The Healing Touch: A Doctor's Impact on Daily Life

Being a doctor is a noble profession that can have a profound impact on an individual's life. As a Orthopedician, it is my mission to create a difference in the life of every patient who comes to me for help. A recent experience with a young girl vividly illustrates this concept.

Midnight Call, Unfolding Mystery

It was a busy night at the hospital. I was in the middle of my dinner when an urgent call came from the Casualty Department. A young girl was admitted with severe upper limb pain, and she was not using it at all.

I knew the history of pulled elbow from my training. I instructed the Casualty doctor to perform an x-ray to localize the issue. However, the initial conversation revealed a potential lapse. The Casualty doctor had asked for an x-ray of the entire upper limb, even though the child was not fully cooperating during the examination.

Diagnostic findings revealed that a full upper limb x-ray was not completely necessary. I requested a specific x-ray focused on the elbow to compare it with the contralateral side. As I rushed to the Casualty Department, I was aware of the mystery that lay ahead.

Through Sleep, Revelation

I introduced myself to the child's mother and relatives, explaining the situation and the plan to proceed. Her mother shared that the child had been playing normally until 11 PM, and then suddenly let go of her hand near a chair, producing a distinct sound. Since then, the girl had not been using her left arm.

I asked if anyone had held or pulled her hand, and they confirmed that they were unaware of any such incidents. It struck me as unusual, as the issue could be that the child was just tired and fussy.

With the child sleeping, I gently examined her to check for any obvious tender points. The x-ray results showed no signs of a fracture. Nevertheless, I had to rouse the 3-year-old to examine the elbow area properly. Once I asked the mother to wake the child, she instantly began to cry, confirming the presence of the pulled elbow.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A pulled elbow is a common condition in children, particularly in the age group of 6 to 6 years. The annular ligament around the radial head is not fully developed in this age group, making the radius prone to subluxation during a pull, often by a relative or a nursemaid.

Diagnosis is straightforward, and knowledge gained from previous experiences in my medical journey was key to resolving this case successfully. I explained the situation to the child and her family, and using a gentle traction, I supinated the forearm with my thumb over the radial head to push it back into the socket. I could hear the satisfying click that indicated successful reduction.

Even after the reduction, the child continued to cry, likely due to fear. Once she moved her arm, the pain subsided, and she started to smile.

Recovery and Beyond

I checked the range of motion to ensure that the elbow was functioning normally. After confirming her ability to move her arm, I asked the mother to pick up the child. The mother stretched her arms and asked the child to come to her. The child hugged her mother, and it was like a miracle in their eyes.

The girl, who had been unable to use her left arm, was now fully utilizing it. This experience was a reminder of the invaluable impact a doctor can have on a patient's life. It was rewarding to see the child’s transformation and the gratefulness in the mother's eyes. The relatives, too, were in awe of the moment.

A Lesson in Dedication

Being a doctor is not always easy. Long nights in the library studying and the occasional doubt about one's efforts are part of the journey. However, no effort goes in vain. Learning about conditions like a pulled elbow and the appropriate treatment can make a significant difference in a patient's life.

True satisfaction comes from moments like these. A doctor's role is not just to treat illnesses but to provide care and alleviate suffering. As I witnessed this transformation, I realized that this is what makes the long, dedicated path worth pursuing. Work hard, and you never know when your knowledge and skill will come into play.

Conclusion

Every doctor's journey is unique, but the experiences that shape us are invaluable. Whether it is a young girl with a pulled elbow or a complex surgery, each case is a reminder of the profound impact we can have as healthcare professionals. The satisfaction of knowing that you have made a difference in a patient's life is what makes this profession truly worth it.