Your Orthopod: Dr Markandaiya Acharya

 It was around 12 am, and in the dead silence, my cellphone rang. I had received a call from the emergency department for a 3-year-old baby who had fallen from a chair and presented with deformity, pain, and bluish discoloration at his elbow joint. I was sure of the outcome, but after checking the pulse over the affected side and looking at the deformity, I asked for an X-ray. It confirmed my diagnosis: a supracondylar fracture of the humerus. ( Spracondylar fracture of Humerus ) Introduction Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are among the most common fractures in children, accounting for approximately 16% of all pediatric fractures and 60% of elbow fractures in this age group ( Fracture SupracondylarHumerus: A Review ). These fractures occur just above the elbow joint and are most frequently seen in children aged 5-7 years, typically resulting from a fall on an outstretched hand. This article explores the causes, epidemiology, treatment methods, outcomes, and specific con...

 Imagine you’re in the emergency room, your ankle throbbing after a bad fall. The doctor confirms it: you’ve broken a bone. But then, a few days later, you notice something strange—blisters forming on your skin, right over the fracture site. You’re confused, maybe even a little worried. What are these blisters, and why are they there?  ( A Proximal Leg Fracture with Fracture Blister developed over it ) What Are Fracture Blisters? Fracture blisters are fluid-filled vesicles or bullae that form on the skin overlying a fractured bone. They are a sign of significant soft-tissue injury and occur in approximately 2.9% of all fractures requiring hospitalization ( Verywell Health ). These blisters are most commonly seen in areas where the skin adheres tightly to the bone with little subcutaneous fat, such as the ankle, wrist, elbow, foot, and distal tibia. They resemble second-degree burns in appearance but are caused by mechanical trauma rather than heat. Fracture blisters can ...

 Imagine waking up one day with a pain so intense, it feels like your arm or leg is on fire, yet there’s no visible injury to explain it. For those living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) , this is not a fleeting nightmare but a daily reality. CRPS is a chronic pain condition that can turn lives upside down, leaving patients and their loved ones searching for answers.    ( A Case of CRPS ) What is CRPS, and Why Should We Talk About It? CRPS is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg, often following an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury and can be described as burning, stabbing, or shooting. Besides pain, patients may experience swelling, changes in skin color and temperature, and hypersensitivity to touch or cold ( Mayo Clinic ). Why is it important to talk about CRPS? Because it’s often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and increased ...

It often happens we're sitting in a restaurant when a well-meaning voice in our head reminds us,  "You should eat a salad."  Inspired, we call over the waiter and confidently order,  "One large green salad with lots of veggies, please!"  Moments later, the staff returns with a neatly arranged plate of fresh cucumbers, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and onion rings. It looks so aesthetic that you can't resist snapping a quick photo for Instagram before diving in. But here’s the real question— is it always as healthy as it looks? ( Green Salad ) A crisp romaine lettuce salad is a staple in many diets, valued for its nutrition and versatility. However, this leafy green has been at the heart of several high-profile  Escherichia coli  ( E. coli ) outbreaks, raising concerns about food safety. From the significant 2018 outbreak to more recent incidents in 2024, romaine lettuce has repeatedly been linked to serious illnesses. What is E. coli? Escherichia c...

A few days ago, a young man walked into my clinic, visibly frustrated and anxious. He had developed swelling in his foot following a seemingly minor burn injury—a superficial scald from his bike’s silencer. Although the wound itself was small and not deep, the aftermath had taken a heavy toll on him, both physically and mentally. The swelling had become a significant concern. He could no longer wear footwear, making even basic mobility a struggle. Despite consulting a local physician, his condition remained unchanged, leaving him even more distressed. Sensing his frustration, I listened carefully and approached the case with empathy. As I gently palpated the affected area, my clinical suspicion was quickly confirmed. ( Image Showing Cellulitis ) Cellulitis:  Cellulitis is characterized as an acute bacterial infection, primarily affecting the dermis and surrounding subcutaneous tissue, without the formation of abscesses or purulent discharge. It is noted for its significant public...