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What Could Be The Reason For Swollen Arm Near The Ulna That Was Fractured With A Large Lump ?
Hi,
I fractured my left ulna and radius bones 9 years ago in a go cart accident. I had plates and screws in both bones. I had surgery again on my left radius due to non healing so they put an artificial bone graft to help. Every few weeks, my arm swells near the ulna side and forms a large lump which is red and very painful. I've had numerous xrays and everything comes out fine. I even saw another surgeon to see how I can stop this from recurring and was told I need to live with it. It seems to happen with major weather pattern shifts and the pain/swelling generally lasts between 4-5 days. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you for your time! Becky Christian
I fractured my left ulna and radius bones 9 years ago in a go cart accident. I had plates and screws in both bones. I had surgery again on my left radius due to non healing so they put an artificial bone graft to help. Every few weeks, my arm swells near the ulna side and forms a large lump which is red and very painful. I've had numerous xrays and everything comes out fine. I even saw another surgeon to see how I can stop this from recurring and was told I need to live with it. It seems to happen with major weather pattern shifts and the pain/swelling generally lasts between 4-5 days. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you for your time! Becky Christian
Sat, 4 Jan 2014
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
It is a general concept that recurring occurance of pain and swelling at an operated site (especially in orthopedic implant surgeries) indicates an underlying infection unless proved otherwise. In this case, few blood investigations like ESR and C-reactive protein levels and an xray of the involved part will help in identifying any infective focus. The definitive treatment, if an infection is found is by removal of the plates and screws.
The other possibility being metal sensitivity/allergic reaction of the soft tissues around the implants (plates and screws).
So, a detailed evaluation is needed to establish a correct diagnosis of your problem.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
It is a general concept that recurring occurance of pain and swelling at an operated site (especially in orthopedic implant surgeries) indicates an underlying infection unless proved otherwise. In this case, few blood investigations like ESR and C-reactive protein levels and an xray of the involved part will help in identifying any infective focus. The definitive treatment, if an infection is found is by removal of the plates and screws.
The other possibility being metal sensitivity/allergic reaction of the soft tissues around the implants (plates and screws).
So, a detailed evaluation is needed to establish a correct diagnosis of your problem.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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