Dr. Muhammed Hassan
Internal Medicine
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
11 years ago, I suffered a fracture during an assault. I have received two diagnoses and wanted to know if a left-arm radius displaced fracture is the same as a left-arm radius midshaft fracture.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have read your query, and I can understand your concern.
Actually, "left radius midshaft fracture" is the proper term in medical or forensic science. It specifies the precise location, anatomy, and nature of the fracture. "Left radius displaced fracture" is a confusing term because it indicates that the radius is displaced, but it does not specify which part of the radius (such as the condyle, shaft, left or right condyle, or elsewhere) is affected by the fracture.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you for the reply doctor,
The injury was sustained due to a teacher pulling the arm and using excessive force during a restraint, employing inappropriate techniques. Can a midshaft fracture be caused by this type of trauma, involving pulling someone's arm and bending it in certain ways?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Pulling in a certain way may require a large force to fracture the arm because the bone is a compact structure that is difficult to break. Normally, it is almost impossible to break a bone just by pulling. However, applying force diagonally or at a certain angle to the bone may cause a fracture in any bone.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor for the reply,
I am still reviewing the medical records for this incident and came across another report diagnosing a fracture at the junction of the middle and distal one-third of the left radial shaft. Is this different from the diagnosis above of a midshaft fracture, or is it another way of describing a midshaft fracture? They found no evidence of a Galeazzi injury. I want to ensure this is not a different diagnosis.
My concern is whether this injury could potentially be caused by a criminal act of pulling or twisting someone's arm.
Please advise.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Twisting someone's arm can cause a fracture, but pulling someone's arm may not result in a fracture.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor for the reply,
I did uncover in one of the records that there was a diagnosis of "fracture at the junction of the middle and distal one-third of the left radial shaft." Can you confirm if this is the same type, albeit worded differently, as a left radius displaced fracture, or is this a different fracture diagnosis?
Please suggest.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, a fracture at the junction of the middle and distal one-third of the bone can be caused by just twisting the arm. Again, I repeat, it was not caused by pulling someone's arm, but yes, by twisting it.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor for the reply,
Can you advise if this would be a differential diagnosis of the bone injury (fracture at the junction of the middle and distal one-third of the left radial shaft) or the same diagnosis as a left radius displaced fracture? This is important for me to know.
Please advise.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
This is the same: a fracture at the junction of the middle and distal one-third of the shaft and a left radius displaced fracture.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor for the reply,
I have now obtained the X-ray photos for you to review. I am informed that this was a "fracture of the distal third of the radius with slight anterior angulation." Could you please examine the X-ray to offer your opinion on whether twisting was involved? Additionally, could you comment on what the slight anterior angulation signifies?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The statement you have posted is correct. There is a fracture of the distal third of the radius with slight angulation. No one can break the distal radius as seen in the X-ray with just twisting (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity). I am one hundred percent sure.
I hope your queries are resolved, and any further queries are welcome.
Thank you.
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Internal Medicine
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