Neonatal transphyseal supracondylar fracture detected by ultrasound

Fractures in young infants are often difficult to detect on plain radiographs when they involve the cartilaginous growth plate. We report a case of a neonatal transphyseal fracture which was detected by the use of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. With shortened postnatal hospitalization becoming increasingly common, these and other birth injuries are more likely to present for the first time in the emergency department. The authors recommend the use of ultrasound as the screening modality of choice in the emergency department.