Lateral approach water bath improves quality of hand imaging: Study

A new technique, the lateral approach water bath is found by a recent study published in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine to outshine traditional methods in ultrasound exams. According to the new research Lateral approach water bath improves quality of hand imaging. 

Ultrasound examinations involve immersing a hand into a water pan while submerging an ultrasound probe. This improves image resolution but comes with limitations such as patient discomfort and the need for precise probe positioning.

Rather than immersing the probe, the lateral approach water bath method allows imaging through the side of a thin-walled plastic container, eliminating the need for direct patient manipulation under the probe. The column-shaped bath offers 360 degrees of imaging freedom, providing a more comfortable experience for patient.

A recent study, comparing images obtained through the traditional water bath and the lateral approach, yielded compelling results. Twenty images from each method were independently rated by two ultrasound fellowship-trained reviewers. The lateral water bath consistently outperformed its traditional counterpart, scoring an impressive average of 4.2 for image quality compared to 2.6 for the traditional bath (p < 0.001).

The lateral approach excelled in its adequacy for helping clinical decision-making, with an average rating of 4.0 compared to 2.6 for the traditional method (p < 0.001). This method not only improved the quality of images but also exhibited great consistency, with a smaller range for image quality.

These findings are profound and offer a non-invasive and patient-friendly alternative for ultrasound imaging. As the lateral approach water bath emerges as a frontrunner in this arena, it brings the promise of enhanced diagnostics and improved patient experiences. This innovation marks a significant step forward in medical imaging technology, opening doors to more accurate and accessible healthcare solutions.

Reference:

Cotton, J., Bahner, D., & Prats, M. (2023). The lateral approach water bath: A novel method of ultrasound imaging of the hand. In The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2023.11.005