Point-of-care-ultrasound (PoCUS) is performed by the clinician at the patient's bedside and is an essential diagnostic tool in many medical subspecialties, in hospital-based care, emergencies, trauma, and in general practice. A simple, novel approach for implementation of PoCUS of the oral cavity and maxillofacial complex is introduced. Relevant indications include differentiating abscess from cellulitis, detecting jaw and facial fractures, assessment of surgical complications, removing foreign bodies, and evaluating soft tissue masses. Intraoral and transcutaneous approaches may be used alone or in combination. This pilot series shows the capability of PoCUS to improve diagnostic accuracy, speed diagnosis, guide procedures, and improve management. Prospective studies are underway to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the method and its impact on patient outcomes.
Keywords: diagnostic imaging; maxillofacial injuries; oral; pathology; point-of-care testing; ultrasonography.