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Ultrasound Is Superior to Palpation in Identifying the Cricothyroid Membrane in Subjects with Poorly Defined Neck Landmarks: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
- Source :
-
Anesthesiology . Dec2018, Vol. 129 Issue 6, p1132-1139. 8p. - Publication Year :
- 2018
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Abstract
- <bold>What We Already Know About This Topic: </bold>WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: Success of a cricothyrotomy is dependent on accurate identification of the cricothyroid membrane. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of ultrasonography versus external palpation in localizing the cricothyroid membrane.<bold>Methods: </bold>In total, 223 subjects with abnormal neck anatomy who were scheduled for neck computed-tomography scan at University Health Network hospitals in Toronto, Canada, were randomized into two groups: external palpation and ultrasound. The localization points of the cricothyroid membrane determined by ultrasonography or external palpation were compared to the reference midpoint (computed-tomography point) of the cricothyroid membrane by a radiologist who was blinded to group allocation. Primary outcome was the accuracy in identification of the cricothyroid membrane, which was measured by digital ruler in millimeters from the computed-tomography point to the ultrasound point or external-palpation point. Success was defined as the proportion of accurate attempts within a 5-mm distance from the computed-tomography point to the ultrasound point or external-palpation point.<bold>Results: </bold>The percentage of accurate attempts was 10-fold greater in the ultrasound than external-palpation group (81% vs. 8%; 95% CI, 63.6 to 81.3%; P < 0.0001). The mean (SD) distance measured from the external-palpation to computed-tomography point was five-fold greater than the ultrasound to the computed-tomography point (16.6 ± 7.5 vs. 3.4 ± 3.3 mm; 95% CI, 11.67 to 14.70; P < 0.0001). Analysis demonstrated that the risk ratio of inaccurate localization of the cricothyroid membrane was 9.14-fold greater with the external palpation than with the ultrasound (P < 0.0001). There were no adverse events observed.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>In subjects with poorly defined neck landmarks, ultrasonography is more accurate than external palpation in localizing the cricothyroid membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00033022
- Volume :
- 129
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Anesthesiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 133165424
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1097/ALN.0000000000002454