What Does My X-ray Scan Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 28 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Had an X-ray for possible pneumonia and it says osseous bridge is visible between the left and second ribs. What does this mean?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Bone bridging is usually associated with the bone fracture healing process

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Bone bridging is what is seen in your chest X-ray, which usually results due to the healing from process from a previous fracture or injury. But in some very rare cases it can occur even in the absence of an injury, and is related infections; pathological bone growth, etc.

So if you have suffered a fracture in the region then this bridging is considered normal, but if not then your doctor will decide whether or not to investigate it.

I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar