Is Vertebroplasty Safe for Osteoporotic Spinal Fractures?
Is it suitable to use bone cement? 1. The T-score of L1-L4 was measured at approximately -2.84, and the Z-score of L1-L4 was measured at approximately -0.06. Is it appropriate to use vertebroplasty with bone cement for treatment, or are there safer treatment options available? 2...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Hello Ms. Chang: The decision for vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures should not rely solely on bone mineral density. Other indications should also be considered, so please consult a spine specialist. Additionally, for the vertebral body injection part, please inqu...[Read More] Is Vertebroplasty Safe for Osteoporotic Spinal Fractures?
Understanding Growth Issues: Should We Check Growth Plates for Precocious Puberty?
Growth issues Hello, I apologize for bothering you again. I took my child for an endocrine examination, and everything is normal, but they are diagnosed with normal variant precocious puberty. Their bone age is 16 years, and they may still grow a few more centimeters. Should we t...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
If the endocrine tests are all normal, just let nature take its course in development, but continue to exercise regularly. Don't worry anymore![Read More] Understanding Growth Issues: Should We Check Growth Plates for Precocious Puberty?
Can Growth Plate Fusion Still Allow for Height Increase?
Growth plate fusion? Hello, last week I asked a question. Originally, the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner said that the growth plates were fusing quickly, but when I took my child to see a pediatrician, the doctor said that the growth plates have already fused and there...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
In textbooks, after the growth plates fuse, there is limited room for growth. However, depending on age and average height, there may still be some potential for height increase. Exercise is indeed beneficial, unless there are underlying endocrine issues. Keep it up![Read More] Can Growth Plate Fusion Still Allow for Height Increase?
Understanding Open Knee Fractures: Causes of Fever and Post-Surgery Care
Open fracture of the knee, including tendon rupture? After a car accident, I sustained an open fracture of the knee and underwent surgery on June 3rd, which went well. However, a week later, I developed a high fever with increasing frequency. What could be the reason for this? Al...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
One week after open fracture surgery of the knee, an increase in fever frequency is most likely due to a bacterial infection, and close monitoring is necessary. It is important to observe the fracture wound for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Promptl...[Read More] Understanding Open Knee Fractures: Causes of Fever and Post-Surgery Care
Understanding Growth Plates: Can My Son Still Grow Taller?
The growth plate has only one line remaining? Hello, my son is currently 14 years and 7 months old and is 155 cm tall. He hasn't grown in height for the past six months. We took him for an X-ray of his hand to check the growth plates, and it was indicated that there is only ...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
The fusion of the growth plates in the hands serves as a reference. If they have not yet fused, it is advisable to engage in more physical activity to stimulate growth. If there are no other underlying conditions, natural growth is the best outcome. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Growth Plates: Can My Son Still Grow Taller?
Shoulder Effusion: Treatment Options for Chronic Strain in Athletes
Shoulder effusion You have a chronic strain in your right shoulder with associated effusion, confirmed by MRI, and you are experiencing significant pain, especially as a baseball player. Should you focus on instrument-assisted physical therapy or perform resistance band exercises...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Shoulder joint injuries with the presence of effusion indicate an inflammatory response in the joint capsule. It is advisable to rest and perform some basic physical therapy, which can help reduce the effusion. However, activities such as throwing a baseball should be avoided, as...[Read More] Shoulder Effusion: Treatment Options for Chronic Strain in Athletes
Understanding Height Growth: Is There Hope After Growth Plate Closure?
Height issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about height issues. My height was only 131 cm before the winter break of the first year of junior high school. After the winter break, during a height measurement, it increased to 16X cm, meaning I grew at least 30 cm in that six-...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Once the growth plates have closed, height is fixed. There may be slight variations due to changes in posture, and one might feel a bit taller upon waking up, but this is likely just a perception. The important thing is to maintain good posture regularly.[Read More] Understanding Height Growth: Is There Hope After Growth Plate Closure?
Can Medial Collateral Ligament Heal Naturally? Insights on Knee Injuries
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) Hello Dr. Hong, About four weeks ago, I injured my knee while playing basketball, landing on one leg, which caused an inward collapse of the knee. An MRI determined that I have a tear in both the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the anterior ...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
The healing of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) depends on the extent of the injury and the degree of the tear. If there is a complete tear, surgical repair is recommended for stability. Please continue to follow up with treatment. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Can Medial Collateral Ligament Heal Naturally? Insights on Knee Injuries
Understanding Knee Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice for Relief
Knee joint pain Hello Doctor: My knee joints sometimes feel sore and painful, which I believe has been happening since high school. It's more of a dull ache, and since I'm not familiar with gout, I don't know the specifics of the situation. Being young, I haven...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Knee pain in young individuals is often related to the knee cartilage. Proper understanding of daily activities and exercise is essential for self-protection and injury prevention. As for gout, it is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, along with elevated uric aci...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice for Relief
Recovery Timeline for Distal Radius Fracture Surgery: What to Expect
Postoperative care for distal radius fracture? How long after surgery for a distal radius fracture can one expect to return to normal function without any residual symptoms?
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Distal radius fractures need to be assessed based on the severity of the fracture and its impact on joint function. Generally, fractures heal within 8 to 10 weeks, but the presence of any sequelae will depend on subsequent rehabilitation.[Read More] Recovery Timeline for Distal Radius Fracture Surgery: What to Expect
Managing Left-Sided Hip Pain During Pregnancy: Safe Approaches
Left hip pain? Hello, Doctor! My wife experienced left-sided hip pain during her last cold, and this pain disappeared when her cold symptoms improved. This was the first time she had such symptoms during a cold. This year during the Lunar New Year, she caught another cold, and th...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Muscle pain caused by a cold should not be limited to the buttocks; unilateral buttock pain is more commonly due to nerve compression in the sacral region. It is advisable not to undergo X-rays during the fourth month of pregnancy. I recommend that your wife avoid prolonged sitti...[Read More] Managing Left-Sided Hip Pain During Pregnancy: Safe Approaches
Understanding Partial Tears of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament: Recovery and Rehabilitation
Partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament? Hello, Doctor: In mid-January of this year, I had a motorcycle accident. Besides some external injuries, my knee cannot bend. I had an X-ray, which showed no bone issues, but the MRI results indicated a partial tear of the posterio...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Partial tears of the posterior cruciate ligament do not require surgery, but appropriate stabilization and rehabilitation are necessary to prevent future ligament laxity and muscle atrophy. The torn portion of the ligament will not heal back.[Read More] Understanding Partial Tears of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament: Recovery and Rehabilitation
Understanding Neck and Back Discomfort: Causes and Remedies for Office Workers
Discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and back? Symptoms: Discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and back, muscle soreness, loss of cervical lordosis (straightening), and slight narrowing of the intervertebral spaces at the third and fourth cervical vertebrae compared to other segments....
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
1. Discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and back is mostly due to poor posture, which leads to muscle tightness and discomfort. 2. After examination, if no other specific medical conditions are found, rehabilitation stretching exercises and heat therapy can lead to improvement in a...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Back Discomfort: Causes and Remedies for Office Workers
Seeking Expert Advice on Knee Tumors and Pain Management
Knee myoma inquiry? I would like to seek a professional opinion from a doctor. A year ago, after hiking Yushan, I experienced pain in both legs. Not knowing what was wrong, I sought help from traditional Chinese medicine and ended up receiving acupuncture. After the treatment, my...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
There are many causes of knee joint effusion. Based on your description, there may be cartilage wear or injury, and arthroscopy could be considered for both diagnosis and treatment. The MRI has revealed a popliteal cyst, which may also be a result of an injury. It is advisable to...[Read More] Seeking Expert Advice on Knee Tumors and Pain Management
Understanding Knee Rehabilitation After Severe Tibial Fracture
Knee In early July of this year, I suffered a comminuted closed fracture of the tibia below the knee due to a car accident. By mid-August, I began to remove the cast for rehabilitation, and the fracture has generally healed well. The doctor mentioned that I can practice walking w...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
After a successful healing of a comminuted closed fracture of the tibia below the knee, it is essential to first assess whether the fracture has affected the joint surface and the extent of damage to the surrounding soft tissues. Subsequently, rehabilitation therapy should be ini...[Read More] Understanding Knee Rehabilitation After Severe Tibial Fracture
Exploring Trigger Finger Surgery Options: Beyond Steroid Injections
Trigger finger surgery The patient has already received two steroid injections for trigger finger. The outpatient physician suggested that if there is no improvement, surgery to release the pulley may be necessary. Are there any other surgical options, such as reducing the size o...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Trigger finger steroid injections are generally effective; if there is no improvement, surgical release may be considered. Currently, the surgical procedure is quite simple, involving a quick incision to open the flexor tendon sheath. Regularly allowing the finger tendons to flex...[Read More] Exploring Trigger Finger Surgery Options: Beyond Steroid Injections
Challenges in Treating Lumbar Spine Fractures with Nerve Injury
Burst fracture of the second lumbar vertebra with associated spinal nerve injury? 1. I have undergone lumbar spine surgery approximately ten years ago, with a total of three to four surgeries during this period. Recently, I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain, along...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Lumbar burst fracture with nerve injury, and increasingly adhesive scar tissue after surgery. It should be noted that the surgeon who performed the operation is the most familiar with your condition; other physicians can only suggest treatments. It is still advisable to consult y...[Read More] Challenges in Treating Lumbar Spine Fractures with Nerve Injury
Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery: Options and Insights for Patients
Hip joint replacement surgery Doctor, I was on the basketball team in middle school, and perhaps I injured my hip joint while playing over a decade ago but didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, I've been experiencing frequent lower back pain and numbness in my thig...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Hello: After the cartilage in the knee joint is worn down, it cannot regenerate. If a physician has diagnosed this condition, a total knee arthroplasty should be indicated, as it meets the criteria for replacement. This surgery is well-established in the country.[Read More] Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery: Options and Insights for Patients
Is Your Rib Protruding More on One Side? Causes and Concerns
Rib Recently (uncertain if this condition has existed for a while or if it has just appeared), I have noticed that during deep breaths, the lower left rib (which should be near the stomach area) protrudes slightly more than the right side. There is no pain. Is this normal? Could ...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Protruding ribs without pain are likely related to the growth of the thoracic cage or costal cartilage, and it is rarely caused by organ enlargement. For an accurate diagnosis, it is advisable to consult a physician for an examination.[Read More] Is Your Rib Protruding More on One Side? Causes and Concerns
Understanding Knee Tightness: Causes and Management Tips
Knee Recently, I have been experiencing a tight sensation on the inner side of my knee when squatting, but there is no pain. I usually walk continuously for about 1 to 2 hours daily and run approximately twice a week. Is this abnormal, and how should I address it?
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
The tightness sensation on the inner side of the knee is likely a sign of joint degeneration. It is recommended to stop running and reduce walking time to allow the joint wear to rest. Additionally, an X-ray should be taken at the hospital for an accurate diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Knee Tightness: Causes and Management Tips