Nondisplaced Radial Neck Fracture Inquiry
I'm a 27-year-old man who has been managing swelling with ibuprofen and Tylenol. Recently, I had an accident while riding my scooter and ended up fracturing my elbow just four days ago. The day after the incident, I visited the emergency room where an X-ray confirmed that I had a minor nondisplaced radial neck fracture. Today, as I was evaluating my elbow, I discovered an area that feels unusually soft, almost as if there's a jelly-like substance beneath the skin. I'm curious to know if this is a normal part of the healing process. Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
7/1/2025, 10:50:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about any changes in your elbow following the injury and diagnosis of a nondisplaced radial neck fracture. What you're experiencing may be related to the healing process, but it's important to monitor it closely.
Key Points:
- Swelling and soft areas around the fracture site can be common after an injury.
- The “jelly-like” feeling might correspond to fluid accumulation or soft tissue changes.
- Close observation is essential to differentiate normal healing from potential complications.
Explanation: After a fracture, it's normal for the area to swell as part of the body's healing response. Soft areas can develop due to bruising, fluid collection, or changes in the surrounding soft tissue. However, if this area seems unusually soft and is accompanied by increasing pain, redness, warmth, or decreased mobility, those could be signs of complications like infection or other injuries.
Next Steps:
- Observe: Monitor the soft area over the next few days. Check for any changes in size, tenderness, or development of other symptoms such as fever.
- Self-Care: Continue managing swelling with ibuprofen or Tylenol as advised. Applying ice wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes every few hours can help reduce swelling. Ensure you keep your elbow elevated to minimize swelling.
- Limit Movement: Avoid putting weight or stress on the injured elbow. Use any recommended slings or supports to ensure proper healing.
- Document Changes: Keep a daily note of the size of the soft area, pain levels, and any new symptoms. This information can be very useful if you need to consult a healthcare provider later.
If the soft area does not improve, worsens, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation to rule out any complications. Your body is healing, and it's great that you're attentive to these changes. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional guidance!
Related Questions
Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Sudden Hearing Loss Case
I am looking for advice regarding my mother's situation with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). **Patient Overview:** - **Age:** 48 years - **Gender:** Female - **Medical Issues:** Hypothyroidism and overweight (approximately 95 kg at the onset) - **Treatment:** Thyroid medication (25 mcg taken daily) **Medical Background:** In November 2025, my mother experienced an abrupt hearing loss in her right ear accompanied by dizziness and nausea. We consulted several ENT specialists within approximately 36 hours following the onset of her symptoms. She received a diagnosis of SSNHL but unfortunately, she did not undergo intratympanic steroid injections during the critical first 24 hours that could have aided her recovery. Despite receiving subsequent treatment, she has not regained hearing in her affected ear. **Examination Results:** - **Audiogram:** Loss of approximately 100 dB in the right ear; left ear shows normal hearing. - **Brain MRI:** A normal scan was conducted previously, ruling out tumors. - **Laboratory Tests:** Recent blood tests (including thyroid function, HbA1c, renal and liver function tests, CBC, etc.) show elevated TSH (6.73) and a HbA1c of 8.5%. We are currently preparing for a contrast MRI to eliminate the possibility of a vestibular schwannoma or nerve issues. **Current Condition:** The hearing loss persists in her right ear. She is feeling anxious about the upcoming contrast MRI, which involves gadolinium injection. However, she has started making positive lifestyle changes and has lost about 4.5 kg over the past two months, adhering to a protein-rich diet and a walking regimen. **My Inquiries:** 1. Is it still beneficial to perform a contrast MRI several months after the initial SSNHL diagnosis, considering that a normal MRI has already been completed? 2. For cases such as this—severe SSNHL with delayed steroid intervention—are there realistic prospects for hearing recovery at a later date? 3. Are there any additional tests or treatments that should be taken into account at this stage? 4. For family gatherings where loud music will be present, would high-quality earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds be a good option to safeguard her healthier ear? 5. Is it advisable for her to continue with whey protein supplementation and the weight-loss plan? 6. What should we prioritize for long-term management: hearing aids, rehabilitation, regular monitoring, etc.? I recognize that the chances of recovery may be slim, but I want to ensure we are covering all bases and that her care plan is appropriate. I appreciate any insights or suggestions you can offer. Thank you for your assistance!
Seeking Clarity on Medical Notes
Greetings, I’ve chosen to use a throwaway account to keep my medical details private from my main one. My daughter, a 3-year-old with cerebral palsy, is prescribed baclofen, gabapentin, senna, and occasionally, Miralax. She is raised in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. Recently, my daughter has exhibited instances of staring and being unresponsive, which we discussed with her pediatric neurologist. These episodes occurred multiple times over three weeks. Concerned about potential seizure activity, we recorded some incidents and shared them with the doctor. He advised us to schedule an EEG, which was set for the soonest available time a week later, while instructing us to call if more episodes occurred. When another episode took place, we reached out to the neurologist, who practices at a children’s hospital approximately two hours away. He recommended that we go to our local emergency room. Upon arriving there, the attending physician reviewed her history but seemed skeptical. After a lengthy wait and attempts to clarify our situation, the on-call neurologist eventually came to see us—although he showed little interest in the video evidence we provided. He proceeded with an EEG that lasted only 15 minutes during which my daughter did not have any episodes. Unfortunately, this neurologist was rather abrupt and seemed dismissive, ultimately sending us home without satisfactory answers. Now, I find myself puzzled. In the EEG report, the neurologist mentioned something called a "teddy bear sign." As I had never encountered this term before, I did some research and discovered that it may suggest that seizure activity is not genuine if the patient is in possession of a stuffed animal or similar item. Is this a legitimate observation? My daughter indeed had her beloved baby doll, which she takes with her everywhere. I fail to comprehend how this could be relevant or why it might indicate that her potential seizure activity is fabricated. I plan to reach out to her primary neurologist to gain deeper insight into the meaning of this "teddy bear sign." Thank you for your help!
Evaluating the Reliability of Blood Tests for Liver Disease
As a 30-year-old man who has indulged in heavy drinking during weekends for the past decade, I recently sought to understand the health of my liver through a blood test conducted at a laboratory. Initially, I felt a wave of relief when I received my results indicating that all my liver enzyme levels were within normal limits. However, my sense of security was short-lived as I stumbled upon information suggesting that some forms of liver disease might not be detectable through standard blood testing. This has prompted me to question the extent to which I can rely on my test results. Is it possible that underlying issues might still exist despite what the blood work revealed?
ENT Inquiry: Can Nasal or Sinus Cancer Develop in 3 Months Post-Normal Endoscopy?
Subject: 62 Years Old Gender: Female Background: Long-standing nasal and sinus issues My mother has grappled with persistent nasal blockages, sinus discomfort, and ear pressure for a considerable period. Approximately three months prior, she underwent a flexible fiberoptic nasal endoscopy, which revealed signs indicative of chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. The examination showcased features such as inflamed and discolored mucosa, enlarged nasal turbinates, and the presence of clear mucus. Importantly, no masses or concerning lesions were identified during this evaluation. Additionally, her oropharyngeal examination yielded normal results. However, during a recent ENT consultation, a “suspicious lesion above the middle turbinate” was identified via endoscopy, which prompted a referral for an “urgent” CT scan (scheduled for three weeks from now, as we reside in Croatia). Currently, she does not exhibit any worsening symptoms such as facial swelling, altered vision, or recurring nosebleeds (two notable nosebleeds occurred around a year ago, but she has not experienced any since then). I have a few inquiries: 1. Is it feasible for a malignant tumor in the nasal or sinus region to arise or become significant within a mere three months, given that a fiberoptic endoscopy conducted three months earlier revealed no alarming findings? 2. Considering this clinical scenario, how much more likely could this be a nasal polyp or chronic inflammatory reaction as opposed to a cancerous growth? 3. Is there a possibility that such a lesion existed three months prior but eluded detection during the fiberoptic endoscopy? I greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide regarding these concerns.
In Need of Support
Greetings, I'm a 23-year-old male who actively participates in sports. It was around April that I started experiencing persistent pain in my shoulder and sacroiliac joint. By July, after taking finasteride for a period of three weeks, my joint discomfort intensified significantly and began affecting almost every joint in my body. Additionally, I noticed that my joints became unusually loose, leading to my shoulders partially dislocating from their sockets. This also brought on severe cognitive fog and a sensation of pressure in my head. I am losing my sense of optimism. If anyone has insights or assistance to offer, I would greatly appreciate it. To highlight, I have never had hypermobility nor have I been particularly flexible before this issue arose.