Can point-of-care ultrasound more accurately identify the cricothyroid membrane in patients with poorly defined neck anatomy than external palpation?

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Why is this study important?

Emergency cricothyroidotomy is a rare and challenging procedure in which accurate identification of the cricothyroid membrane is integral to success. Identifying the membrane using external palpation in patients with abnormal neck anatomy under emergent conditions is even more challenging. Optimal techniques for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) identification of the cricothyroid membrane have been reported.[1] This study attempts to determine how much more accurate this technique is compared to external palpation in patients with abnormal neck anatomy.

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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