Accuracy and performance of a new handheld ultrasound machine with wireless system

Abstract

We verified the accuracy and performance of a new handheld ultrasound machine, in comparison to a high-end sonographic machine. We performed bilateral measurements of the following tendon districts (supraspinatus, flexor of the middle finger, patellar and Achilles) and of the cross sectional area of the median nerve in 21 patients using a musculoskeletal ultrasound linear scanner of a handheld sonographic machine and a high-end sonographic machine. Two tail T test was used to evaluate whether there were differences in the measurements between the two sonographic machines. Agreement was evaluated by Pearson's correlation. The mean time requested for the examinations was 18 and 9 minutes for the handheld and high-end sonographic machines, respectively. No significant differences were found between the measurements obtained with the handheld ultrasound machine and those with the high-end sonographic machine (p value ranging between 0.31 and 0.97, according to the examined district), whereas, a moderate correlation was found (r coefficient ranging between 0.43 and 0.77, according to the examined district). Although the examination with the handheld ultrasound machine took more time, it showed adequate accuracy and performance; this palmar tool might be also useful in operating rooms.