CXR or USS in chest trauma for diagnosing rib fractures
A systematic review of 13 studies by Battle et al.11 concluded that no definitive statement on the benefit of USS could be made. The studies stated the use of lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of rib fractures in blunt chest wall trauma patients appeared superior compared with chest radiograph. However, all studies were small, single centre and considered to be at risk of bias on quality assessment. Meta-analysis was not possible due to high levels of heterogeneity, lack of appropriate reference standard and poor study quality.