Understanding Ankle Fractures: Should Plates and Screws Be Removed?
The doctor said that the steel plate inserted for the ankle fracture from the car accident does not need to be removed? I was in a car accident in the U.S. at the end of April, and it seems I have a comminuted fracture in my ankle. I have already had a steel plate and screws inse...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, previously there was only one type of internal fixation material (stainless steel, with a steel core and a cobalt or copper electroplated surface), so it is not recommended to leave it in the body for a long time, as these metals can be absorb...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Should Plates and Screws Be Removed?
Understanding Unexplained Bruises and Joint Pain in Young Dancers
Unexplained bruising around the knee joint and pain in the ankle joint? Hello, Doctor: I have been learning Japanese dance, and I want to avoid any knee issues that could prevent me from dancing in the future. However, my knees have been feeling off for a long time, so I came to ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, Ms. Miao: In order to make a diagnosis, it is essential to gather the chief complaint, medical history, and results from pathological and X-ray examinations, as they all work together to reach a conclusion. I recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. S...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Bruises and Joint Pain in Young Dancers
Understanding Open Ankle Fractures: Recovery, Pain Management, and Rehabilitation
Open ankle fracture Hello, Doctor! I was in a car accident at the end of February this year and later discovered that I had an open fracture in my ankle with bone displacement and a crack in the ankle bone. I underwent surgery three days after the accident, where they inserted si...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, handsome: 1. An ankle fracture can sometimes cause injury to the interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula, leading to separation. If this is the case, a long steel nail may be placed at an appropriate position to span the fibula, interosseous membrane, and tibi...[Read More] Understanding Open Ankle Fractures: Recovery, Pain Management, and Rehabilitation
Understanding Tibia and Fibula Fractures: Recovery and Concerns
Fracture of the tibia and fibula in the left lower leg? Hello Dr. Lee, Last December, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in fractures of my left tibia (broken in two places) and fibula. It was an open fracture, and I underwent surgery on the same day using an externa...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your questions, first of all, congratulations. Although the car accident resulted in a severe open fracture, based on your description, the physician handling your case has done an excellent job, and I believe there will be a good outcome. Question 1: Prol...[Read More] Understanding Tibia and Fibula Fractures: Recovery and Concerns
Understanding Hip Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Hip inflammation Hello, I have a question to ask. Six months ago, I experienced pain between my hip and thigh, and after visiting Chimei Hospital, it was determined that I had cartilage damage causing compression. I underwent a microdiscectomy to remove some cartilage. After the ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, it seems you are concerned about potential issues with the femoral head or neck. To differentiate between a tumor or inflammation, an MRI or bone scan would be necessary. Aspiration of joint fluid at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital is also an op...[Read More] Understanding Hip Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Bone Fracture Lines After Six Months of Healing
It has been six months, and the scar is still clearly visible? Hello Dr. Lee, Six months ago, I suffered a tibial fracture in the middle part of my left calf due to a car accident. I did not undergo surgery and instead had it immobilized with a cast for self-healing. After four ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, orthopedic surgeons do not rely solely on X-rays to treat patients with fractures. Based on your description, you may have a tibial fracture while the fibula remains intact, which is why a cast was applied. Clinically, since you are able to wa...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bone Fracture Lines After Six Months of Healing
Understanding O-Shaped Legs: Pain Management and Treatment Options
O-shaped leg pain Hello Dr. Li, I have bow legs and have noticed that the bone on the outer side of my knee is protruding. My entire calf easily feels sore, and the pain radiates down to the soles of my feet. Even while sitting, I experience significant pain in my heels, making ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, O-shaped legs do not change quickly after skeletal maturity, unless one reaches their fifties or sixties, when degenerative arthritis can cause wear and worsen the O-shaped legs. So, is your condition caused by O-shaped legs? I have my doubts;...[Read More] Understanding O-Shaped Legs: Pain Management and Treatment Options
Understanding ACL Tear Recovery: Common Concerns and Rehabilitation Tips
Tear of the anterior cruciate ligament with associated fracture? Hello Doctor: At the end of January this year, I suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a fracture in my right knee due to a car accident. I had a steel plate inserted, and the doctor advised me to keep it i...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, rehabilitation therapy is necessary after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear with associated fracture surgery. The fact that you can walk without crutches indicates that your function has mostly recovered. However, since you still cannot...[Read More] Understanding ACL Tear Recovery: Common Concerns and Rehabilitation Tips
Understanding ACL Tear Recovery: Common Concerns and Rehabilitation Tips
Anterior cruciate ligament tear with associated fracture? Hello Doctor: At the end of January this year, I suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a fracture in my right knee due to a car accident. I had a metal plate inserted, and the doctor advised me to keep it immobili...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, rehabilitation therapy is necessary after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear with associated fracture surgery. The fact that you can walk without crutches indicates that your function has mostly recovered. However, since you still cannot...[Read More] Understanding ACL Tear Recovery: Common Concerns and Rehabilitation Tips
Post-Surgery Complications After Elbow Growth Plate Fracture in Children
What are the potential complications after surgery for a fractured growth plate in the elbow? Hello, Director Li: A five-year-old child fell on January 12 of this year, resulting in a fracture of the growth plate in the right elbow. The child was taken to the hospital, where su...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, based on your description, your son likely has a fracture of the right humeral condyle, either the medial or lateral epicondyle. The surgical treatment has been very effective and is less likely to result in long-term complications. Additional...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Elbow Growth Plate Fracture in Children
Understanding Knee Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention for ACL Injuries
Knee joint Hello doctor, I have an old injury where my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is torn. I twisted my knee again, and initially, I felt pain on the medial ligament. After resting for two weeks, the swelling has gone down, but I still cannot fully extend my knee. The later...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, please seek medical attention as soon as possible (start with an orthopedic specialist, and if rehabilitation is needed, then consult a rehabilitation specialist). Wishing you a speedy recovery![Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention for ACL Injuries
Understanding Hard Lumps in a 12-Year-Old Boy's Chest
A hard lump in a boy's chest? A 12-year-old boy has a hard lump in the chest area.
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, do not hesitate to take him to see a doctor as soon as possible. Start with a pediatrician, and if necessary, the pediatrician will recommend a referral or consultation with a surgeon. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in a 12-Year-Old Boy's Chest
Post-Fracture Recovery: Common Concerns and Healing Timeline
Complications following a fracture? Dear Dr. Lee, Thank you for your response regarding my earlier inquiry about the lateral malleolus fracture and the issues following the removal of the cast. I am now in the eighth week, having had the cast removed for a week, and I am using c...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. It is normal to experience sharp pain when putting weight on the injured foot one week after the cast is removed. It typically takes about a month to gradually start bearing weight. 2. Using a single crutch two weeks after cast removal...[Read More] Post-Fracture Recovery: Common Concerns and Healing Timeline
Post-Cast Care: Essential Tips for Recovery After Fibula Fracture
Issues After Removing a Cast Hello, I would like to inquire about post-cast care issues. I have a fibula distal fracture, and it has been seven weeks—tomorrow I will have the cast removed. Please answer the following questions: 1. After the cast is removed, how long is it recom...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, a fibula distal fracture refers to an ankle fracture involving the lateral malleolus. If there is minimal displacement and no impact on the joint surface, conservative treatment can be employed, which involves immobilization in a cast for six ...[Read More] Post-Cast Care: Essential Tips for Recovery After Fibula Fracture
Understanding the Impact of Pelvic Changes on Leg Alignment and Growth
excuse me? Dear Dr. Lee, I originally had very straight legs, but they have since developed into a condition similar to bowlegs (where the knees are angled outward). I am wondering if an increase in pelvic size could affect the legs. Additionally, I previously took height-increa...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, humans are upright animals, and the lower limbs physiologically undergo a normal process of knee varus (inward angulation), valgus (outward angulation), and slight external rotation. However, not everyone experiences this to the same degree; a...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Pelvic Changes on Leg Alignment and Growth
Can a Child's Torn Tendon Heal Naturally? Insights on Surgery Timing
Tendon rupture of the right middle finger in a 3.5-year-old child? Hello. My son is currently 3.5 years old and has sustained a finger injury from an escalator. After the wound was sutured and the stitches were removed, he is unable to straighten the distal joint of his right mid...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question. You are a wonderful mother, and it's clear that you care deeply for your son. Based on your description, I personally recommend observing for a period of time and finding a good rehabilitation physician for active rehabilitation. There ar...[Read More] Can a Child's Torn Tendon Heal Naturally? Insights on Surgery Timing
Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions for Joint Issues
Finger My finger bends inward for some unknown reason and it hurts. I can feel a cracking sensation in the bone (in just one finger), but the other fingers do not have this sensation when bent in the same way.
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, it may be trigger finger. Please consult an orthopedic physician as soon as possible. Wishing you a speedy recovery![Read More] Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions for Joint Issues
Understanding O-Shaped Legs: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Regarding bow legs? Hello, doctor. Since I was young, I have often felt that I cannot stand for long periods. If I stand for a little while, I notice discomfort in my knees. I always thought it was just muscle soreness. Recently, while exercising with classmates, I mentioned this...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, based on your description, you do have "O" shaped legs. However, since you are now 28 years old and your skeletal development is complete, there is currently no need for any intervention. Whether there is any internal rotation or if ...[Read More] Understanding O-Shaped Legs: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
ACL Tear with Meniscus Injury: Is Running Safe for Your Knee?
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear with associated meniscal tear? Hello doctor, after my examination, the results showed that I have a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my right knee, along with a meniscal tear. I have no issues walking, so I haven't sought further...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, a torn anterior cruciate ligament combined with a meniscal tear can lead to knee instability and a feeling of weakness in the leg. If further injury occurs, it may result in additional cartilage damage, so caution is indeed necessary. It is re...[Read More] ACL Tear with Meniscus Injury: Is Running Safe for Your Knee?
Understanding Knee Pain: Is It Serious and What to Do Next?
Knee pain During elementary school, I participated in the track and field team, focusing on the 100-meter sprint. However, when I reached junior high, I experienced difficulty with long-distance running, such as the 1.6-kilometer fitness test, which would leave my knees unable to...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, don't overthink it; the phenomenon you described does not necessarily indicate a problem. I sincerely recommend developing a regular exercise habit. Make sure to do adequate warm-up exercises before working out, use appropriate supportive...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Is It Serious and What to Do Next?