Understanding Forehead Depressions: When to See a Specialist
Inquire again about the indentation on the forehead (referring to previous articles)? Dear Dr. Lee, I have a similar condition as the previous patient, with a depression on the upper left side of my forehead. However, it seems to be more severe, and I have also noticed a depress...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, the field of orthopedics encompasses bones, joints, muscles, and the nervous system; however, some areas fall under other specialties, such as the skull, which is associated with neurosurgery, and the facial bones, which are related to plastic...[Read More] Understanding Forehead Depressions: When to See a Specialist
Managing Open Fractures: Risks, Treatments, and Infection Prevention
Open fracture Hello Dr. Lee, My sister was in a car accident on April 18, resulting in a severe open (comminuted) fracture of her left lower leg. She is currently receiving treatment at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Due to the loss of both skin and bone tissue in her l...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, your sister's condition indeed requires an experienced orthopedic surgeon with expertise in osteomyelitis treatment and soft tissue reconstruction. Generally, orthopedic surgery has various subspecialties, and each attending physician has...[Read More] Managing Open Fractures: Risks, Treatments, and Infection Prevention
Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
My back injury? I previously injured my lower back while playing basketball, but it never fully healed. The injury occurred during my second year of college. I had it checked out, and it didn't hurt anymore, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Throughout my third year...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, over ninety percent of back injuries, especially in patients under the age of sixty-five, are caused by poor posture leading to muscle and tendon inflammation. I recommend that you find a nearby hospital with a full range of specialties and co...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Ligament Injuries: Surgery Options for Ankle Ligament Tears
Ligament Hello, after the car accident, I suffered a rupture of the medial collateral ligament of the ankle along with a closed fibular fracture. The doctor said that the fracture can be treated non-operatively, but the ligament must be surgically repaired. Is it possible to avoi...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, In response to your question, both the inner and outer sides of the ankle have strong ligaments. Generally, in cases of a typical sprain, the ligaments on the outer front side are injured. Usually, rest, reduced activity, or immobilization with a cast is sufficient for r...[Read More] Understanding Ligament Injuries: Surgery Options for Ankle Ligament Tears
Effective Strategies for Managing Persistent Knee Pain: A Comprehensive Guide
Knee joint pain Dear Dr. Lee, I have been experiencing knee pain for the past two years, which has caused significant inconvenience in my daily life, especially since I used to enjoy walking and hiking as forms of exercise. I have sought medical attention multiple times, but the...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, based on your description, possible diagnoses include patellar chondromalacia or subluxation, avascular necrosis of the femoral condyle, and degenerative arthritis. The diagnostic tools should be utilized in the following order: 1. Standing kn...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Persistent Knee Pain: A Comprehensive Guide
How Long Should You Wait to Remove Bone Screws After Surgery?
Removal of bone screws Hello Dr. Lee: How long should bone screws be left in before removal? I have had ankle screws for 7.8 years. Should they be removed? If not removed, will it cause any issues? Thank you.
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Bone screws are generally removed one year after surgery (depending on the fracture site, some may be removed in one year, others in one and a half years). Leaving bone screws in the body without removal does not necessarily lead to complications; however, there are a few ...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait to Remove Bone Screws After Surgery?
Rehabilitation Tips for Stiff Toe After Car Accident Injury
Toe dislocation and joint dislocation due to a car accident? Hello Dr. Lee, about a month and a half ago, I had a car accident that caused my right foot's second toe to dislocate at the joint. The doctor was able to reduce it in the emergency room, but now that toe is not be...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, it is best for you to first visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for an evaluation by an orthopedic physician to determine if there are any fractures, ligament injuries, tendon injuries, or joint capsule laxity. If none of these conditions ar...[Read More] Rehabilitation Tips for Stiff Toe After Car Accident Injury
Caring for Your Baby's Dislocated Shoulder and Broken Clavicle: Tips and Concerns
Poor baby? Hello Dr. Lee: My baby is 1 year and 7 months old. He may have injured his left arm from a fall, and the doctor mentioned that there is a dislocation and a clavicle fracture. How should I care for him and prevent his injury from getting worse? Will this lead to habitua...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, in response to your question: A 1-year and 7-month-old baby, even if they have sustained a dislocation and a fracture due to a fall, generally has a great potential for self-correction due to their ongoing development. As long as the treatment is managed properly, there is...[Read More] Caring for Your Baby's Dislocated Shoulder and Broken Clavicle: Tips and Concerns
Post-Jaw Surgery: Foods to Avoid for Optimal Bone Healing
Could you please provide more details about the bone rehabilitation issue? After undergoing orthognathic surgery (jaw osteotomy), what types of food should a patient avoid once they are able to eat? Is alcohol permissible? What about spicy foods like chili and mustard? Will these...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Please consult your attending physician for the most accurate information! 2. The mandible affects chewing, so after undergoing jaw surgery, it is necessary to minimize mouth movement for a period of time and avoid chewing hard foods. Typic...[Read More] Post-Jaw Surgery: Foods to Avoid for Optimal Bone Healing
Understanding Baker's Cyst: Causes, Recurrence, and Prevention Tips
Popliteal cyst Hello: My job often requires me to go up and down stairs and walk around. Recently, I experienced pain and swelling behind my knee, so I went to see a doctor. The doctor diagnosed me with a "popliteal cyst." After taking medication, it improved, but two w...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: A popliteal cyst, commonly known as a Baker's cyst, is a cyst that originates from the medial gastrocnemius muscle fascia, located at the posterior aspect of the femur near the medial condyle. Pathologically, it is similar to common tenosynovial cysts. Most popliteal ...[Read More] Understanding Baker's Cyst: Causes, Recurrence, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Tumors: A Guide to Juvenile Granuloma and Aneurysmal Bone Cysts
Tumor Hello Doctor: My daughter is 4 years old, and she has developed a tumor at the coccyx (sacral area). She underwent surgery last May, and the pathology report indicated two possibilities: 1. Juvenile Xanthogranuloma 2. Aneurysmal Bone Cyst. It is uncertain which type of tumo...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, In response to your inquiry, your daughter's condition is not a common case. I personally recommend taking her to see Dr. Chen Tian-Hsiung or Dr. Chen Wei-Ming at Taipei Veterans General Hospital's Orthopedic Department, or Dr. Yang Rong-Sen at National Taiwan ...[Read More] Understanding Tumors: A Guide to Juvenile Granuloma and Aneurysmal Bone Cysts
How Long After Ankle Fracture Can Screws Be Safely Removed?
Removal of metal screws timing In the case of a fibula fracture at the ankle (with only a partial crack and not a complete break), the removal of internal fixation screws typically depends on the healing process and the physician's assessment. If the doctor confirms that the...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, it is best to remove the internal fixation for an ankle fracture after one year; three months is too early. If removed too soon, the risk of re-fracture is higher, so I advise you to think carefully about this. Additionally, if the internal fi...[Read More] How Long After Ankle Fracture Can Screws Be Safely Removed?
Understanding Recovery After Knee Fracture: Rehab and Swelling Solutions
Fracture Hello Dr. Lee, About seven weeks ago, I was involved in a motorcycle accident where my left leg, below the knee, was crushed. I primarily sustained a fracture on the inner side of my knee. After being in a cast for six weeks, it was removed, and during my follow-up appo...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question regarding the treatment of fractures, it is essential to ensure the healing of the fracture site, which requires stabilization (internal fixation, such as plates or intramedullary nails; external fixation, such as casts or external fixators). A...[Read More] Understanding Recovery After Knee Fracture: Rehab and Swelling Solutions
Understanding Knee Injuries After a Bike Accident: Symptoms and Care
I had a car accident..? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question and hope you can provide me with an answer. I had a motorcycle accident yesterday; I fell off while turning and slid onto the other side of the road. I went to the hospital, and my knee (inner side) is very ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, the swelling, pain, and bruising caused by a contusion are due to direct mechanical pressure resulting in soft tissue injury. This can occur from hematoma formation or the accumulation of interstitial fluid due to cellular damage, among other ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Injuries After a Bike Accident: Symptoms and Care
Understanding Joint Clicking Sounds in Young Children: Is It Normal?
Joints may make a cracking or popping sound! My child just turned three years old, she is a girl. Her height is 97 cm and her weight is 17 kg. About four to five months ago, I noticed that her joints make a cracking sound, and it is very obvious to see the significant movement of...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, I suggest you find a nearby orthopedic physician for an examination. I believe your concerns will be best addressed there. Wishing you a pleasant day![Read More] Understanding Joint Clicking Sounds in Young Children: Is It Normal?
Understanding Elbow Deformities in Infants: Causes and Treatment Options
Elbow (cartilage protrusion) Doctor: The child is almost five months old and has been observed to have an outward angulation of the left elbow. After examination, it seems there may be an issue with the cartilage. (1) Sometimes, the elbow returns to a normal position, (2) and she...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, your description does not easily lead to a conclusion. I recommend that you consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist nearby, as they will be able to provide explanations that will help you understand better. Wishing you a pleasant day every d...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Deformities in Infants: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Trigger Finger in Children: When to Consider Surgery
Trigger finger Hello doctor, my son is two years old and has trigger finger in his right thumb. The orthopedic surgeon said it is congenital and requires surgery. I would like to ask if we can wait until he is older to have the surgery, and will it cause any complications? Thank ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: For a two-year-old child with trigger finger, surgery is not always necessary. According to the literature, the chances of spontaneous improvement decrease with age. Generally, physicians recommend trying splinting and rehabilitation (to be done by parents) before the chil...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger in Children: When to Consider Surgery
Understanding Parosteal Osteosarcoma Surgery and Recovery
Osteoma surgery I previously consulted Dr. Lee regarding the surgery for a bone tumor on my knee. There is a lump below my left knee that has been present for nearly three years. I have undergone surgery to take a piece of bone from my right leg and implant it into my left leg. T...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question regarding parosteal osteosarcoma: 1. The likelihood of recurrence varies based on the histological grade and surgical approach. The recurrence rate for grade I is 100%; for grade II, it is greater than 80%. For grades III and IV, if appropria...[Read More] Understanding Parosteal Osteosarcoma Surgery and Recovery
Understanding Pain in the Left Hand: Possible Tendonitis and Treatment Options
Pain in the left hand's thenar eminence? Hello: I am experiencing pain in the web space of my left hand, which prevents me from extending and spreading my thumb and index finger. Later, an orthopedic doctor examined me without taking X-rays; he just pressed on it a couple of...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, based on your description, tendinitis is the most likely diagnosis, and an X-ray is not necessary for diagnosis. Treatment can be divided into several aspects: first, the affected area should receive adequate rest; second, the use of supportiv...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Left Hand: Possible Tendonitis and Treatment Options
Managing Itching and Healing Time After a Child's Elbow Fracture
Elbow fracture A 10-year-old child has a left elbow fracture and underwent pinning on March 25, followed by the application of a cast on the left arm. The child has been experiencing persistent itching, and although the doctor prescribed an anti-itch medication, the effect has be...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, in response to your question... A 10-year-old child has a left elbow fracture. On March 25, a pin was inserted and a cast was applied, likely due to a supracondylar humeral fracture. The pin fixation combined with the cast will require four to six weeks. Generally, an X-ra...[Read More] Managing Itching and Healing Time After a Child's Elbow Fracture