Clinical feasibility of wireless handheld ultrasound in closed reduction of nasal bone fractures: a comparative study with high-end probes.

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided closed reduction allows for real-time visualization of fracture segments, overcoming the limitations of blind palpation. However, standard probes vary in resolution and adaptability. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility and efficiency of a wireless handheld ultrasound device (V-scan) by comparing it with high-end linear and hockey stick probes through a retrospective analysis.

METHODS

This retrospective comparative study reviewed the medical records of 160 patients with nasal bone fractures treated between January 2024 and January 2026. Closed reductions were performed by four experienced plastic surgeons. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the ultrasound probe used: Group H (hockey stick, 8-18 MHz), Group L (linear, 3-12 MHz), and Group V (V-scan Air, 3-12 MHz). We compared radiologic reduction accuracy (residual depression and deviation), intraoperative image visibility, surgical convenience, and operative time.

RESULTS

Baseline fracture characteristics were comparable among the groups, although age differed significantly (p= 0.036). Regarding radiologic outcomes, there were no significant differences in postoperative residual depression depth (p= 0.294) or deviation angle (p= 0.139) among the groups. Even in complex fractures, reduction accuracy was comparable (p= 0.198). Qualitatively, Group H achieved the highest image visibility score (4.79, p< 0.001). However, Group V demonstrated the highest surgical convenience (4.73) and shortest operative times (20.7 minutes) (p< 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The wireless handheld ultrasound device demonstrated clinical outcomes comparable to high-end probes. While the hockey stick probe offers superior image clarity, the V-scan provides adequate visualization with superior workflow efficiency, making it a viable tool for nasal fracture management.