Point-of-care ultrasound for oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Point-of-care ultrasound is an ultrasound examination that is made at the bedside by the examining clinician in the Accident and Emergency department, clinic, ward, or operating theatre, and it has been growing in popularity since it was first introduced in the 1990s. It is used as an adjunct to clinical examination to aid diagnosis or treatment. We have carried out a pilot survey to assess whether oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United Kingdom either need or desire to make such an examination. We present the results of our survey and discuss the uses and benefits of point-of-care ultrasound in oral and maxillofacial surgery.