Comparison of ultrasonography with submentovertex films and computed tomography scan in the diagnosis of zygomatic arch fractures

摘要

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare ultrasonography with CT scan and submentovertex films in the visualization of zygomatic arch fractures. Methods: 17 patients, 10 men and 7 women, with suspected fracture of the zygomatic arch were studied. The data from CT and plain films were compared with the ultrasonographic findings (Aloka 3500 (Tokyo, Japan) ultrasound equipment with a 7.5 MHz transducer). The probe was situated over the fractured arch transversely to evaluate its whole length. All of the sonograms were taken and interpreted by the same sonologist, who was not aware of the results of the CT and the plain films. Results: Ultrasound was accurate in assessing the fractured arches with sensitivity of 88.2% (15 of the 17 patients, with two false negatives) and specificity of 100% (no false positives). Conclusion: Ultrasound is accurate in the visualization of zygomatic arch fractures and can be used as an adjunct to plain films to reduce the overall radiation exposure.