What Do These Following X-ray Findings Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 10 May 2017

Question: What is wrong with the thoracic part of my back on these x-rays? I've had dreadful pain and stiffness for a while now, but maybe these show what is going on?
I can't get this site to include the x-ray pictures.... basically the x-ray shows a total white block in the middle of my back and you can't see the discs as individual discs.

Have the x-rays come through? I tried to send them again.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be ankylosing spondylitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the question.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.

I am sorry,but the Xrays have not come up here.

But we get many questions from patients with attached Xrays and photographs. So attaching files is surely possible on this site. You can try re-doing it. You can also send them at YYYY@YYYY and address it to my name: Dr Mahaveer Patil.

From the description that you have mentioned,it seems that you are suffering from a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis.

In this condition,the disc spaces between the vertebrae are obliterated and replaced by bony tissue causing severe stiffness and loss of movements.

Physiotherapy with deep breathing exercises is the best treatment available for this disease.

I would be in a better position to guide you,if i could see the Xrays.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.

Thank you.
Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (52 minutes later)

Hi
Ive sent the x-rays via the above email you suggested, and put your name as attention on it. Hope they help. They aren't very clear sorry. Do you want the photos of my stomach where my ribs aren't even on each side or are the ribs irrelevent?

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Its an early stage

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through the attached Xrays.
It still seems to be initial stage of Ankylosing spondylitis.
Get HLA B27 ,RA factor blood tests to confirm.

Yes,you can always attach a photo of stomach and ribs.It should definitely help.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (36 minutes later)

Does it appear like there is a cracked rib on the left hand side?

Also could this explain the pain I have in my ribs under my arm??

i mean on the right hand side as I notice the x-ray has L on the right hand side, but it must be the way the x-ray was taken... sixth rib up from the bottom - and maybe a couple below it??? I have low bone density so would that have anything to do with it?

Also - why is the 10th disc up from the bottom, smaller than the rest??

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Spine rotation

Detailed Answer:
1.Cracked rib seems less likely on the left hand side.

2.Prominent ribs on left side are due to rotation of the spine and tilt .This may cause pain in your ribs and arm.

3.Low bone density can be related yes,but this can be corrected by taking calcium and vitamin D tablets.

4. The 10th disc appears smaller than the rest due to oblique view of the Xray and rotation of the spine to some extent.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (24 minutes later)

Okay - so is the cracked rib on the right hand side?

In the lateral view, the 2nd and 3rd ribs look like they are fractured. Would you agree?

I've been on Vit D Forte for years now, but maybe it's not enough because of the spine rotation.

Out of interest - what would have caused those ribs to fracture?

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
doubtful rib fracture

Detailed Answer:
Fracture of ribs is not crystal clear on these Xrays.But as you said,there is a doubtful fracture of 2nd and 3rd ribs on lateral view.
May be CT scan will help to confirm it.

Spine rotation has no effect on calcium deficiency and weak bones.

Any trivial trauma or weak bones ,or a sudden jerk can cause a rib to fracture.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (7 hours later)

Okay - on the AP view the breaks/fractures look a lot clearer to see when you zoom the x ray in closer. On ribs 5 and 6. Would you expect them to heal by themselves?

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,spontaneous healing will occur

Detailed Answer:
The fractures that you are talking about on the X-rays can be false artifacts too.

But, yes, if they are confirmed fractures, then they will heal by themselves spontaneously.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (33 minutes later)

what are false artifacts?

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
false artifacts

Detailed Answer:
These are false impressions that appear as fractures and appear due to shadows of soft tissues or irregular Xray beam exposure.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (34 minutes later)

Okay - thank you for that. Do you think I should get my back seen to by a specialist or is there nothing they can do?

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
SPECIALIST CONSULTATION NEEDED

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes,i would definitely recommend a specialist consultation for you.
Consult a orthopaedic spine surgeon.
Thank you.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana