ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF BONE HEALING IN METACARPAL AND PHALANGEAL FRACTURES

AVALIAÇÃO ULTRASSONOGRÁFICA DA CONSOLIDAÇÃO ÓSSEA NAS FRATURAS DOS METACARPAIS E DAS FALANGES

ABSTRACT

Objective:  This study aimed to evaluate the use of ultrasonography (USG) compared to radiography in identifying callus formation and fracture healing in hand bones (metacarpals and phalanges).

Methods:  A prospective observational study was conducted with patients who sustained metacarpal and phalangeal fractures and were followed in the hand and microsurgery clinic of a philanthropic hospital in São Paulo between July 2023 and April 2024. Fractures were treated either conservatively or surgically with Kirschner wire fixation. Callus formation was monitored using serial weekly USG and radiographic examinations. Follow-up ended when bone healing was confirmed by both methods.

Results:  There was a difference in the mean time of callus appearance between ultrasonographic and radiographic evaluations for all analyzed variables.

Conclusion:  Ultrasonographic callus formation preceded radiographic callus appearance by approximately 18.2 days across all variables studied, suggesting that USG is a useful and alternative tool for the early diagnosis of bone healing in phalangeal and metacarpal fractures. Level of Evidence II; Prospective Observational Study.

Keywords:
Ultrasonography; Fracture Healing; Fracture; Metacarpals; Finger Phalanges