When Can I Remove My Fracture Brace and Start Exercising?
Fracture fixation device Doctor, I still have a plastic splint on my hand. When can I take it off? I’ve been hanging my hand like this for a while. Can I start exercising to lose weight now (like brisk walking or slow walking)? I've gained a lot of weight because I haven...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: What you have on your hand is likely a brace. You should consult your attending physician about when it can be removed. As for exercise (brisk walking or slow walking), both are fine! This will not affect the healing of the bones in your hand.[Read More] When Can I Remove My Fracture Brace and Start Exercising?
Understanding Ankle Fractures: Non-Surgical Options and Recovery Tips
Ankle fracture? Hello Dr. Lee, First of all, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. My father, who is about 50 years old, fell from an A-frame ladder over a month ago. He initially went to see a doctor, who diagnosed a fracture in his left ankle. The doctor recom...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on your description (as I have not seen the patient or the X-rays), my suggestion is to follow the recommendations of the outpatient physician and wait for the follow-up X-rays. The treatment for fractures varies and should be tailored to each individual's circu...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Non-Surgical Options and Recovery Tips
Understanding Poor Radius Fracture Healing: Timeline and Nutrition Tips
Malunion of the radius? The doctor mentioned that it usually takes about six to nine months to determine if there is a malunion of the radius. However, I had my external fixation removed on May 4th, and my doctor scheduled a follow-up appointment for May 26th (three weeks later) ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In order to maximize the benefits and effectiveness of treatment for patients, physicians sometimes take proactive measures based on functionality (not solely for fracture healing). Therefore, making an early decision regarding the need for further surgery is intentional! ...[Read More] Understanding Poor Radius Fracture Healing: Timeline and Nutrition Tips
Recovery Timeline After Removing Pins: When to Consider Plates?
Removal of metal screws? How long will it take to know if my hand needs a plate after the removal of the screws? The doctor mentioned that if my radius does not heal properly, I will need to have a plate installed.
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: The definition of nonunion is when there are no signs of bone growth at the fracture site after a period of six to nine months. Since you have just had your external fixation removed, it means that the fracture treatment time has not yet exceeded six months, so it is too e...[Read More] Recovery Timeline After Removing Pins: When to Consider Plates?
Understanding Palpitations: Is It Heart Issues, Acid Reflux, or Spinal Nerve Problems?
Is this palpitations? Vertebral correction? Gastroesophageal reflux? Hello doctor, I went to a large hospital for an examination these past few days, and the doctor said I have palpitations. After that, I was asked to undergo an X-ray and an electrocardiogram (ECG). The doctor re...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: You should continue to consult a cardiologist. X-rays and electrocardiograms (ECGs) are preliminary examinations. If necessary, a 24-hour Holter monitor may be arranged. Although your description does not strongly suggest an actual arrhythmia, if you feel that it is affect...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations: Is It Heart Issues, Acid Reflux, or Spinal Nerve Problems?
Understanding the Need for Plate Installation After Pin Removal in Orthopedics
After the removal of the metal screws from the hand, it may be necessary to install a metal plate? I will have my metal pins removed next Monday. They have been in for over three months. The doctor mentioned that my radius has not healed properly, and I may need to have a plate i...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Poor healing of the radius may require the placement of a steel plate, but that's a concern for the future, so there's no need to be anxious right now. First, the external fixator needs to be removed, and then, following the guidance and instructions of your atte...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Plate Installation After Pin Removal in Orthopedics
Understanding Knee Lumps: Diagnosis and Treatment Options Explained
Tumor near the knee? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you a question. My mother has developed a lump near her knee (specifically in the area where the knee bends). She has seen two orthopedic surgeons, both of whom performed X-rays. One doctor mentioned that it was due to gas ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on your description, your mother has developed a lump next to her knee. After examination by two orthopedic surgeons and X-ray imaging, no abnormalities were found. It can be preliminarily concluded that this tumor is likely a soft tissue tumor, most commonly a gangl...[Read More] Understanding Knee Lumps: Diagnosis and Treatment Options Explained
Recovery Timeline and Concerns After Wrist Fracture Surgery
excuse me? Hello, I had a car accident in January and suffered an open and comminuted fracture of my left wrist. Both my ulna and radius were broken, and I had six steel pins inserted, which are external pins that are placed on the flesh. It has been over three months now. How lo...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Each person's fracture situation is different, and everyone's needs vary. As a young person who hopes to perform weight-bearing activities in the future, your situation is naturally different from that of an elderly person who primarily seeks pain relief and suff...[Read More] Recovery Timeline and Concerns After Wrist Fracture Surgery
Understanding Temporary Arm Weakness in Toddlers: Causes and Advice
Toddlers sometimes have difficulty lifting their hands? Hello Dr. Lee: My child is currently about 1 year old. One day, he suddenly couldn't lift his left arm (it was very weak, but there was no pain and he didn't cry), but the next day it was normal again. We went to t...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on your description, it is likely just a sprain or contusion of the shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint, or the muscles and tendons of the upper arm, especially since everything returned to normal the next day and a doctor at the hospital said there was no conce...[Read More] Understanding Temporary Arm Weakness in Toddlers: Causes and Advice
Unexplained Swelling at Surgical Site: Which Specialist to Consult?
Unknown swelling at the surgical site on the foot? Hello~ My family member had an open fracture from a car accident ten years ago and underwent surgery. Recently, without any falls or impacts, the area where the incision was made has swollen. After an X-ray, the doctor said there...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: If you have any issues, you can consult the original surgeon for a follow-up. Wishing you a speedy recovery![Read More] Unexplained Swelling at Surgical Site: Which Specialist to Consult?
Patellar Fractures: Cast vs. Pins - Which Treatment is Best?
Patellar fracture? The treatment for a patellar fracture may involve either casting or the use of bone screws. The choice between these options depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Generally, surgical fixation with bone screws is preferred for displaced fractures, as...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: The treatment for a patellar fracture is determined by the size of the gap at the fracture site and its location, which will dictate whether casting or surgical internal fixation is necessary. Regardless of whether a cast or surgical treatment is used, a recovery period of...[Read More] Patellar Fractures: Cast vs. Pins - Which Treatment is Best?
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Shoulder Blade Fracture Recovery
Scapula Hello, doctor! Three months ago, I fractured my scapula and am currently undergoing rehabilitation. I can raise my arm high, but I am still unable to fully extend it. Could you please advise me on what kind of rehabilitation exercises can help me achieve full arm extensio...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Your condition cannot be assessed online. The best approach is to visit a nearby hospital and consult with an orthopedic surgeon or a rehabilitation physician, who should be able to provide you with better answers. Wishing you a speedy recovery![Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Shoulder Blade Fracture Recovery
Understanding Left Foot Fractures: Pain, Swelling, and Recovery Tips
Left foot fracture (seems to be a crack)? Hello Dr. Lee, I fractured my left foot in mid-November, specifically in the middle area on the left side. It has been over a month since the injury, and recently, I have been experiencing intermittent pain at the fracture site. Addition...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In the initial stage of a fracture, it is recommended to apply ice for the first two days. After the acute phase, heat therapy should be used. It is normal to experience intermittent pain or tingling in the fractured area, as well as peeling skin or persistent swelling. It...[Read More] Understanding Left Foot Fractures: Pain, Swelling, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Ankle Fractures: Recovery Tips and Timeline for College Students
Fracture of the ankle bone? Hello. I am a 21-year-old female college student. On November 11th of this year, I accidentally twisted my left foot while going down the stairs, resulting in a fracture. Currently, I am not using a cast but rather a splint-like device to stabilize the...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In the case of an un-displaced calcaneal fracture that does not involve the joint surface, it generally requires six to eight weeks of immobilization in a cast. You may use a splint or brace, indicating that the fracture is not severe. As the old saying goes, "It take...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Recovery Tips and Timeline for College Students
Understanding Fibula Fractures: My Experience and Key Questions
I have a fibula fracture and would like to ask some questions? In early November, I was involved in a car accident where my left ankle was run over by a motorcycle. Due to significant swelling, I immediately went to an orthopedic clinic that day to get an X-ray to confirm whether...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, In response to your question, your X-ray images could not be accessed. However, due to the limitations of online resolution, it is possible that some subtle fractures may be missed, so it's okay if they are not visible. Considering your concerns, since I have not pe...[Read More] Understanding Fibula Fractures: My Experience and Key Questions
Effective Treatment Options for Shoulder Bone Fractures After Injury
Treatment for shoulder bone fractures typically involves the following steps: 1. **Initial Assessment**: A thorough physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, are conducted to determine the extent of the fracture. 2. **Immobilization**: The affected s...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, I would like to respond as follows: You are truly a filial son. Regarding your mother's condition, I suggest that you take her to see a second orthopedic surgeon to get their opinion on whether surgery could lead to a better prognosis. If surgery does not offer impr...[Read More] Effective Treatment Options for Shoulder Bone Fractures After Injury
Understanding Joint Pain in Children: Causes and Solutions
Joint pain Hello Doctor: My daughter is 10 years old and is about 140 cm tall. Sometimes her ankle joints make a cracking sound when she moves, and she often complains of pain, which occurs almost daily, especially when getting up from a seated position or just waking up. I would...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, I would like to respond as follows: The child is developing well; at just 10 years old, they are already 140 cm tall, which suggests a skeletal age that appears older. Consequently, the strength of the soft tissues (tendons and ligaments) may not be sufficiently robust, ...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain in Children: Causes and Solutions
Rehabilitation Methods for ACL Injury: Return to Sports Timeline
"Loosening of the cruciate ligament" Hello Dr. Lee, what rehabilitation methods are available for a "loose" anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)? How many months does it typically take to return to playing with a racket and enjoying the game on the court?
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: The cruciate ligaments consist of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The treatment for cruciate ligament injuries depends on whether there is a complete tear, significant laxity, or mild laxity, which will determine whether surg...[Read More] Rehabilitation Methods for ACL Injury: Return to Sports Timeline
Understanding Trigger Finger: Post-Surgery Pain and Recovery Insights
Trigger finger I have been suffering from trigger finger in my right middle finger for many years. After multiple courses of anti-inflammatory medication and two local steroid injections that were ineffective, I finally underwent surgery in early July 2008 to release or excise th...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Your issue is likely not related to trigger finger (as that should have been resolved after surgery). The persistent soreness and weakness in your right hand, along with the inability to fully bend your fingers and the stiffness and swelling of the joints, may indicate ten...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Post-Surgery Pain and Recovery Insights
Understanding Hand Fractures: Recovery and When to Seek Help
Metacarpal fracture Hello Doctor: About two weeks ago, I fell while playing basketball, and my left palm was pressed under my body. It was very painful, so I went to the hospital. The doctor took an X-ray and confirmed that the last bone of my pinky finger was cracked. He applied...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Please respond as follows: If you have any questions, make sure to return for a follow-up appointment as soon as possible. Don't hesitate, come back quickly! Wishing you all the best. Director of Orthopedics, Keelung Hospital, Li Wen-Lin.[Read More] Understanding Hand Fractures: Recovery and When to Seek Help