Will surgery for a comminuted fracture of the right hand affect white blood cell count?
Hello doctor, I was in a car accident last year and suffered a comminuted fracture in my right arm.
The doctor performed surgery on the same day, but since I didn't know my blood type, the doctor conducted a blood test for me.
The results showed that my white blood cell (WBC) count was 13.61, with units of 10^3/uL, and the reference range is 4.00-10.80.
I found different conversion methods online, so I'm a bit confused.
I would like to know if a fracture and surgery can affect white blood cell counts?
Ru Ru, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/18
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: There are many reasons for an increase in white blood cell count, with the most common being infection and inflammation.
Other common causes include allergies or hematologic malignancies.
In rare cases, temporary increases can occur due to intense exercise or bathing.
Based on your description, you recently experienced a comminuted fracture, which can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, potentially leading to leukocytosis.
Additionally, if the car accident resulted in an open wound, the condition of the wound should be considered, as any infection could also cause an increase in white blood cells.
Reply Date: 2020/02/18
More Info
Yes, surgery for a right radius fracture can indeed affect white blood cell (WBC) count. The increase in your WBC count to 13.61 x 10^3/uL, which is above the normal reference range of 4.00-10.80 x 10^3/uL, can be attributed to several factors related to your injury and the surgical procedure.
When a fracture occurs, especially a complex one like a comminuted fracture, the body responds with an inflammatory reaction. This is a natural part of the healing process. The inflammation is characterized by the release of various cytokines and other signaling molecules that stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. This is why it is common to see elevated WBC counts in patients who have experienced trauma or surgery.
In your case, the surgery itself can also contribute to an increase in WBC count. Surgical procedures can induce a stress response in the body, which may lead to a temporary rise in WBC levels. This is part of the body's way of preparing to fight potential infections that could arise from surgical wounds or from the trauma itself.
Additionally, if there were any complications during or after the surgery, such as an infection at the surgical site, this could further elevate your WBC count. Infections are one of the most common reasons for elevated WBC levels, as the body mobilizes immune cells to combat the invading pathogens.
It is important to note that while a WBC count above the normal range can indicate an ongoing inflammatory process or infection, it is not diagnostic on its own. Your healthcare provider would consider other clinical signs, symptoms, and possibly additional tests to determine the underlying cause of the elevated WBC count.
If you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, increased pain, redness, or swelling at the surgical site, it is crucial to communicate these to your doctor. They may want to perform further evaluations, such as imaging studies or cultures, to rule out any complications.
In summary, surgery for a right radius fracture can lead to an increase in white blood cell count due to the body's inflammatory response to injury and the stress of surgery. This is a common physiological response and is typically temporary. However, ongoing monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure proper recovery and to address any potential complications.
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