Value of ultrasonography in early diagnosis of metatarsal fatigue fractures / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the ultrasonic manifestation of metatarsal fatigue fractures and probe into the clinical values of ultrasonic diagnosis and follow-up to the disease.Methods The clinical data and sonographic features of 30 cases with metatarsal fatigue fracture confirmed by X-ray and CT were analyzed retrospectively.Results All the subjects in this study were metatarsals insufficiency fractures located in the second or third diaphysis.2D-ultrasound found microfracture in the cortex and the periosteal elevation by increased vascularity in the early stage.During the 3-month follow-up,thickened cortex and callus shown as the shape of mushroom or cauliflower and a great amount of neovascularisation were visualised with color Doppler flow imaging.Then,the cortex surface became gradually changing from rough to smooth and obvious posterior shadows were observed with the illness progression.Conclusions Ultrasonography could be used to detect the cortical continuity,callus characteristics and blood flow perfusion of fatigue fracture in the different damage stages.