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What Does My X-ray Report Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 13 Nov 2017

Question: An 18-year-old was admitted to the emergency room after being injured in a football game. He had fallen on his left wrist and when admitted was noted to have an open fracture of the wrist. He was admitted to the hospital for surgical repair of the fracture. The x-ray showed his wrist bone was in three parts and a small part was extending through the skin.
What factors could impair bone healing in this patient? can you think of two risk factors, please.

Also can you please describe the four steps of fracture healing?The last question I have is What are the risk factors that increase this patient's chance for osteomyelitis? Start off with a brief definition of osteomyelitis.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Fracture healing

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic,

The biggest risk factor for impaired bone healing in this patient is that the fracture is open which increases the risk of infection. However, appropriate antibiotic coverage will be given to prevent infection.

Another important risk factor is displaced fracture (which can be confirmed through Xray). Adequate approximation and bone alignment will be ensured during surgical repair.

Few other risk factors for impaired healing include inadequate immobilization, malnutrition, medications like corticosteroids, alcohol consumption and smoking.

Fracture healing is a complex process that happens through a series of healing process including:

-Hematoma formation and granulation tissue- occur hours after fracture to seal the fracture area
-Cartilage and collagen deposition resulting in fibrocartilaginous callus formation
-Spongy bone deposition and mineralization of the cartilaginous callus
-Finally deposition of compact bone and remodeling to original bone structure

Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection of bone and risk factors for osteomyelitis in fracture including:
-Open fractures where bone is exposed
-Surgical repair of fracture
-Poor circulation and blood supply to fracture site
-Decreased immunity

Antibiotics will be given in case of an open fracture and for surgical repair to minimize the risk of osteomyelitis.

Hope this answers your questions
Please let me know if you need further clarifications

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (24 hours later)

What are the risk factors that increase this patient's chance for osteomyelitis? Start off with a brief definition of osteomyelitis.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

As I had mentioned in above answer,
Osteomyelitis is infection in bone caused by bacteria

Risk factors for osteomyelitis in this patient include
-Open fractures where bone is exposed
-Surgical repair of fracture
-Poor circulation and blood supply to fracture site, especially if fracture is displaced
-Decreased immunity (depends on patient's history and nourishment level)

Hope this answers your questions
Please let me know if you need further clarifications

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D