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Diagonised With A Hair Line Fracture In Elbow. What Could Be The Reason For Getting Pain In Shoulder?
Question: This is the diagnosis just relayed to me from the radiologist "right elbow demonstrates a hairline fx. through the proximal diaphysis of the humeral head XXXXXXX I've been an or nurse for 35 years and am very confused as to this location. I fell while running and landed on my right shoulder and elbow. Is this an elbow or shoulder; both are painful???
Hello. I'm Dr. Christensen.
I'm sorry you've injured your arm.
You're right: this is a nonsensical report. It sounds like the radiologist misspoke while reading your x-ray.
As you know, the diaphysis is the shaft of a bone: it's the region between the epiphysis, which are at either end of a long bone. A "proximal diaphysis" is the end of the shaft that's closest to the body -- or some other reference point, which must be designated for clarity.
Your x-ray could have been misread in several ways:
1. "Right elbow demonstrates a hairline fx through the proximal diaphysis of the RADIAL head" or
2. "Right elbow demonstrates a hairline fx through the DISTAL diaphysis of the HUMERUS" or
2. "Right SHOULDER demonstrates a hairline fx through the proximal diaphysis of the humeral head XXXXXXX
Your films need to be pulled and read again so you and your physician can proceed with treatment.
I hope that answers your question. I'll be available if you have additional concerns.
Get better soon!
I'm sorry you've injured your arm.
You're right: this is a nonsensical report. It sounds like the radiologist misspoke while reading your x-ray.
As you know, the diaphysis is the shaft of a bone: it's the region between the epiphysis, which are at either end of a long bone. A "proximal diaphysis" is the end of the shaft that's closest to the body -- or some other reference point, which must be designated for clarity.
Your x-ray could have been misread in several ways:
1. "Right elbow demonstrates a hairline fx through the proximal diaphysis of the RADIAL head" or
2. "Right elbow demonstrates a hairline fx through the DISTAL diaphysis of the HUMERUS" or
2. "Right SHOULDER demonstrates a hairline fx through the proximal diaphysis of the humeral head XXXXXXX
Your films need to be pulled and read again so you and your physician can proceed with treatment.
I hope that answers your question. I'll be available if you have additional concerns.
Get better soon!
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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