A 24-year-old male presented to the clinic after sustaining injury to the right forearm. A MSK POCUS was performed. The following image was obtained.

What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Normal ultrasound
B. Fracture of shaft of ulna
C. Foreign body

The most likely diagnosis is fracture of shaft of ulna.

Explanation

Align the transducer along the length of the long bone. Slide the transducer slowly towards the suspected fracture site. The patient may be able to guide you to the point of maximum tenderness. Observe for cortical disruption. In this case there is displacement of the fracture segment seen in addition to cortical disruption. Examine the entire length of the long bone. Do not forget to scan the radius also. Scan gently to avoid causing more muscle and soft tissue injury.

Watch the video below.

References

1. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2015.02.010
2. https://radiopaedia.org/articles/forearm-fracture?lang=us
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFGhIUsJ3Xs

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