ABSTRACT
Ultrasonography of the trauma patient has its roots in Japan and Germany where it has been used for years as part of the initial assessment of the trauma patient. In a clinical situation where minutes count, ultrasonography decreases the time to operative intervention in the trauma patient. In addition, it facilitates the rapid performance of life-saving procedures such as tube thoracostomy. The examination itself can be performed in two to three minutes. Compared with other types of ultrasonography examinations, such as the biliary tract examination, the trauma examination is technically simple and easy. The true indication for ultrasonography in the trauma setting is the presence of a patient with a history of trauma and an ultrasound machine in the same resuscitation area. Although ultrasonography is primarily utilized for decision-making in unstable blunt trauma patients, it is indicated for all blunt trauma patients as part of the secondary survey regardless of their stability.
