Can emergency physicians do a paediatric hip ultrasound to detect effusion?

Report By: Dr.Thomas Cheri - ST3 Emergency Medicine
Search checked by Dr. L.C. Parkinson - ST3 Emergency Medicine
Institution: Hull Royal Infirmary
Date Submitted: 3rd April 2008
Last Modified: 5th August 2008
Status: Blue (submitted but not checked)

Three Part Question

In [paediatric patients presenting with a non-traumatic limp] can [the emergency physician do a hip ultrasound] to [identify effusion]

Clinical Scenario

A 5yr old boy is brought to the ED on a Saturday afternoon with a 2 day H/O nontraumatic limp and you want to rule out effusion of the hip joint. He has to wait till Monday morning for a hip ultrasound by the radiologist and you wonder whether an emergency physician can do a paediatric hip ultrasound to rule out effusion

Search Strategy

Medline using National library of health interface
and Cochrane library

Ultrasound.af OR Sonography.af] AND [effusion.af AND hip.af] LIMIT to: publication year 1966-2008 and humans and age group all child 0-18 years and English language

[hip ultrasound] AND [paediatric]

Search Outcome

55 papers found in Medline and 9 papers in Cochrane, none relevant

Comment(s)

There is no direct evidence that can assist in answering this question

Editor Comment

A structured training program in musculoskeletal ultrasound for emergency medicine trainees may be a solution so as to increase the skill base plus providing definitive care for patients

Clinical Bottom Line

Consensus guidelines should be followed