Understanding Pediatric Fractures: Acceptable Deformities and Healing Potential
Pediatric fractures Dr. Remodeling potential: If the fracture site is not perfectly aligned or has even a slight rotational deformity, the balance of muscle tension stimulation, along with the periosteum responding to pressure by forming bone and responding to tension by resorbin...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Readers: Remodeling potential is related to age; the younger the individual, the stronger the remodeling capability. Therefore, younger individuals can tolerate greater degrees of rotational deformity (malrotation) and angulation. For example, in the case of distal radius fr...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Fractures: Acceptable Deformities and Healing Potential
Can You Increase Bone Density and Size for a Stronger Appearance?
Increase bone density? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you if it's possible to make bones thicker? I feel that my arms are particularly thin compared to others of the same height, which makes me feel very slim and unattractive. After all, having a more muscular arm is of...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Netizen: The thickness of bones is related to factors such as genetic predisposition, nutritional status, exercise habits, bone diseases, neuromuscular disorders, and hormones. At 19 years old, your skeletal development is nearly complete, as the growth plates have mostly ca...[Read More] Can You Increase Bone Density and Size for a Stronger Appearance?
Understanding and Treating a Hard Lump on Your Finger Joint
Joint issues Hello Director Chen: I have a hard "small bead" on the third joint of my left middle finger (the area where it connects to the palm). It is about the size of half a grain of rice, and there are no visible changes to the appearance of my hand, nor do I exper...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Reader, There are many reasons for the formation of lumps, some of which remain unclear. To accurately determine the type of tumor, surgical removal of the lump followed by pathological examination is necessary. Currently, you have a small hard lump about the size of half a...[Read More] Understanding and Treating a Hard Lump on Your Finger Joint
Is Clavicle Surgery the Right Solution for Chronic Shoulder Pain?
Is surgery on the clavicle advisable? Hello Dr. Chen: My wife has a slight indentation in her right shoulder, and her right clavicle is protruding upwards. The right side of her neck feels tight and tense, and she has lost her sense of taste while eating. She experiences persiste...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Hsieh, I would like to inquire if your wife has ever sustained an injury that may have caused her clavicle to protrude upward and her neck muscles to feel tense. If orthopedic evaluation and X-ray examinations show no skeletal damage or pathology, then surgery would not...[Read More] Is Clavicle Surgery the Right Solution for Chronic Shoulder Pain?
Effective Solutions for Chronic Wrist Pain During Push-Ups
Wrist pain Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about the pain I experience in my right wrist when it is at a 90-degree angle, especially during push-ups, where the discomfort is particularly noticeable. This issue first arose four years ago, and I have had injuries in the same area...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Mex, The pain in your wrist during exertion may be due to several factors, including tendon and ligament injuries or inflammation, bone pathologies, or issues with the articular cartilage. Based on your description, the most likely cause of your pain is tendon and ligam...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Chronic Wrist Pain During Push-Ups
Understanding Open Fractures of the Fibula and Tibia: Recovery Insights
Open fractures of the fibula and tibia? Dear Dr. Chen, I have a few questions to ask you. Last month, I suffered an open fracture of the fibula and tibia in my left lower leg due to a car accident, with the tibia having a comminuted fracture. Additionally, there is a V-shaped im...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Didi, After an injury and fracture, poor blood circulation is a common phenomenon. In principle, elevating the affected area, performing muscle contraction exercises in the legs, and practicing walking can help improve circulation. Initially, during walking practice, yo...[Read More] Understanding Open Fractures of the Fibula and Tibia: Recovery Insights
Understanding and Treating Chronic Bone Pain After Injury
Why do bones ache? I previously had an injury to my neck, where the twisting caused compression of the bones, and I often experience soreness and pain. Is there a way to treat this effectively?
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Miss Amy, There are many reasons for neck pain, such as injuries, inflammation of muscles or tendons, and diseases of the bones or nerves. Therefore, identifying the underlying cause is very important. In fact, most neck pain is caused by poor posture or improper use, leadi...[Read More] Understanding and Treating Chronic Bone Pain After Injury
Do You Need Surgery for a Muscle Tumor on Your Hand?
Is surgery necessary for a sarcoma on the hand? I have a lump on my hand that has been there for over two months. I saw a doctor yesterday, and he said it is a sarcoma (or possibly a fibroma, I can't quite remember). Do I definitely need surgery? If I don't have surgery...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Ms. Lisa, There are many reasons why tumors may develop in the hand, including genetic and environmental factors, but in most cases, the exact cause is unclear. Whether a tumor in the hand requires surgical excision depends on whether it is gradually increasing in size or c...[Read More] Do You Need Surgery for a Muscle Tumor on Your Hand?
Understanding Hard Bumps After Wrist Dislocation: Causes and Treatments
Why do hard lumps develop after a wrist sprain? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my mother's palm. She often experiences wrist strain from lifting heavy objects, and now a small hard lump has developed. Her hand is getting weaker. Is this a sign of nerve compressi...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear online friend: Is your mother experiencing symptoms of nerve compression? A thorough examination, including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, is necessary to confirm this condition. In the early stages, treatment for nerve compression can involve conservat...[Read More] Understanding Hard Bumps After Wrist Dislocation: Causes and Treatments
Is Surgery Safe for Patients with a History of Tuberculosis?
Is there any risk associated with surgery? Dear Dr. Chen, I previously consulted you regarding some issues, and I appreciate the advice you provided! Now my father still has some questions, so I would like to ask for your assistance once again. My father is considering surgical ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Miss Hsiao-Chiu: You need not worry; the chance of tuberculosis bacteria infecting directly through the bloodstream is extremely low, especially since your father's pulmonary tuberculosis is well-controlled. Wishing you health and peace! Sincerely, Dr. Chen[Read More] Is Surgery Safe for Patients with a History of Tuberculosis?
Addressing Congenital Foot Anomalies: Treatment Options for Shorter Toes
My toes are different from others? I would like to ask, my second and third toes are different from others; they are shorter. Specifically, the second toe is only about half the length of my big toe (this is the case with my left foot, while my right foot is normal). I believe I ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Netizen: Currently, there are medical methods available for limb lengthening, but it is not recommended to attempt it lightly unless necessary. You may visit the orthopedic clinic of Professor Huang Shih-Chieh at National Taiwan University Hospital to assess whether you are ...[Read More] Addressing Congenital Foot Anomalies: Treatment Options for Shorter Toes
Understanding Trigger Finger: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Trigger finger If bending and straightening your fingers causes pain, and pressing down also results in discomfort, along with a feeling of tightness in the fingers that has persisted for a month, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess your conditio...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Readers, Trigger finger, formally known as stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor tendon, is typically caused by narrowing of the first annular pulley of the flexor sheath. This condition leads to finger pain and difficulty in extending the proximal interphalangeal joint. Th...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding ACL Tears and Meniscus Injuries: Recovery Options
Torn posterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear? Hello Dr. Chen: I was in a car accident on March 29, and about a month later, I discovered that I have a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a meniscus tear. After reviewing the MRI results, the doctors advised me to under...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Ms. Chih-Ling, The management of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears and meniscal tears generally does not recommend surgical intervention during the acute phase. If surgical reconstruction is necessary, it is often advised to wait at least four to six weeks. The decisi...[Read More] Understanding ACL Tears and Meniscus Injuries: Recovery Options
Understanding Clavicle Fracture Rehabilitation: Key Insights and Advice
How to rehabilitate a clavicle fracture? Hello Dr. Chen, my father accidentally fractured his clavicle while riding his bicycle. However, it has been several months without improvement. He has been visiting the hospital for follow-ups, but ultimately it was discovered that the he...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Reader, The treatment for clavicle fractures can be divided into conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Surgical intervention is necessary in cases of open fractures, associated neurovascular injuries, mid-shaft clavicle fractures with significant displacement, frac...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fracture Rehabilitation: Key Insights and Advice
Understanding Swollen Fingers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Swelling of the fingers? Hello! I would like to ask, last Friday afternoon, for some unknown reason, a small part of the flesh in the middle and front joints of my right hand finger suddenly swelled up. It hurts when I press on it, and it feels hard to the touch. At that time, I ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear User: The most important thing right now is to go to a larger hospital as soon as possible and consult a hand surgeon for your treatment. The symptoms you described seem to be indicative of an infection, but further questioning, examination, or testing is needed to confirm t...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Fingers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Persistent Swelling in the Index Finger: Seeking Advanced Treatment Options
Swelling of the index finger? Dear Doctors, I would like to ask for your advice regarding my mother. She accidentally fell and has since experienced persistent swelling in her left index finger, which is sometimes painful. She has already visited a clinic where an X-ray was take...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Ms. Nana, Your mother has sustained an injury to her left index finger due to a fall, resulting in swelling. First, it is essential to determine whether there is any fracture or dislocation, as well as to check for any associated abrasions or lacerations at the time of inju...[Read More] Persistent Swelling in the Index Finger: Seeking Advanced Treatment Options
Understanding Congenital Bone Fractures: Treatment Options for Children
Congenital fracture Since I noticed that my elbow joints were particularly prominent since kindergarten, and now at twelve years old, my arms cannot straighten like others, I would like to ask if correction can be done or if surgery is necessary to improve this condition. Thank y...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Peipei, From your letter, it appears that you are experiencing deformities in both elbow joints and limited range of motion. There are many potential causes for this issue, such as childhood injuries, infections, or congenital skeletal disorders. A thorough medical history ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Bone Fractures: Treatment Options for Children
Rehabilitation Strategies for Right Shoulder Dislocation Recovery
Rehabilitation for Right Scapular Dislocation Hello Dr. Chen, on the afternoon of March 4th, I dislocated my right scapula while playing basketball. Since there were no fractures, it was relocated after being sent to the hospital, and I was only given a triangular bandage without...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Shoulder Dislocation Dear readers: After the reduction of a shoulder dislocation, it is essential to return to the orthopedic clinic for an X-ray examination to confirm the accuracy of the reduction and to check for any associated fractures, as well as to assess for potential da...[Read More] Rehabilitation Strategies for Right Shoulder Dislocation Recovery
Understanding Tibial Fractures: Recovery, Surgery, and Rehabilitation Insights
Tibial fracture? Dear Dr. Chen, I previously sent you an email inquiring about some questions, but I have not yet received your response. Therefore, I couldn't help but send another email to seek clarification on the following issues: 1. It has been almost 7 months since m...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear users: Whether the fracture has healed can be determined by an X-ray examination. Although the strength of the bone remains weaker than the uninjured side before complete healing, it will not be soft. Generally, spinal anesthesia is commonly used during surgery, but the deci...[Read More] Understanding Tibial Fractures: Recovery, Surgery, and Rehabilitation Insights
Does Pillow Height Affect Posture and Hunchback Issues?
Does the height of a pillow affect hunchback posture? Hello Dr. Chen, sometimes people remind me that I have a hunchback, so I lift my head and straighten my chest, and then I don't have a hunchback anymore. When I'm feeling down or not paying attention, I tend to hunch...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Anbang, It seems that you may be overthinking this. As long as you have undergone an examination by an orthopedic physician and have been confirmed to have no skeletal abnormalities, you should feel reassured. The height of your pillow is likely unrelated to your hunchback ...[Read More] Does Pillow Height Affect Posture and Hunchback Issues?