Can you help explain my x-ray results?!
Question:
Can you help explain my x-ray results?
had sharp pain upper my chest left side so went to see a doctor. X-rays readings say:
1. a subtle expansile appearance of the lateral aspect of the left 9th rib is seen
2. mild blunting of the left costophrenic angle with associated opacities
3. a moderate osteophytic spur is identified at the inferior aspect of the distal clavicle
My pain is just a little under my breast, is that 9th rib?!!.
I came across Costochondris which seems to describe my pain but x-ray results seem to point to other explanations. Can someone explain the above in plain English?. Thanks a lot.
3 weeks ago
maddog: i picked up the report late yesterday when there was no doctor available. The nurse couldnt explain. It was suggested that i do further scans like CT, but it is weekend and i am planning to do that Monday. I am trying to understand the report meantime. I see your point though.
3 weeks ago
thanks all very much, Rad thanks for detailed explanation. fully understand it now.
Answers:
1. This is a little vague. Expansile literally means capable of or pertaining to expansion. I can only guess as to this doctor's thoughts on this. He/she may be seeing something on the lateral (outside, near your side) portion of your left 9th rib, the 2nd false rib (meaning not attached to your sternum).
2. Mild blunting of the left costophrenic angle with associated opacities means you probably have a small fluid build-up in the bottom of your left lung.
3. A moderate osteophytic spur is a small, bony outgrowth at the inferior (lower) aspect of the distal (further from the point of attachment) clavicle (aka collar bone).
My advice to you, and you should use this advice every time you see a doctor, ask the doctor to explain his/her results with you, one-on-one, in layman's terms. Tell them to use everyday English, and if you don't understand something, make sure you keep asking questions until you do.