Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography for the Assessment of Maxillofacial Fractures: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pooled sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography (USG) in maxillofacial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed in five databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source) from inception to September 12, 2020. Studies that reported or from which sensitivity and specificity can be calculated and studies published in the English language were included. Conference proceedings, letter to editors, and case reports were excluded. Screening of studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (QUADAS -2) were done separately by two review authors. A bivariate random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates. RESULTS: After the removal of duplicates, 1852 studies were included for screening of title and abstracts. Only 22 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. The sample size ranged from 6 to 87. The majority of the studies assessed orbit and nasal bones fractures. Only two studies included a comprehensive assessment of facial fractures. The overall sensitivity and specificity values were 0.94 and 0.96, respectively. CONCLUSION: USG has good diagnostic accuracy for the assessment of fractures of orbit and nasal bones. Clinicians need to consider the advantages and limitations of USG before recommending advanced imaging modalities.