Impact of Finger Spreading: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Finger issues Hello, I would like to inquire about the effects of spreading the middle finger and ring finger apart when the hand is extended. What implications might this have, and which medical specialty should I consult? (I couldn't find any information online, so I'...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: If the grasping and gripping functions are normal, and the fingers are parallel and close together but not overlapping when making a fist, then there is no issue. You can consult an orthopedic or plastic surgeon. Dr. Li Wen-Hong at Changhua Hospital, Orthopedics.[Read More] Impact of Finger Spreading: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Understanding Your Baby's Spine Clicks: What Parents Should Know
A nearly 6-month-old baby is experiencing popping sounds in the spine? My baby is almost 6 months old. While I was holding him with one hand, he suddenly leaned back forcefully, almost folding in half, and I heard multiple cracking sounds from his spine. I was worried about poten...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on your description, there should be no major issues. Infants have a larger head-to-body ratio, so when picking them up, it is advisable to provide some support at the occipital region for safety. Thank you! Changhua Hospital Orthopedics Dr. Li Wen-Hong[Read More] Understanding Your Baby's Spine Clicks: What Parents Should Know
Can Your Upper Body Still Grow Taller at 17? Orthopedic Insights
Height issues Hello doctor, I am currently 17 years old and my height is 170 cm, but my upper body is quite short, similar in length to my 160 cm tall mother. I would like to know if my upper body can still grow taller. Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: You should be able to grow a little taller. Thank you! Changhua Hospital Orthopedics Dr. Li Wen-Hong[Read More] Can Your Upper Body Still Grow Taller at 17? Orthopedic Insights
How Often Should You Get Spinal X-Rays to Minimize Radiation Risks?
For spinal X-rays, it is generally recommended to wait at least 6 to 12 months between imaging studies, unless there is a specific medical reason to perform them sooner. This interval helps to minimize radiation exposure while allowing sufficient time to assess any changes in the...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Two spinal X-rays have a low radiation dose and can be performed on the same day if necessary. Whether to proceed with the imaging should be determined by the clinical physician based on the patient's condition, and unnecessary radiation exposure should be minimized a...[Read More] How Often Should You Get Spinal X-Rays to Minimize Radiation Risks?
Understanding Thigh Bone Cyst Surgery: Post-Operative Pain and Recovery Insights
Femoral bone cyst? A 10-year-old child was found to have a bony cyst in the thigh, and underwent curettage and bone grafting surgery. The doctor reported that the procedure went smoothly. Postoperatively, the child was able to move with a walker in the hospital and was discharged...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Typically, postoperative pain in the lower limbs lasts about two to three weeks, but it can vary from person to person. If the wound is healing well and follow-up X-rays show no issues, it should not be a concern. When using a walker to move, if there is pain, do not put w...[Read More] Understanding Thigh Bone Cyst Surgery: Post-Operative Pain and Recovery Insights
Post-Car Accident Pain: Seeking Orthopedic Care for Recovery
Injuries from a car accident can lead to recurrent tension or soreness? Hello, doctor. I was involved in a car accident on October 15, 2022, where I was thrown from the vehicle. From a frontal perspective, the main impact areas were my right lower back and right hip (pelvis?). I ...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: You have been injured for over three weeks, and the X-ray examination shows no bone issues. It is recommended that you try rehabilitation (physical therapy, local heat application) and occasionally use medication (anti-inflammatory pain relievers and muscle relaxants). You...[Read More] Post-Car Accident Pain: Seeking Orthopedic Care for Recovery
Could My Symptoms Indicate a Potential Spinal Fracture?
Is there a high possibility that my symptoms indicate a spinal fracture? Hello Dr. Lee: I am 19 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. Previously, I only experienced pain in my buttocks, and I am currently taking Salazopyrin to stabilize my condition. However, in the past six...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Typically, fractures of the vertebral arch caused by acute trauma present with significant pain symptoms. Since you did not experience acute back pain after your motorcycle accident 1.5 months ago, it is unlikely that you have a vertebral arch fracture. Commonly, vertebral...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate a Potential Spinal Fracture?
Understanding Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Inquiry
Question number 189108 was missed? Hello Doctor, I just asked question number 189108 and forgot to ask one more thing. I’m not sure if I can add another question. If my symptoms are related to "arthritis" in the spine caused by ankylosing spondylitis, is it possible to ...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: When arthritis is well-controlled, it usually doesn't hurt much, but it can still be painful with excessive activity. Please pay attention to the level of activity; moderation is key. Changhua Hospital Orthopedics Dr. Li Wen-Hong.[Read More] Understanding Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Inquiry
Can I Still Grow Taller? Understanding Growth Patterns in Adolescents
Height increase Hello, doctor. I started developing pubic hair in the second semester of sixth grade. When I entered junior high, I was considered tall, but by the second and third years, many people began to surpass my height. I took traditional Chinese medicine from first to se...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: I cannot accurately predict your height; your rapid growth period may have ended. However, there is still a chance for some additional growth, although it may not reach 175 cm. Orthopedic Department, Changhua Hospital, Dr. Li Wen-Hong.[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller? Understanding Growth Patterns in Adolescents
Impact of Plate Fixation on Growth in Adolescent Forearm Fractures
Postoperative Care for Adolescent Radial and Ulnar Fractures Hello, I would like to ask about a 13-year-old adolescent who had an open fracture of the right radius and ulna on April 11 of this year. Surgery was performed on the same day to fix the fracture with a plate and screws...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Generally, in adolescents with radial and ulnar fractures, fixation with plates and screws avoids the growth plates and does not affect skeletal growth. The plates and screws are typically removed after about a year and a half, depending on the healing condition. It is rec...[Read More] Impact of Plate Fixation on Growth in Adolescent Forearm Fractures
Non-Surgical Treatment for Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Is It Effective?
Fracture of the right metatarsal bone? Hello, a family member accidentally stepped into a hole abroad, resulting in a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone in the right foot. They are currently using a pneumatic walking boot instead of a cast. I would like to inquire whether non-...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: If the displacement is not significant, conservative treatment can be considered without surgery. The proximal fifth metatarsal has the attachment of the peroneus brevis tendon, which can cause displacement or nonunion. If the patient is young and the surgical risks are lo...[Read More] Non-Surgical Treatment for Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Is It Effective?
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Tips for Patellar Fracture Recovery
Rehabilitation Issues After Patellar Fracture Surgery My mother is 77 years old and fractured her patella into four pieces due to a fall. It has been seven weeks since her surgery, and yesterday she returned for a follow-up appointment where her cast was removed and replaced with...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on your description, your mother's patellar fracture is comminuted, and she also has osteoporosis. Therefore, the postoperative cast fixation is required for a longer duration. The transition to a knee brace is made when the attending physician determines that s...[Read More] Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Tips for Patellar Fracture Recovery
Can a 15-Year-Old Still Grow Taller? Tips for Maximizing Height Potential
Is there still a chance to grow taller at the age of 15, almost 16? I will turn 16 years old on October 17th this year. My current height is 158.5 cm. I have developed pubic hair and underarm hair, but I haven't grown facial hair yet. My voice has changed, but my Adam's...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: You still have the opportunity to grow taller, but it will not be a rapid increase, and it is impossible to predict your final height. Balanced nutrition and adequate sleep are the most important factors. Keep it up! Orthopedics, Changhua Hospital, Dr. Li Wen-Hong.[Read More] Can a 15-Year-Old Still Grow Taller? Tips for Maximizing Height Potential
Can I Still Grow Taller After Turning 16? A Guide for Teens
Can a 15-year-old who is about to turn 16 still grow? I am turning 16 this year, and I have heard many people say that the growth plates close at 16. I am currently 159 cm tall and would like to know if I still have a chance to grow to 175 cm. I grew from 137 cm to 157.5 cm durin...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: You can still grow taller, but it may not reach 175 cm. Males typically have their growth plates close later, around 18 years of age, though this varies from person to person. Wishing you all the best! Changhua Hospital, Orthopedics, Dr. Li Wen-Hong.[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller After Turning 16? A Guide for Teens
Clavicle Fracture in Children: Recovery Time and Care Tips
Clavicle fracture Hello Doctor, on June 18th, my son fell and injured his clavicle. An X-ray showed a fracture in that area. Currently, he can move his arm, but it only hurts in certain positions, and the area is still swollen. I would like to ask how long it typically takes for ...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Children recover from fractures more quickly. Upper limb fractures take about 4 to 6 weeks, while lower limb fractures take about 6 to 8 weeks. A triangular bandage can be used to immobilize a clavicle fracture, but if the child is younger and unable to cooperate with wear...[Read More] Clavicle Fracture in Children: Recovery Time and Care Tips
Post-Operative Care Tips for Children After Hip Dysplasia Surgery
I would like to inquire about the postoperative care for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip? Hello Doctor: My daughter is 5 years old and underwent corrective surgery for hip dysplasia on May 4th of this year. The cast was removed on June 13th, and on June 17th, she...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Typically, a cast is worn for 6 to 8 weeks, with the removal of pelvic (acetabular) screws around 8 weeks, and the osteotomy site takes about 12 weeks to heal. After the cast is removed, do not allow the child to walk immediately. Older children can be taught to use a walk...[Read More] Post-Operative Care Tips for Children After Hip Dysplasia Surgery
Understanding Clavicle Fractures: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Clavicle fracture I would like to ask the doctor, I had a car accident (a fall) on the morning of April 26, which resulted in a clavicle fracture. Is it normal to experience pain when coughing today? Is there a possibility of a rib fracture as well? Do I need to get a chest X-ray...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: It is normal to experience pain when coughing if your clavicle fracture has not yet healed. If you suspect there may be a rib fracture as well, please return for a follow-up appointment with your attending physician to determine if a chest X-ray is necessary. Changhua Hosp...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Can a 17-Year-Old Still Grow Taller? Understanding Height Potential
At 17 years old and a height of 162 cm, it is still possible for you to grow taller. Growth plates, which are areas of developing cartilage tissue at the ends of long bones, typically close Hello Doctor, I am currently a 17-year-old high school sophomore with a height of only 162...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: You may grow a bit taller, but it is not guaranteed that you will reach 170 centimeters. A balanced and adequate diet along with sufficient rest (sleep) is more beneficial for growth, and moderate exercise is sufficient. Orthopedic Department, Changhua Hospital, Dr. Li Wen...[Read More] Can a 17-Year-Old Still Grow Taller? Understanding Height Potential
Understanding Pediatric Forearm Fractures: Concerns and Recovery
Pediatric radial bone fracture? In a pediatric case of a forearm fracture, specifically involving the radius and ulna, it has been 5 weeks since the injury. The ulna has healed, but the radius still shows an angulation of 27 degrees. Will this lead to nonunion or adversely affect...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: It will not cause nonunion. Currently, there is a 27-degree deformity that requires careful observation. The younger the patient, the closer the fracture site is to the distal radius growth plate, the greater the ability for remodeling, and it may be possible to correct it...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Forearm Fractures: Concerns and Recovery
Can Teenagers Still Grow Taller? Insights on Height and Treatment Options
Adolescent growth spurts? Hello Doctor: I am a 16-year-old girl in the second year of high school, and I will turn 17 this summer. My current height is only 151 cm, and the last time I measured my height was in September 2020, when I was 149.5 cm. My father is 165 cm tall, my mot...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: If you are experiencing concerns related to short stature, it is recommended that you visit a pediatric metabolism and endocrinology specialist to evaluate the possibility of growth hormone therapy. Dr. Li Wen-Hong, Orthopedics, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Can Teenagers Still Grow Taller? Insights on Height and Treatment Options