Citation

Rees JE, Mann C. Accid. Emerg. Nurs. 2005; 13(2): 126-129.

Affiliation

Department of Plastic Surgery, Frenchay Hospital, Frenchay Park RD, Frenchay, Bristol, B516 1LE UK. Jakrees@doctors.org.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.aaen.2004.12.001

PMID

15862986

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of a portable ultrasound unit in screening for osteoporosis in older patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with low-impact fractures. METHOD: All patients over 65 years with a possible low-impact fracture were to be identified and screened. Full ethical approval was obtained. An initial pilot study of "non-osteoporotic" ED staff was carried out before the full study was to occur. RESULTS: The pilot study showed portable ultrasound measuring proximal phalanx bone mineral density lacked both precision and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: The aims of the study were worthwhile. However, the initial pilot study showed that the tools were inadequate for a full study. The full study was abandoned and new ways of identifying these patients are being looked at.

Language: en