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NCT Number: NCT06766721

Ultrasound for Diagnosing Costochondral Joint Separation

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Rib Fractures Fractures, Bone Thoracic Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Ultrasound (USG)

Device

The intervention involves the use of a portable ultrasound (USG) device to assess costochondral joint separation in patients with blunt thoracic trauma. The ultrasound examination will focus on detecting disruptions in the connection between the ribs and cartilage, providing a non-invasive, radiation-free diagnostic method. A 12-MHz linear transducer will be used to scan the rib area for fractures or separations. The findings will be compared to those of computed tomography (CT), considered the gold standard. This intervention is designed to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in this context.

Primary outcomes

  1. Number of Participants with Accurate Ultrasound Diagnosis Compared to CT

    Time frame: Within the first 24 hours of patient admission.

    The diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy) of ultrasound (USG) in detecting costochondral joint separation, using computed tomography (CT) as the reference standard.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Caner İşevi, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+903623121919 ext. 4240

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Caner İşevi, MD

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Diagnostic Effectiveness of Ultrasound in Costochondral Joint Separation: A Prospective Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Jan 9, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 1, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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