Can ultrasonography detect pediatric elbow fractures?

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Why is this study important?

Elbow fractures are a common (15%) site of pediatric fracture accounting for a substantial amount of emergency and orthopedic patient encounters.[1] X-ray is the standard of care to diagnose elbow fractures, although diagnosis can be challenging for providers not familiar with pediatric elbow ossification center patterns.[2] [3] This study is the only meta-analysis regarding ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for pediatric elbow fractures, and a similar study does not exist in adults.

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

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