Contactless ultrasound imaging for pediatric forearm fracture detection

Abstract

Pediatric forearm fractures are common, and while X-ray imaging is the standard for diagnosis, minimizing radiation exposure is critical. Ultrasound offers a non-invasive, radiation-free alternative, but its reliability depends on operator skill. This study presents a contactless ultrasound imaging approach for pediatric forearm fracture detection, in which the forearm is submerged in water while the ultrasound probe remains outside a purpose-built water tank. Manual imaging of phantoms and a human forearm demonstrates the feasibility of capturing high-quality images without direct contact. This approach improves patient comfort and safety and establishes a foundation for future robot-assisted automation and clinical validation.