Suspect a stress or rib fracture? An ultrasound referral may be the best option

George Caswell
(Left) Radiograph does not show any immediate structural defects of the patient’s left radius, ulnar, carpal, and phalangeal bones. (Right) Ultrasound showing a 1.5mm cortical offset, indicating a possible fracture along the radial shaft distal to the radial head.

Fracture diagnosis has traditionally relied on X-rays, but ultrasound is increasingly recognised as a valuable alternative.

As a diagnostic tool for bone fractures, it offers several advantages over traditional X-rays.