Ultrasound for Diagnosing Costochondral Joint Separation

Caner İşevi, MD

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Rib Fractures; Thoracic Injuries

Treatments: Device: Ultrasound (USG)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06766721

B.30.2.ODM.0.20.08/517

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasound in detecting costochondral joint separation in patients with blunt thoracic trauma. By comparing ultrasound findings to computed tomography (CT) results, the study seeks to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool. The results will help improve the diagnosis and management of costochondral injuries while minimizing radiation exposure. The study is a prospective, interventional trial conducted at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine.

Full description

This study investigates the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasound (USG) in identifying costochondral joint separation in patients presenting with blunt thoracic trauma. The study aims to assess USG's sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compared to computed tomography (CT), which is considered the gold standard.

Costochondral separation, a condition where the connection between the rib and its cartilage is disrupted, is often challenging to diagnose with traditional imaging techniques. Ultrasound offers a non-invasive, portable, and radiation-free alternative, potentially allowing for rapid diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

Participants will undergo both USG and CT imaging as part of the diagnostic protocol. The primary outcome measure will be the diagnostic accuracy of USG in detecting costochondral joint separation. Secondary outcomes include time to diagnosis, patient comfort, and correlation of ultrasound findings with clinical presentations.

The study will be conducted prospectively at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine from March 2025 to March 2027, involving a sample size of 51 patients based on power analysis. Data collected will include demographic information, trauma specifics, imaging findings, and clinical outcomes.

The results are expected to contribute significantly to the field of thoracic trauma care by demonstrating the utility of ultrasound in settings where quick and accurate diagnosis is critical.

Enrollment: 51 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 18 to 80 years
• Patients with blunt thoracic trauma
• Patients suspected of having costochondral joint separation
• Patients who provide consent for ultrasound and CT imaging

Exclusion criteria

• Patients under 18 or over 80 years of age
• Patients with penetrating thoracic trauma
• Patients with subcutaneous emphysema that prevents ultrasound evaluation
• Patients allergic to ultrasound gel
• Pregnant patients (as CT imaging is contraindicated)
• Patients unable to undergo CT imaging
• Patients who refuse to participate in the study
• Obese patients (body mass index >30), as ultrasound evaluation may be challenging

Trial design

Primary purpose: Diagnostic

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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51 participants in 1 patient group

Diagnostic Ultrasound Evaluation

Experimental group

Description:

All participants will undergo both ultrasound (USG) and computed tomography (CT) imaging as part of the diagnostic protocol. The purpose of this arm is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of USG in detecting costochondral joint separation. USG findings will be compared to CT results, which serve as the gold standard, to determine sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. This single-arm design ensures all participants receive the same diagnostic procedures without assignment to different groups or interventions.

Treatment:

Device: Ultrasound (USG)