Managing Pediatric Humerus Fractures: Rehabilitation vs. Anesthesia Options
Fracture of the right humerus diaphysis? My daughter fell a month ago and suffered a fracture of the right humerus. She has already undergone surgery, but she is unable to bend her arm. We have been doing rehabilitation, but the surgeon suggested that general anesthesia to direct...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Pediatric fractures require patience as the condition gradually improves. Generally, fractures in a 4-year-old child do not necessarily require rehabilitation, as children at this age are very active and will naturally use their affected limb. Therefore, the likelihood of ...[Read More] Managing Pediatric Humerus Fractures: Rehabilitation vs. Anesthesia Options
Understanding Recovery from Arm Fracture Surgery: What to Expect
Arm fracture Hello, Doctor: My mother fell and fractured her left arm on October 5th of this year. She underwent surgery at the hospital to place a titanium alloy plate. It has been over a month since the surgery, and she still experiences tightness at the wound site, with a sens...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: It is normal to experience some pain after a fracture surgery. As long as the symptoms improve day by day, there is no need to worry. Your mother's concerns are best addressed by her attending physician, so it is advisable to ask them directly during follow-up visits....[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Arm Fracture Surgery: What to Expect
Do All Comminuted Humerus Fractures Require Surgery? Insights and Options
Is surgical treatment always necessary for a comminuted humeral fracture? Hello, doctor! My husband (36 years old) sustained an injury to his right shoulder two weeks ago from a motorcycle accident, and he has been unable to apply force to his upper arm. During this time, he rece...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: An orthopedic surgeon will recommend surgical treatment based on specific indications; there is always a reason for suggesting surgery. I cannot see your husband's X-ray, but from your description, it seems that surgery may be necessary. The likelihood of natural heal...[Read More] Do All Comminuted Humerus Fractures Require Surgery? Insights and Options
Can I Ride a Motorcycle After a Tibia Fracture Recovery?
Tibia fracture Doctor, I had an open tibial fracture from a car accident in early May this year, and I had a rod inserted. In early October, during my follow-up appointment, the doctor said that half of the bone had healed and I could use a crutch to practice walking. Currently, ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: The best answer comes from your attending physician. If possible, please consult your attending physician directly. They can assess your bone structure and postoperative recovery status. You should be able to ride a motorcycle, but it's best to get their recommendatio...[Read More] Can I Ride a Motorcycle After a Tibia Fracture Recovery?
Understanding Open Fractures: Recovery Challenges and Surgical Options
Open fracture Hello Dr. Lee, I had an accident on August 21, 2009, where I fell from a height and landed on my right elbow, resulting in an open fracture of the ulnar and olecranon. After undergoing reduction surgery and being in a cast for four weeks, I did not start rehabilitat...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In terms of elbow function, flexion is more important than extension; while extension affects appearance, insufficient flexion can lead to difficulties in daily activities such as brushing hair and washing the face. Therefore, the primary goal of joint manipulation is to i...[Read More] Understanding Open Fractures: Recovery Challenges and Surgical Options
Understanding Bone Healing After Fractures: Expert Insights and Solutions
Fractures & Bone Healing Hello, Doctor. On July 24, 2009, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a closed fracture of my left femur. After surgery, I had metal rods and screws placed. During follow-up X-rays in September and October, the doctor expressed concerns a...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: The normal healing time for a fracture is approximately three to six months; however, this can vary for each individual due to differences in fracture type, comminution, bone quality, and treatment methods. Each case requires different considerations. Generally, if there i...[Read More] Understanding Bone Healing After Fractures: Expert Insights and Solutions
Understanding Knee Weakness: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Leg weakness? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about an issue with my knee. Sometimes, when I go up or down stairs, my knee suddenly feels weak, but I don't experience this during exercise. I consulted an orthopedic doctor and described my knee problem, but the doctor said ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Your issue is most likely patellar chondromalacia. You should try to avoid squatting and climbing stairs, and minimize bending your knee beyond 90 degrees. If there is still no improvement, it is advisable to consult another orthopedic surgeon. Wishing you a speedy recover...[Read More] Understanding Knee Weakness: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Post-Surgery Wrist Weakness in Children: What Parents Should Know
After the second surgery, I am unable to lift my wrist? Hello Doctor: Our child, who is eight years old, suffered a humeral fracture while running at school on May 13. He underwent surgery the same day to implant a steel pin, and his wrist was normal after the operation. However,...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: This phenomenon can be addressed by collaborating with a rehabilitation physician and an orthopedic attending physician, while continuing to follow up with orthopedics. If there are any issues, the physician will provide further recommendations. Please communicate frequent...[Read More] Post-Surgery Wrist Weakness in Children: What Parents Should Know
Understanding and Treating Pain Behind the Knee: Causes and Solutions
Foot pain Hello, I am experiencing pain behind my left knee, which has made it difficult for me to stand normally. There was no history of trauma or twisting. Could you please advise on the possible causes and treatment options?
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, I recommend that you consult an orthopedic physician nearby. Only a doctor can accurately determine the cause of your symptoms. It is difficult to assess your condition through online inquiries, so please seek medical attention as soon as poss...[Read More] Understanding and Treating Pain Behind the Knee: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Proximal Humerus Fractures: Recovery, Pain Management, and Rehabilitation
Proximal humeral comminuted fracture? On May 26 of this year, I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in a comminuted fracture of the proximal left humerus (broken into five pieces). On the 27th, I underwent surgery for internal fixation with a plate. The doctor mentioned that ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on your description, you have been regularly attending follow-up appointments, and the X-rays show that the fracture site appears normal, yet you continue to experience persistent pain. This is not a typical situation and may be due to delayed rehabilitation, leading...[Read More] Understanding Proximal Humerus Fractures: Recovery, Pain Management, and Rehabilitation
Understanding Ulnar and Radial Bone Displacement After a Fall
Dislocation and fracture of the ulnar and radial bones in the hand after a fall? Hello Dr. Li, Today, while riding my motorcycle, I was brushed against by a car making a right turn, causing my right arm to hit the ground directly. When I got up, I noticed that the position of my...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: If you still have questions regarding your condition, the best approach is to communicate face-to-face with your attending physician. If you still have concerns or are unsatisfied, you may seek a second opinion from another orthopedic surgeon. Generally speaking, wrist inj...[Read More] Understanding Ulnar and Radial Bone Displacement After a Fall
Post-Surgery Care for Femur Tumor: Activity Levels and Swelling Management
Femoral fracture surgery? Hello Dr. Lee: My father was found to have a suspected tumor in his femur during a previous health check. He underwent surgery in mid-May to remove the bone and had a steel rod inserted. However, until now, the doctor has not provided us with the definit...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Regarding the medical condition, it is best to consult your father's attending physician. If a tumor is suspected, a pathological examination will definitely be conducted during the surgery. Please take the opportunity during follow-up visits to ask questions thorough...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care for Femur Tumor: Activity Levels and Swelling Management
Understanding ACL Injuries: Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Long-Term Effects
Ligament injury Due to a knee injury, I had 50cc of hematoma drained and underwent arthroscopic surgery without the placement of screws. The doctor indicated that it was a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a fracture. I need to keep my leg straight with a brace for 6 wee...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Your attending physician is the most familiar with your condition, and you can directly consult them regarding these questions. If it's not convenient, you should ask them to refer you to a rehabilitation specialist, as the collaboration between orthopedics and rehabi...[Read More] Understanding ACL Injuries: Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Orthopedic Explanations: A Guide for Patients
I'm sorry? Doctor, I'm sorry, but I'm not quite clear on what you explained.
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Regarding the previous question, here are the responses! 1. The skin indentation is due to the presence of steel pins or some adhesions at the fracture site, which is not a concern. 2. Whether the radius has healed can only be determined through follow-up X-rays. 3. You ca...[Read More] Understanding Orthopedic Explanations: A Guide for Patients
Options for Removing Clavicle Screws After 5 Years: Risks and Complications
Right sacral bone fracture removal of steel nails surgery? Hello Doctor, Today I went to the hospital for the removal of the clavicle steel plate, but unfortunately, it could not be removed. It has been 5 years since the surgery. The doctor explained that the head of the plate ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: It is not impossible to remove the worn-out screws from the internal fixation, but attempting to do so forcefully may cause additional damage, such as re-fracturing or significant destruction to surrounding bones, including the clavicle. Therefore, if you have concerns, yo...[Read More] Options for Removing Clavicle Screws After 5 Years: Risks and Complications
Understanding Radial Bone Issues: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Issues related to the radius? Doctor, thank you for always being so attentive in helping me resolve my concerns. Last time you mentioned that my conditions are normal. I understand that having a tight and inflexible wrist is normal. However, I noticed that when I move my thumb up...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Guagua, you are doing great, keep it up! I hope everything goes smoothly! Dr. Li Wen-Lin, Chief of Orthopedics, Keelung Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Radial Bone Issues: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Is Having Uneven Shoulders Normal? Understanding Shoulder Pain and Concerns
I have uneven shoulders; is this normal? I noticed in the mirror over the past few days that I have uneven shoulders! It's not very obvious, but it's noticeable. I asked a classmate if I have uneven shoulders, and he confirmed that I do. Is this normal? My left shoulder...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: You can first discuss your concerns with your family medicine physician, who can then decide whether to refer you to a specific subspecialty for further evaluation. Generally speaking, uneven shoulder height is mostly caused by posture, with only a small percentage related...[Read More] Is Having Uneven Shoulders Normal? Understanding Shoulder Pain and Concerns
Ankle Fracture Surgery: What to Expect After Hardware Removal
Surgery for the removal of screws and plates after an ankle fracture? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my mother (63 years old) who suffered a complete fracture of the medial and lateral malleolus in her right ankle due to a car accident on March 24. She underwent surgery ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: For ankle fractures treated with open reduction and plate fixation, it is generally possible to consider the removal of the plate one year after surgery. The plate removal surgery still requires hospitalization, but the duration is shorter, about 2 to 3 days, and recovery ...[Read More] Ankle Fracture Surgery: What to Expect After Hardware Removal
Understanding Removal of Bone Plates and Pins After Humerus Fracture
Right humeral fracture: issues with the removal of bone screws and plates? Dear Doctor, In October 2008, I accidentally fractured my right humerus (near the mid-lower part) while participating in a company event. I underwent an open reduction and internal fixation with plates an...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. When performing open reduction or plate removal surgery for a mid-shaft humeral fracture, there is a risk of injuring the radial nerve (approximately 10% chance), especially since the surgeon has already interacted with your tissues and has a better understanding of t...[Read More] Understanding Removal of Bone Plates and Pins After Humerus Fracture
Understanding Post-Surgery Wrist Issues: Concerns About the Radius
The radius seems to be abnormal? Doctor, I would like to ask you something. It has been over a week since I had the metal pins removed from my hand. According to the doctor, I should start gradually moving my wrist. My wrist feels very tight, and I’ve noticed that while moving my...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Don't worry, this is just a normal phenomenon. Rehabilitation is essential. Healthy individuals do not typically re-fracture the same area when exercising. Don't be afraid of the pain; actively participate in rehabilitation with your attending physician. If you h...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Wrist Issues: Concerns About the Radius