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February 2003
By Theodore E. Keats, MD
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A six-year-old girl has been complaining of wrist pain for
three weeks. What is your interpretation of this view of her
wrist?
CLICK HERE FOR ANSWER
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ANSWER
The correct diagnosis is osteomyelitis. A large area of poorly
defined bone destruction is visible in the distal radial metaphysis,
with associated periosteal reaction on both sides of the bone.
Osteomyelitis at this age is usually metaphyseal in location
and may be indolent, as in this case.
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This series of diagnostic quizzes that
challenge your ability to read a variety of x-ray films is edited
by Dr. Keats, professor of radiology and professor of orthopedics
at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville.
Emerg Med 35(2):59, 2003
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