis Compared to CT | Within the first 24 hours of patient admission. | The diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy) of ultrasound (USG) in detecting costochondral joint separation, using computed tomography (CT) as the reference standard. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
Primary ContactCaner İşevi, MD
Outcome results
None listed