Managing Skin Allergies After Orthopedic Treatment: A Patient's Dilemma
Skin allergies caused by orthopedic conditions? Hello Director Li: My mother (62 years old) fell six days ago, resulting in a fracture of her right upper limb (wrist). After a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner set the bone, it was immobilized with a wooden board. Due to m...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... Based on your description, your mother likely has a distal radius fracture. The best approach would be to obtain an X-ray first, and based on the displacement of the fracture seen on the X-ray, determine whether surgical intervention is nece...[Read More] Managing Skin Allergies After Orthopedic Treatment: A Patient's Dilemma
Impact of Removing Surgical Pins on Ankle Mobility and Recovery
Steel nail Hello Dr. Lee: Will the mobility of my foot be affected right after the removal of the metal screws? Will I need to undergo rehabilitation again? Is the bone more fragile? The area where my fracture was sutured (ankle) is about 10 centimeters; can the screws be removed...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... The removal of ankle screws can be performed under local anesthesia, but it is important to have a psychological preparation beforehand. The anesthesia process may be more painful (as multiple injections may be required), and there will be a...[Read More] Impact of Removing Surgical Pins on Ankle Mobility and Recovery
Understanding White Spots on MRI: What They Mean for Your Knee Injury
White spots on MRI scans? Hello, doctor. I injured my knee while practicing Taekwondo six months ago. Although it has improved, I still experience pain. The doctor recommended an MRI, which revealed a white spot on my femur that could possibly be a tumor. During the physical exam...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... based on your description, the best recommendation at this time is to continue monitoring, and it should be done with the original physician for follow-up (with an MRI in three months or six months). However, this is contingent upon the abse...[Read More] Understanding White Spots on MRI: What They Mean for Your Knee Injury
Post-Ankle Surgery Rehabilitation: Managing Swelling and Footwear Tips
How to rehabilitate after ankle surgery swelling? I underwent surgery on my left ankle on September 13, 2004, where an AO plate was used for fixation on the left side and a screw was placed on the right side. I started walking three months post-surgery, and now, six months later,...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... Ankle fractures generally require about three months for recovery. The condition after three months varies depending on the individual's fracture situation, surgical method, and postoperative care (such as the duration of cast immobiliz...[Read More] Post-Ankle Surgery Rehabilitation: Managing Swelling and Footwear Tips
Understanding Nerve Pain After a Fractured Clavicle: What to Expect
Surgical treatment for comminuted left clavicle fracture? I had a car accident on December 26, which resulted in a left clavicle fracture. It has been over two months now, and I still experience tingling and sharp pain around the wound area. I went to the hospital for an X-ray, a...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... Your issue may be related to pain from the epidermal nerves near the wound. This type of pain can be alleviated through massage, topical medications, and heat therapy. On the other hand, sharp pain is usually associated with the healing proc...[Read More] Understanding Nerve Pain After a Fractured Clavicle: What to Expect
Understanding Knee Pain: Potential Causes and Treatment Options
Thank you? Hello, Dr. Lee. I have been experiencing pain in the front of my knee for a long time, about six months. It is especially painful when going up and down stairs. Three months ago, I had an X-ray taken at a 45-degree angle. I noticed that the joint space on one side was ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... Based on your description, your symptoms indeed resemble patellofemoral chondromalacia. The surgery recommended by the physician is a lateral tendon release procedure. There are various methods for this surgery; some are performed arthroscop...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Potential Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Ankle Fractures: Risks of Leaving Hardware In and Recovery Tips
Fracture Hello Dr. Lee: I fractured my ankle three months ago and had surgery to place a fixation plate. If I choose not to have the plate removed, will there be any long-term complications? Can I engage in more intense physical activities? Will the plate loosen if it remains in ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your questions... 1. Since the metal plate is a foreign object, if there are no absolute contraindications for further surgery, it is best to remove the plate if the postoperative fracture has healed well. Current literature does not indicate that prolonged ...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Risks of Leaving Hardware In and Recovery Tips
Understanding Rib Defects in Newborns: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Congenital rib defects in newborns? Hello Doctor: Recently, my baby was born prematurely at 35 weeks and 4 days. The doctor mentioned that there are two missing ribs in the upper left chest and that there is some damage to the spine. The doctor advised us to wait until the baby g...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Dear concerned father, In response to your question... Based on your description, it is possible that your baby has a congenital spinal deformity. Generally, ribs are symmetrically developed from both sides of the thoracic vertebrae, with a total of twelve pairs (from the first ...[Read More] Understanding Rib Defects in Newborns: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Managing Pain and Mobility After a Radial Head Fracture
Fracture You have a right radial head fracture, and after being injured on September 29, 2004, you were in a cast for three weeks. After the cast was removed, you are unable to bend your arm to your shoulder, and bending it to a 90-degree angle causes significant pain. What shoul...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Dear Ms. Lai, In response to your question, a right radial head fracture treated with three weeks of cast immobilization is the standard approach. After the cast is removed, the inability to bend the arm to the shoulder is due to joint stiffness, and diligent rehabilitation is e...[Read More] Managing Pain and Mobility After a Radial Head Fracture
Understanding Bone Tumor Surgery: Recovery, Risks, and Expectations
Bone tumor surgery I have a lump below my left knee that has been present for nearly three years. It has not been painful and does not affect my walking until recently when I started feeling some pain around the lump. I underwent several examinations, including X-rays, MRI, CT sc...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... If you are unsure about what a pathology report is, I cannot directly answer your inquiry regarding the prognosis of different bone tumors. I recommend discussing this matter in detail with your attending physician, which will help you fully...[Read More] Understanding Bone Tumor Surgery: Recovery, Risks, and Expectations
Understanding Elbow Surgery: Complications and Recovery After Hardware Removal
Removal of metal screws Hello Director Li, I was injured in a car accident last year, resulting in a comminuted fracture of the ulnar olecranon in my right elbow. After an emergency surgery where steel pins were used for internal fixation, the pins were removed three months later...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... Postoperative stiffness of the elbow joint is indeed challenging to manage. The treatment methods are as follows: 1. Active rehabilitation 2. Arthrolysis 3. Gradual use of splints or casting 4. Capsular release and adhesiolysis. Generally sp...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Surgery: Complications and Recovery After Hardware Removal
Understanding Shoulder Pain: Bone Spurs or Inflammation?
Unsure if it is a bone spur or periostitis? Dear Dr. Lee, Three months ago, I started experiencing pain from my left shoulder down to my arm. I initially thought it was due to a stiff neck. Two months ago, I visited a hospital where I was told I have bone spurs. However, medicat...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your inquiry, based on your description, the likelihood of a shoulder joint issue or a cervical spine problem is the highest. Please consult an orthopedic physician for an examination, as this will likely help resolve your issue promptly.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain: Bone Spurs or Inflammation?
Understanding Congenital Knee Deformities and Treatment Options
Congenital deformity of both knees? I have patellar chondromalacia in my knees, and I have now discovered congenital bone deformities in both knees. I'm unsure if there are any treatments or corrections available. The military doctor suggested that if treatment is not possib...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Don't be too pessimistic. The current orthopedic medical technology is very advanced. Even congenital bone deformities can be treated through surgery. I recommend that you seek treatment at a regional hospital (such as 802 or 803) that can refer you to the Tri-Service...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Knee Deformities and Treatment Options
Understanding the Cure for Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis in the Knee
Cure of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Knee Joint Hello Dr. Li, I would like to ask a question. After undergoing surgery four times, I was diagnosed by a physician with pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee joint. The doctor at Hospital A, where I had my surgeries...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... pigmented villonodular synovitis can be categorized into two types. The first type is localized and nodular. Clinically, it presents as a single mass or multiple masses that are distinctly separated from the adjacent synovium. The second typ...[Read More] Understanding the Cure for Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis in the Knee
Understanding Delayed Healing in Forearm Fractures: What to Expect
Fracture Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you a question. At the end of September, I fractured the middle part of my right forearm's ulna and underwent surgery for plate fixation. As of yesterday, December 21, during my follow-up appointment, the doctor determined that t...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... It is not absolutely abnormal to not see sufficient callus formation three months after surgery for a long bone fracture, as the reasons for fractures, the nature of the fracture, the treatment methods, and the initial bone quality can vary ...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Healing in Forearm Fractures: What to Expect
Can Knee Inflammation Cause Swelling? Understanding Treatment Options
Can knee joint inflammation cause swelling? Hello, Doctor: May I ask if inflammation of the knee joint can cause swelling and fluid accumulation? Will taking anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) help reduce the swelling, or do they only address the symptoms without treating the...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... The management of knee joint effusion involves compression with elastic bandages and the use of oral anti-inflammatory medications. If the effusion does not resolve, joint aspiration is the next step, as it has two main benefits: first, it r...[Read More] Can Knee Inflammation Cause Swelling? Understanding Treatment Options
Managing Patellar Chondromalacia: Beyond Supplements for Runners
I am a long-distance runner and often participate in various road races, with my longest distance being a half marathon. I mostly train on asphalt surfaces, but I have been experiencing pain in my right knee? I am a long-distance runner and often participate in various road races...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... The main significance of patellar chondromalacia lies in the structural changes of the patella due to injury or other non-injury-related inflammatory responses. The mechanisms involved include not only structural alterations but also an incr...[Read More] Managing Patellar Chondromalacia: Beyond Supplements for Runners
Understanding Swelling in the Right Leg After Ankle Surgery: Recovery Insights
Swelling of the right foot? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you: I have a fracture of the tibia and fibula in my right calf, and a rupture of the medial ligament in my right ankle. I underwent surgery nine weeks ago. May I ask: 1. I am currently walking about 15-20 minutes to ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, in response to your question... 1. Based on your description, the swelling in your calves after walking, which improves with heat therapy and elevation at night, is normal. If there are no other factors involved (such as pre-existing heart or kidney issues, or incomplete t...[Read More] Understanding Swelling in the Right Leg After Ankle Surgery: Recovery Insights
Recommended Books on Rehabilitation for Nerve Injury and Fractures
Could you recommend books available on the market regarding rehabilitation and precautions after fractures and nerve injuries? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire if there are any good books available on the topics of fractures, rehabilitation after nerve injuries, and import...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... Your family member has sustained an open fracture of the right humerus resulting in radial nerve injury. The general management recommendations are as follows: 1. If it is a. an open fracture b. associated with a penetrating injury c. origin...[Read More] Recommended Books on Rehabilitation for Nerve Injury and Fractures
What to Do If Your Cast Gets Wet Before Removal?
I have a fractured foot, but the cast got wet..? I am scheduled to have my cast removed next week, but I accidentally got it wet. What should I do? I tried using a hairdryer, but it didn't help. Should I go to the hospital tomorrow?
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question... If you have any issues with your cast, please return to the outpatient clinic as soon as possible, whether it is wet, broken, deformed, etc. The orthopedic physician will handle it properly, so there's no need to worry too much. Just ma...[Read More] What to Do If Your Cast Gets Wet Before Removal?