Could ultrasound replace x-rays for elbow injuries? new study investigates.

NCT ID NCT05602077

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compared the accuracy of bedside ultrasound (POCUS) with standard X-rays for diagnosing elbow fractures in 90 adults with indirect elbow trauma. Using CT scans as the gold standard, researchers aimed to see if ultrasound could be a reliable first-line tool. If proven accurate, ultrasound could offer faster, radiation-free diagnosis in emergency settings.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)

What this could lead to

If successful, ultrasound could become a first-line tool for diagnosing elbow fractures, reducing radiation exposure and improving speed in emergency rooms.

What could go wrong

This is a small, single-center study with only 90 participants. Results may not apply to all settings, and ultrasound may miss some fractures that X-ray would catch.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Elbow Fractures Humeral Fractures, Distal humerus fracture Radial Head and Neck Fractures radius fracture

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Merian Iselin Klinik

    Basel, 4009, Switzerland