Understanding Back Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Orthopedic Care
Swelling on the left side of the spine? Hello Doctor, I recently discovered a swelling in the middle of my left back. Today, I went to see a family physician at the hospital, and after an X-ray, the doctor mentioned that the swelling is caused by spinal curvature and suggested th...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
There is swelling in the middle of the left back. Since the X-ray can identify spinal curvature, it would be advisable to consult an orthopedic physician for a detailed examination. Whether an ultrasound examination is necessary should be determined by the treating physician.[Read More] Understanding Back Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Orthopedic Care
Injury from Parallel Bar Dips: Understanding Chest Pain and Recovery
Injured while performing dip exercises on parallel bars? Hello, doctor: Three days ago, while performing dips, I suspect that my posture was incorrect, which caused a popping sound from my sternum, similar to cracking knuckles, and it was quite loud. At that moment, I felt a lot ...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Performing dips incorrectly can lead to dislocation between the sternum and ribs, resulting in pain. It is recommended to rest for at least 4 to 6 weeks to allow for recovery. X-rays cannot reveal this condition, and diagnosis primarily relies on palpation. Resting will facilitat...[Read More] Injury from Parallel Bar Dips: Understanding Chest Pain and Recovery
Preventing Infection and Promoting Healing in Open Fracture Recovery
Open fracture Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask about my husband, who was hit by a car a few days ago. He has open fractures of the tibia and fibula in both lower legs. His right leg has already undergone surgery yesterday, and a steel rod was inserted. The left leg has a more...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Bilateral tibia and fibula fractures are quite serious. After surgery, it is important to cooperate with your attending physician, as their team will do their utmost to provide treatment. For detailed information regarding your condition, you should consult with your attending ph...[Read More] Preventing Infection and Promoting Healing in Open Fracture Recovery
Chronic Leg and Knee Pain After Car Accident: Which Specialist to See?
Pain in the foot and knee after a car accident? Hello, I had a car accident twenty years ago, and I experienced discomfort in my leg at that time. I had a few sessions of massage therapy but didn't seek further treatment. Since then, whenever the weather is cold, I experienc...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
If there is pain throughout the entire leg, it is likely a neurological symptom, and a consultation with a neurosurgeon for examination is recommended.[Read More] Chronic Leg and Knee Pain After Car Accident: Which Specialist to See?
Post-Hip Replacement Recovery: Balancing Caution and Progress
Postoperative Recovery After Hip Replacement Surgery My husband underwent hip joint replacement surgery before the Lunar New Year, and he has been feeling good during his recovery. However, he is quite anxious and fears damaging the artificial joint. It has been a month and a hal...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
After hip replacement surgery, if recovery is good, normal functioning can resume after 8 to 10 weeks of protection. However, it is important to rest when needed, as maintaining muscle strength is essential for the stability of the artificial joint.[Read More] Post-Hip Replacement Recovery: Balancing Caution and Progress
Navigating ACL Tears: When to Consider Surgery or Rehabilitation
Torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) complete tear? Hello Doctor: Four years ago, during a competitive sports event, I collided with another athlete and was unable to fully extend my left knee. At that time, the sports medic assessed a ligament tear but was unsure of the severi...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
A torn cruciate ligament can affect the stability of the knee joint, increase cartilage wear, and lead to joint degeneration and pain. Surgical reconstruction should be discussed in detail with the attending physician, and changing hospitals will only allow for a reevaluation.[Read More] Navigating ACL Tears: When to Consider Surgery or Rehabilitation
Can You Type on a Computer with a Non-Displaced Scaphoid Fracture?
Can I type on a computer with a scaphoid fracture? Can I type on a computer with a non-displaced scaphoid fracture? I have a cast but did not undergo surgery with screws. The doctor only mentioned not to do anything that would cause pain. Typing doesn't hurt, but I have psyc...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
For a non-displaced scaphoid fracture, if there is no pain and the patient is not engaging in heavy labor, it is sufficient to monitor the healing progress of the fracture.[Read More] Can You Type on a Computer with a Non-Displaced Scaphoid Fracture?
Understanding Nerve Injury Risks and Rehabilitation After Orthopedic Surgery
Nerve injury and rehabilitation issues? Hello, I fractured my left humerus around October of the year before last and had a steel plate inserted. The doctor suggested that after about a year of stability, I could undergo surgery to remove it. I read that there is a risk of nerve ...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Hello: A distal humeral fracture should have stabilized and healed after one year. The removal of the plates and screws should be relatively straightforward, but care must be taken to avoid nerve injury. It is recommended to protect the area for 4-6 weeks postoperatively, but thi...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Injury Risks and Rehabilitation After Orthopedic Surgery
Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation After Femur Fracture for Athletes
Femoral fracture Hello, Doctor: I am a long jumper, and I suffered a thigh fracture due to an accident. The leg with the fracture has previously undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. I would like to ask how long it will take for rehabilitation after the removal of t...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
After a femoral fracture surgery, healing and rehabilitation typically require at least 3 to 6 months. Removal of plates or screws usually occurs about a year and a half after healing. Returning to the field should be done according to one's capabilities.[Read More] Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation After Femur Fracture for Athletes
Understanding ACL Tears: Recovery Time and Management Tips
Ligament tear injury Hello, doctor. I have a question. About a week ago, I stepped off a ledge with my left foot and my right foot didn't have proper support, causing my kneecap to twist. Since then, I have been unable to put weight on it to stand up. I went to the hospital ...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
If a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) results in joint instability, an MRI is required for diagnosis. The recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury. For details regarding treatment and rehabilitation, please consult an orthopedic specialist.[Read More] Understanding ACL Tears: Recovery Time and Management Tips
Improving Gait and Posture for Patellar Malalignment
Patellar valgus 2? So should I start by correcting my walking posture and addressing some issues that may lead to a shift in my center of gravity?
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Hello: Hip abduction is related to body shape and gait. For more details, please discuss with a specialist. Thank you! Hong Hsi-Ming[Read More] Improving Gait and Posture for Patellar Malalignment
Understanding Post-Exercise Pain: Causes and Care Tips
Post-exercise pain Hello Doctor, recently after exercising, I have been experiencing stiffness and weakness in my thighs and calves, along with signs of pain. There is also pain in the joints when bending my calves, and I have noticed the appearance of vascular markings on my thi...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Hello: It is normal to experience stiffness and soreness in the thigh and calf muscles after exercise. The vascular patterns are not indicative of varicose veins; however, if this persists over a long period, damage to the venous valves could lead to varicose veins. It is advisab...[Read More] Understanding Post-Exercise Pain: Causes and Care Tips
Understanding Neck Discomfort: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Neck discomfort? Hello Dr. Hong, about three months ago, I started noticing that whenever I turn my neck, there are many sounds, and I easily feel fatigued and sore, especially when using the computer, where this situation becomes more pronounced. Although I have undergone severa...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Prolonged computer use can lead to strain on the cervical spine. It is recommended to avoid maintaining the same posture for extended periods while working, and to get up and move around. If symptoms are severe, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon or neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Neck Discomfort: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Can Patellar Malalignment Be Corrected with Bracing?
Patellar valgus Doctor, I previously had an X-ray at the hospital, and it was diagnosed as mild patellar valgus, which is due to congenital factors and long-term running causing pain. The doctor suggested that I wear a patellar brace for improvement. I would like to ask if patell...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Patellar valgus is caused by the body's center of gravity. In severe cases, surgery may be required for correction. Long-term running should be avoided to prevent accelerated cartilage wear.[Read More] Can Patellar Malalignment Be Corrected with Bracing?
Understanding Thigh Pain After Surgery: Is It Related to Muscle Strain?
The area where the thigh surgery was performed is painful? I had surgery on my thigh before, and this week it has been hurting. Could it be related to the way I'm using my leg?
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
How much pain will be felt after surgery can be discussed in detail with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Thigh Pain After Surgery: Is It Related to Muscle Strain?
Knee Pain During Basketball: Should You See a Doctor or Self-Rehab?
Knee pain during exercise? I went out to play basketball in the morning, and while attempting a jump shot, I felt a sharp pain in my knee when I landed. A few minutes later, I found it difficult to jump, and jumping caused pain. Squatting also hurts. After a few days, it improved...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
There are many causes of knee pain related to exercise, most of which involve issues with the joint cartilage and ligaments. It is advisable to visit a specialist at a hospital for a thorough examination.[Read More] Knee Pain During Basketball: Should You See a Doctor or Self-Rehab?
Understanding Open Fractures: Recovery and Care After Surgery
Open fracture I would like to ask the doctor, I am 15 years old and I had a car accident on February 6th, which resulted in a laceration and an open fracture of the second metatarsal in my right foot. Is it normal that I didn't have surgery immediately? I am scheduled for su...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Open fracture of the metatarsal should first involve the management of the contaminated wound, followed by scheduling for surgical reduction and fixation. Once the surgery is completed and the wound is stable, the patient can use crutches for ambulation. For further details, it i...[Read More] Understanding Open Fractures: Recovery and Care After Surgery
Managing ACL Tear: Solutions for Knee Instability After Injury
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear Hello doctor, last June, I suffered a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing basketball (as indicated by the MRI). Initially, the doctor said I would fully recover in about six weeks, and since I am still young, surgery wa...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can lead to knee joint instability. If surgery is not performed, a knee brace may be needed for protection. It is advisable to consult a rehabilitation physician.[Read More] Managing ACL Tear: Solutions for Knee Instability After Injury
Managing Post-Surgery Pain After Metal Plate Removal in Orthopedics
Postoperative soreness? Hello Doctor: I fractured my left fibula while skateboarding in June of the year before last. At that time, I had a steel rod inserted. Although I was told that I could have it removed after a year, I delayed the removal due to my busy work schedule, and I...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Removal of the steel pins after a fibula fracture indicates that the fracture has healed. However, it is safer to protect the area for an additional four weeks after the removal. As for postoperative pain, it should resolve quickly once the wound has healed.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Pain After Metal Plate Removal in Orthopedics
Understanding Post-Operative Pain After Meniscus Arthroscopy: Is It Normal?
Post-operative care following meniscus arthroscopy? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. It has been 20 days since I underwent arthroscopic surgery on my meniscus, where the procedure involved removing fluid accumulation and addressing the folds within the menis...
Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Three weeks after meniscus arthroscopy, the external wound has healed, but the cartilage and folds inside the joint will take additional time, approximately 6-8 weeks or even longer (depending on the extent of cartilage damage), to gradually heal.[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Pain After Meniscus Arthroscopy: Is It Normal?