Understanding Meniscus Surgery: Recovery Time and Expectations
Meniscectomy Hello, doctor! I injured myself while lifting heavy objects, and after two months, I still haven't recovered. I experience pain and discomfort after walking for a while. I went to the hospital for a consultation and had an MRI, which revealed that I have a later...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
How long it will take to recover should be discussed with the surgeon, as only the surgeon knows the specifics of the arthroscopic procedure performed. Additionally, recovery ability varies from person to person, so it is difficult to provide a specific timeframe.[Read More] Understanding Meniscus Surgery: Recovery Time and Expectations
Recovering from Severe Leg Fractures: Improving Knee Flexibility After Surgery
Severe foot fracture, with the knee able to bend only 90 degrees? Hello Doctor: I sustained a left leg fracture due to a car accident as follows: On February 27, 2018, I underwent surgery for the application of an external fixator on the left tibia and closed reduction with inter...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
It is recommended to have the original surgeon follow up with an X-ray to confirm that rehabilitation can begin, as the bone needs to be stable before starting rehabilitation.[Read More] Recovering from Severe Leg Fractures: Improving Knee Flexibility After Surgery
Can Bone Cement Treatment Improve Spinal Slippage in Elderly Patients?
Inquiry about bone cement treatment? Hello, doctor. My mother is 73 years old and previously reported back pain. After a diagnosis, it was determined that she has a spondylolisthesis at the L4-L5 level, leading to surgery for stabilization. However, her pain has not improved over...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
If the bone screw has become loose, it is necessary to determine whether the pain is caused by lumbar instability or if there are other vertebral fractures in order to decide the next steps for management.[Read More] Can Bone Cement Treatment Improve Spinal Slippage in Elderly Patients?
Do I Really Need a Cast for My Foot Fracture? Expert Advice
A bone fracture without casting? Hello, on May 4th, the rehabilitation doctor said I have a fracture at the junction of the fourth and fifth metatarsals. I went to an orthopedic doctor who said the bones are fine. Now, after more than a month, I had another X-ray at the rehabilit...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
After six weeks of a fracture, if the first X-ray shows stability, normal activities can be resumed without the need for excessive X-ray examinations. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do I Really Need a Cast for My Foot Fracture? Expert Advice
Post-ACL Surgery: Managing Swelling and Discomfort After Arthroscopy
Post-operative swelling after arthroscopic surgery? Hello Doctor, I underwent arthroscopic surgery for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and meniscus repair one week ago. Although there is some swelling post-surgery, I believe it is not too severe. However, due to the nat...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
If swelling persists after surgery, ice packs should be applied. If the swelling has started to subside, heat packs can be used. Generally, the elevation should be above heart level. If the swelling still does not improve, it is recommended to return for a follow-up examination.[Read More] Post-ACL Surgery: Managing Swelling and Discomfort After Arthroscopy
Post-ACL Surgery: Understanding Knee Swelling and Pain Issues
Post-operative knee effusion following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery? Hello, doctor. I underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and partial meniscus repair on October 1st last year, and it has been 9 months since the surgery. MRI scans taken at the 3-month a...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
The presence of effusion is generally a result of inflammation in the joint tissues. The redness is likely due to the severity of the inflammation. It is difficult to determine whether it is degenerative arthritis or periostitis. If both MRI scans show no issues with the ligament...[Read More] Post-ACL Surgery: Understanding Knee Swelling and Pain Issues
Understanding Recovery After ACL Reconstruction: Common Concerns and Tips
Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction Hello Doctor, it has been over three months since my left knee underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and my flexion angle is approximately 130 degrees. 1. The injured knee still feels a bit swollen. 2. After practicing ben...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
These symptoms are common post-operative conditions and may persist for more than six months. Please continue with your rehabilitation.[Read More] Understanding Recovery After ACL Reconstruction: Common Concerns and Tips
Can I Still Grow Taller? Understanding Height Potential in Teenagers
What is the maximum height in centimeters? I am currently a 15-year-old male in the third year of junior high school, facing the pressure of exams. However, I go to bed very late every day. My dad is 164 cm, and my mom is 154 cm. My current height is 162.7 cm, and I wonder if I c...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
According to the height formula, the estimated height can reach approximately 165.5 cm. As for whether one can still grow taller during high school, it largely depends on whether the growth plates have closed. An X-ray can be used to determine this.[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller? Understanding Height Potential in Teenagers
Is PRP Injection Necessary for Long-Lasting Ligament Injury?
Ligament rupture Hello Doctor: Six months ago, I twisted my knee while skiing. Since then, I have been swimming and cycling, but I often feel pain on the inner side of my knee. Last week, the pain became unbearable, so I went to see a doctor. After an ultrasound, the doctor found...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
If the pain is severe, you may consider corticosteroid injections (covered by health insurance).[Read More] Is PRP Injection Necessary for Long-Lasting Ligament Injury?
Can I Use Heat Therapy at Home After Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery?
Can I apply heat therapy at home after surgery? After recently undergoing hip joint replacement surgery due to a car accident, is it safe to apply heat at home? Additionally, my grandmother had knee joint replacement surgery and has been using ice packs in the hospital; can she s...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
Depending on the situation, if there is persistent swelling, ice therapy should be the primary approach, and this applies to the knee joint as well. Once the swelling has subsided, you can switch to heat therapy. Regarding heat conduction, ceramic hip joints still contain metal c...[Read More] Can I Use Heat Therapy at Home After Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery?
Understanding Ankle Pain: OCD, Cartilage Damage, and Surgical Options
Ankle pain I have been experiencing ankle pain for three months, and after an examination at the hospital, I was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and instability due to cartilage wear. Should I consider surgery in this situation? Is it possible that the assessment o...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
The instability phenomenon you mentioned refers to the cartilage or the joint? If it is the cartilage, surgical treatment may need to be considered. Regarding the diagnosis, in addition to MRI, the most direct method is arthroscopy (which can also provide treatment in addition to...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Pain: OCD, Cartilage Damage, and Surgical Options
Knee Pain and Swelling After Intense Exercise: What You Need to Know
After intense exercise, the knee may become swollen and painful, making it difficult to straighten and exert force? Hello Doctor, I have a habit of playing softball by the riverside. This Sunday (May 5th), after finishing the game, everything was fine until I got back to my car. ...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
Swelling in the knee joint and inability to fully extend it may be due to synovitis with effusion. It is recommended to perform an ultrasound next time for confirmation (as X-rays may not reveal the issue). Regarding exercise, it is important to warm up before activities, wear ap...[Read More] Knee Pain and Swelling After Intense Exercise: What You Need to Know
Understanding Soft Bumps on the Knee: Causes and Solutions
There is a bulge or protrusion in the knee? Recently, I noticed a soft lump in the middle of my knee when I started wearing shorts. It doesn't hurt when I press on it, and I didn't have it before. I would like to ask a doctor for an explanation. Over the past few years,...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
The first question cannot be determined based solely on the text. The second issue may be plantar fasciitis; please follow the treatment recommendations provided by the clinic physician.[Read More] Understanding Soft Bumps on the Knee: Causes and Solutions
Managing Intermittent Knee Pain: Insights on Treatment and Recovery
Knee joint stabbing pain? Hello Dr. Tsai, Since this week, my left knee has started to feel itchy, but after two days, I began experiencing intermittent sharp pain, which worsens with touch. I visited an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray, and the doctor mentioned that I have lumba...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
It is not possible to make a diagnosis based solely on written descriptions. It is recommended to continue treatment and observation at the original clinic, or to go to a hospital for further examination and diagnosis.[Read More] Managing Intermittent Knee Pain: Insights on Treatment and Recovery
Understanding Lumbar Pain: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Lumbar pain and lower back pain? Initially, I sought treatment for lumbar pain at the rehabilitation department, where it was suggested that prolonged sitting was the cause. After a period of rehabilitation, there was some improvement; however, since stopping rehabilitation, the ...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
There are many causes of lower back pain; it is recommended to visit an orthopedic clinic or hospital for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Pain: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Can Meniscus Repair Surgery Leave No Visible Signs? Insights on Absorbable Materials
Will the cost of meniscus repair be completely absorbed by the body, leaving no visible signs of surgery? Hello Dr. Tsai, My husband underwent a meniscus repair surgery on his right knee three years ago due to a sports injury. During a follow-up visit after the surgery, the doct...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
Generally, there are two surgical methods for a meniscus tear: either suturing the torn area or excising the damaged portion. I'm not quite sure what you mean by "self-funded autologous absorption." If you have related questions, you should consult the surgeon who ...[Read More] Can Meniscus Repair Surgery Leave No Visible Signs? Insights on Absorbable Materials
Can I Still Grow Taller? Understanding Bone Development in Adolescents
Bone Development Hello, doctor. I am 160 cm tall. When I was in the first year of junior high, I was 145 cm and went to see an endocrinologist. The doctor said I had about a year left to grow, and I already had a slight Adam's apple but hadn't experienced voice changes ...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
Hello: As long as the growth plates have not closed, there is still a chance. With a normal diet, adequate sleep, and moderate exercise, there is still an opportunity for growth.[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller? Understanding Bone Development in Adolescents
Impact of Thyroid Medication on Bone Healing After Fracture
Simultaneous use of Ontruzant and osteoporosis medications? Hello Dr. Tsai, my mother is 63 years old. She had a femur fracture from a car accident six months ago. Recently, during a follow-up appointment, the doctor mentioned that after six months, she should not be walking with...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
Hello: There is a certain percentage of poor healing associated with femoral fractures, and the prognosis depends on the location of the fracture, the degree of comminution, and the surgical approach used, so it may not necessarily be related to thyroid medication. There are seve...[Read More] Impact of Thyroid Medication on Bone Healing After Fracture
Can PRP Therapy Help with Partial ACL Tears?
Can PRP be used for partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament? Hello, doctor. I was hit while playing basketball and underwent an MRI. The doctor diagnosed a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Would you recommend PRP injection, and will my condition impro...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Currently, numerous studies indicate that PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is effective, but it needs to be combined with supportive devices and rehabilitation therapy.[Read More] Can PRP Therapy Help with Partial ACL Tears?
Can Pull-Up Bars Help Relieve Back Pain? A Doctor's Insight
Regarding pull-ups? Hello, Doctor: Recently, I visited a clinic for X-rays due to long-term lower back pain. The doctor mentioned that there is a segment of my intervertebral disc that is compressed. After reviewing the X-ray images, I noticed that there is indeed a shorter space...
Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In addition to being mindful of your posture, you can also strengthen your abdominal and back muscles (core muscles) as well as your thigh muscles to reduce spinal pressure. Relying solely on external forces cannot widen the narrowed areas (the same goes for rehabilitation...[Read More] Can Pull-Up Bars Help Relieve Back Pain? A Doctor's Insight