Re: Benefits and limitations of ultrasound in diagnosis of rib fractures

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 63, No. 4, May 2021, Page 150 Letters
By: Mike Figurski, MD, CA-CPHIMS

Thanks for an excellent article, Dr Watson [BCMJ 2021;63:75-78,82]. In Big White, BC, we have about two suspected rib fractures per day. We ultrasound everyone at point of care, and get X-rays if positive (to rule out pneumo/hemo), high clinical suspicion, or prolonged symptoms (indirect compression tenderness or unable to accomplish three pushups by day three). Everyone with a confirmed fracture is advised to avoid skiing or snowboarding for 6 weeks, and I estimate the median compliance is 4 to 5 weeks. Late complications have been very low (none observed in about 2000 cases).
—Mike Figurski, MD
Kelowna

This letter was submitted in response to “The benefits and limitations of ultrasound in the diagnosis of rib fractures from the emergency department to the sports field: A narrative review.”

Mike Figurski, MD, CA-CPHIMS. Re: Benefits and limitations of ultrasound in diagnosis of rib fractures. BCMJ, Vol. 63, No. 4, May, 2021, Page(s) 150 - Letters.


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