Point of Care Ultrasound in Trauma

Publication date: Available online 29 March 2018
Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI
Author(s): Timothy Gleeson, David Blehar
The use of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in trauma is widespread. Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam is a prototypical bedside exam used by the treating provider to quickly determine need for intervention and appropriate patient disposition. The role of bedside ultrasound in trauma, however, has expanded beyond the FAST exam. Advancements in diagnostics include contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), thoracic, and musculoskeletal applications. Ultrasound is also an important tool for trauma providers for procedural guidance including vascular access and regional anesthesia. Its portability, affordability, and versatility have made ultrasound an invaluable tool in trauma management in resource-limited settings. In this review, we discuss these applications and the supporting evidence for POCUS in trauma.



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