X-Rays

[horseshoes]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Law/Question1396861.html

Please read my posts from the Law section ( not sure if I've copied URL correctly)

I'm just curious really. Why didn't either X-ray pick up a broken pelvis? The lady in the next bed to Mum has a broken hip which was only diagnosed from an MRI/CT scan. Does that often happen? Apart from that, we were all very impressed with A&E, which always seems to be getting a bad press lately.

Thank you,

[Dizmo]

As far as I know, X-rays don't always show up broken bones. A CT is hundreds of X-rays which are rotated (3D). The only downside to a CT is that you're exposed to a lot more radiation and doctors don't like ordering them (asking for them to be done) unless they really have to.

[horseshoes]

Ah, thanks Dizmo.

[pixie373]

They couldn't tell from the x-ray if my son's ankle was broken either- so they treated it as if it was. I think it depends on the break and angle of the x-rays.

[Dizmo]

I've had 8 CT scans in the last 7 months. I'm practically green with radiation. I don't know anything about MRI's but I am due to have one next week so...

How is your mum horseshoes?

[Sqad]

I am a bit confused here.....who has the broken pelvis your mum or the lady in the next bed?

[Dizmo]

Sqad: I'm assuming, after reading her previous post, that her mother had an X-ray and then had a CT or MRI and is now being treated for having a 'broken pelvis. Changes are the woman next to her is in the same position as well.

[kylesmum]

The spiral fracture of my tibia was only diagnosed through a CT, it was a late call by my Consultant before operating on other fractures. It likely saved me a further op.

[Sqad]

Dizmo....right.
On your analysis i am going to assume that mum has a fractured pelvis which was missed.......if that ISN't the case, then treat my answer as a general answer as to why fractures are missed.

1) A junior doctor in A&E has looked at the |X-ray and missed the fracture.
2) If a fracture was suspected, the wrong views were ordered.
3) Plain X-Rays have their limitations, so if a fracture is suspected, but plain X-Rays are "normal" then a CT/MRI should be ordered.
4) Fractures of long bones are easy on straight X-Rays, but other areas may need CT/MRI.

If i have missed your point horseshoes..........forget my post.

[Dizmo]

Sqad: I was going to mention the junior doctor bit but didn't feel it appropriate - only because I know how hard it can be for them. They managed to screw up most of my diagnosis's so humpf.

[horseshoes]

Thanks Diz and Sqad. Sorry if I didn't explain properly. Mum fell, taken to A&E where they found, after an xray, that she had an "empty shoulder". Put under anaesthetic - shoulder replaced. Although she could hardly sit, stand or walk, her hip/pelvis was not X-rayed and she went home. On Monday, her pain was so great that she went back to A&E where they X-rayed her hip/ pelvis area but didn't see a fracture. Home again, until Weds when she had an appointment in fracture clinic. Again in great pain. Another X-ray but no fracture spotted. Do for wasn't happy and admitted her and today she has had her scan and has been found to have a fractured pelvis! Operation tomorrow and has been told she might be home and walking next week. Poor thing - all that pain for a whole week.

[Dizmo]

horseshoes: Unfortunately these things happen and the broken hip scenario seems to be quite common. A friend of my ex mother in law was taken into hospital and they told the doctors it was broken but they wouldn't listen. It wasn't until she then fell out of bed and banged her head that they decided to give her a CT scan. You could see something was wrong as her left leg was shorter than her right - apparently.

[Sqad]

Thanks horseshoe, I have got it now.
My "general" post says it all.

[anneasquith]

poor thing. shoulder and hip fracture, I hope her general health is good, which will aid her recovery,

[horseshoes]

Anne, she's so fit, people are often surprised at her age. She had quite bowel cancel some years ago and underwent a 6 hour operation. She was very poorly afterwards but pulled through. The oncologist told her it was testament to her health and fitness. She walks miles, gardens, paints, goes to the Galleries etc etc etc and generally has a young outlook on life. 83 years young in April. x

[anneasquith]

good luck for her surgery :)