Ultrasound Use by Upper Extremity Surgeons in 2020: A Survey of ASSH Members

Overview

Journal Hand (N Y)

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialties General Surgery
Orthopedics

Date 2022 Apr 4

PMID 35373624

Authors

Cory Demino

Kathleen Koesarie

Jay Smith

John R Fowler

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) among hand surgeons appears to be increasing. The purpose of this study was to determine the utilization patterns and attitudes regarding US among American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) members in 2020 as well as the changes in usage patterns since a previous survey in 2015.

Methods: In 2020, an updated and expanded 27-question survey was distributed to 4852 members of the ASSH. Questions assessed respondent demographics, training, and practice patterns, and access, utilization, training, and opinions pertaining to US.

Results: A total of 418 surveys (8.6%) were analyzed. Compared to 2015, there was an increase in the percentage of respondents using US for diagnostic purposes (51%-68%), as well as having personal access to US machines (43% to 58%). US use to assist in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome increased from 19% to 27%. The most common reason for using US was convenience and practice efficiency, while the most common reasons for not using US was no machine access. In 2020, 33% of respondents performed US-guided injections.

Conclusions: Compared to 2015, the majority of responding upper extremity surgeons now have personal access to US machines. Utilization of diagnostic US appears to be increasing, and two-thirds of respondents believed that US use will continue to increase among upper extremity surgeons.

Citing Articles

Diagnostic Accuracy of Neuromuscular Ultrasound vs. Electrodiagnostic Studies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Paired Accuracy Studies.

Miller L, Hammert W, Rekant M, Fowler J Hand (N Y). 2024; :15589447241278972.

PMID: 39324685 PMC: 11559833. DOI: 10.1177/15589447241278972.

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