Osteomyelitis

2019-01-04 18:21:48
My 4 year old son had been diagnosed with Osteomyelitis on his left wrist a week back. We got an X-Ray done and doctor prescribed some antibiotics after saying that the infection seems to be 5 to 6 weeks old. The pain reduced little bit but swelling has developed and he's not able to lift his hand. He then asked us to get a MRI scan done which we did today from Jubilee Mission Hospital, Thrissur. However, it seems the scan report will take two days. We were told the MRI scan of a wrist is a bit more detailed and complex. My question is what could be the next course that the doctor may take after seeing the report? Would surgery be required to remove dead bone tissue? Why would the MRI scan report take 2 days to prepare? I need some honest advise please as I'm really worried.
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Talking of dead bone, it is easily visible on xrays. MRI does not need 2 days to report ideally, howsoever the part complexity may be. Share xrays and clinical reports(ESR, CBC, CRP)
Next Steps
Osteomyelitis is not a thing to play around especially in children. It can cause physeal or growth plate disturbances.
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It is an emergency situation(acute) and relatively urgent (chronic) as far as children are involved.

Answered2019-01-05 16:50:22

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It takes less than an hour to report when the radiologist starts seeing it. It may be possible that the radiologist there is not experienced in reading small joints and they are referring the report to someone more experienced. It is good for you if they are trying to be doubly sure before making the report Anyways, it seems very unlikely that harm will happen in 2 days because it is already few weeks old
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No harm in taking a second opinion from another renowned doctor

Answered2019-01-05 09:11:22

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--Continue antibiotics. --Pus culture & sensitivity test. --Change antibiotics  accordingly. --Antioxidants and antiinflamatory help in recovery.

Answered2019-01-04 23:17:29

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May advise surgery if there is infection.

Answered2019-01-04 18:58:04

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