Cortical discontinuity after ulnar stem fracture means that a fracture has occurred, which can occur at the stage of new fracture or at the later stage of healing of the fracture.
New Fracture: The human bone cortex is continuous and intact in normal state, if a fracture occurs, the cortical discontinuity can be seen on X-ray, cortical discontinuity can be seen in many types of fracture such as cleavage fracture, spiral fracture, transverse fracture and so on.
If the X-ray is performed shortly after a fracture of the ulnar stem, it is usually a normal imaging presentation of the fracture.
Fracture healing phase: If the patient has had a fracture of the ulnar stem for some time, such as an X-ray taken 2-3 months after the fracture, and it still suggests cortical discontinuity, then there is a high degree of suspicion that there has been delayed healing of the fracture, or that the fracture is not healing.
Cortical discontinuity during the healing phase is usually abnormal, because fractures usually show the presence of a scab and a blurred fracture line during the healing phase.
In the event of an abnormal ulnar stem x-ray, it is recommended to consult a physician to determine the cause of the condition and to provide appropriate management or treatment.