Misdiagnosis in Orthopedics: From Hip Avascular Necrosis to Unnecessary Spinal Fusion
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head, yet underwent total lumbar fusion? In October 2022, I experienced sudden pain in my left lower limb and groin, along with a sensation of leg length discrepancy and limping. I went to the neurosurgery department at Tainan Medical Center, whe...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
There are many possible causes of discomfort and pain in the lower limbs, including muscle pain, joint inflammation, and lumbar nerve compression commonly known as sciatica. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is also a possibility. Sometimes, these conditions can occur simult...[Read More] Misdiagnosis in Orthopedics: From Hip Avascular Necrosis to Unnecessary Spinal Fusion
Understanding Ankle Fracture Recovery: Swelling and Discoloration Concerns
Ankle fracture Hello, I had an ankle fracture and underwent surgery at the hospital a little over three weeks ago. My foot has been bruised and was initially swollen, but it improved for a while and then became swollen again today. The top of my foot remains discolored, and I occ...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, after ankle fracture surgery, swelling and bruising are common. When lying in bed right after the surgery, the swelling may decrease. However, once you return home and spend more time sitting or standing, you may notice increased swelling, especially in the afternoon or ev...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fracture Recovery: Swelling and Discoloration Concerns
Understanding Patellar Pain After Knee Injury: Causes and Recovery Tips
Patellar pain Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. After a car accident where I fell and landed on my left side, I experienced pain in my left leg and was unable to fully bend it (it seems like there is pressure behind the knee and around the patella, but I'...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, due to a car accident, you are experiencing pain in your left knee. There could be many possible reasons for this, including injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, meniscus, or medial and lateral collateral ligaments, or it could simply be...[Read More] Understanding Patellar Pain After Knee Injury: Causes and Recovery Tips
Understanding Muscle Numbness After Leg Injury: Causes and Recovery Time
Contusion of the lower leg (without external injury), muscle numbness? Hello Doctor: I was involved in an accident while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, where another motorcycle directly struck my calf. There are no fractures or open wounds, but I have significant bruising...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, due to a car accident, you have a hematoma in your calf. If the swelling is severe enough to compress the distal circulation, which is known as compartment syndrome, orthopedic or plastic surgeons typically recommend a fasciotomy for decompression. If the physician determi...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Numbness After Leg Injury: Causes and Recovery Time
Post-Car Accident: Severe Numbness in Calf After Hematoma
After a car accident, there is a hematoma in the calf, and one week later, there is severe numbness in the calf? Hello Doctor: After my car accident, I developed a hematoma in my left calf, but it wasn't severe enough to require surgery. I applied ice for the first 1-3 days ...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, due to a car accident, you have a hematoma in your calf. If the swelling is severe enough to compress the distal circulation, known as compartment syndrome, orthopedic or plastic surgeons typically recommend a fasciotomy for decompression. If your orthopedic surgeon determ...[Read More] Post-Car Accident: Severe Numbness in Calf After Hematoma
Post-TFCC Surgery: Dealing with Persistent Swelling and Rehab Concerns
What should I do if swelling does not subside after TFCC surgery? Hello, five years after my car accident, my TFCC has not healed. While I can manage my daily life, I experience pain at certain angles, which has become quite exhausting. To avoid future issues with lifting heavy o...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, after TFCC surgery, it is usually necessary to immobilize and protect the area for a period of time. Your physician should have a good understanding of when to start rehabilitation activities, ensuring that there is a low risk of re-tearing and that stiffness and swelling ...[Read More] Post-TFCC Surgery: Dealing with Persistent Swelling and Rehab Concerns
Do Finger Bending and Ganglion Cysts Have a Connection?
Is there a connection between a wrist fracture and tenosynovitis? I recently came across an interesting news article stating that a doctor in the United States conducted an experiment for sixty years on cracking his fingers and concluded that there was no difference between finge...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, it's unlikely that a single incident of finger fracture would cause a tendon sheath cyst; you may have already had the cyst and just discovered it. If it is not very painful or bothersome, rest or observation is sufficient. If discomfort occurs, you can take or apply ...[Read More] Do Finger Bending and Ganglion Cysts Have a Connection?
Understanding Toe Problems: Size Variations and Foot Deformities
Regarding toe issues? Hello, Doctor! Sorry to bother you. I have a few small questions I'd like to ask, and I appreciate your help in advance. 1. Do feet vary in size throughout the day? Recently, I visited a family medicine doctor for other reasons and took the opportunit...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, online friends. Our feet may appear slightly larger in the afternoon due to fluid accumulation. After a nap, lying flat can reduce some of that fluid. Generally speaking, East Asians tend to have wider feet, and wearing shoes that are too narrow can be uncomfortable. For f...[Read More] Understanding Toe Problems: Size Variations and Foot Deformities
Understanding Knee Swelling: Is It Fluid or Blood After Injury?
Knee swelling can be due to either fluid accumulation (effusion) or bleeding (hemarthrosis)? On January 6th, I had a bike accident and fell. At that moment, my knee did not swell; it only had some abrasions. By the next day, I felt that the wound was oozing serous fluid, but ever...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, if you have swelling in your knee, it is often necessary to aspirate the fluid to determine whether it is blood, synovial fluid, or pus from a bacterial infection. The physician will discuss with you whether to proceed with aspiration or laboratory testing based on your co...[Read More] Understanding Knee Swelling: Is It Fluid or Blood After Injury?
Can Bending Fingers Cause a Ganglion Cyst in Children?
Can a finger fracture cause a tendon sheath cyst? The child at home, influenced by a classmate's comment that the little finger is inherently weak, bent his little finger inward to make the joint crack (similar to how fingers are bent before a fight in action movies). As a r...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, it's unlikely that a single injury to your finger would cause a tendon sheath cyst; you may have already had the cyst and just noticed it now. If it’s not very painful or bothersome, resting or monitoring it is sufficient. If you experience discomfort, you can take an...[Read More] Can Bending Fingers Cause a Ganglion Cyst in Children?
Understanding Lumbar Contusions: Causes, Diagnosis, and Implications
Possible Causes and Diagnosis of Lumbar Spine Contusion Hello, doctor. Recently, I was involved in a motorcycle accident with another party. Both of us were riding motorcycles, but due to another vehicle violating traffic rules, the other party had to brake suddenly, and I lightl...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, everyone. Each person, including physicians, may have different interpretations and understandings of bruises. If you have concerns about the diagnosis provided, there should be channels available for communication and appeal. I apologize, but I cannot provide a detailed a...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Contusions: Causes, Diagnosis, and Implications
Is a 4-Day Gap Between Eye and Hand Surgery Safe?
Surgical interval time Hello, I am scheduled to undergo SMILE laser eye surgery on March 1st and a right hand ganglion cyst surgery on March 5th (which will require general anesthesia). Is it safe to have only a 4-day interval between the two surgeries?
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, is the smile laser eye surgery performed under local anesthesia? If it is a local anesthesia procedure, the impact is relatively minor. Please inform and consult with the anesthesiologist about whether the medications used will affect intraocular pressure. Wishing you good...[Read More] Is a 4-Day Gap Between Eye and Hand Surgery Safe?
Can I Still Grow Taller at 21? Understanding Height Potential
Is it still possible to grow taller? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if my father is 188 cm, my mother is 167 cm, and my brother is already 188 cm, but I am only 181 cm. I am 21 years old; is it still possible for me to grow taller?
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, theoretically, the chances of growing taller after the age of 21 are quite low. However, the human body always holds unpredictable mysteries. If you are curious, you may consider visiting a growth assessment clinic. Wishing you good health, Shen Boquan.[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller at 21? Understanding Height Potential
Understanding Complications After Finger Fracture Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Fracture surgery issues Hello Doctor, on August 29, 2023, I suffered an open fracture of my third and fourth fingers at work and underwent emergency surgery immediately. Two steel pins were inserted into the proximal phalanx of the third finger, and one steel pin was inserted int...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, after a finger fracture, rehabilitation typically takes several months. If other physicians have identified additional issues and recommend further surgery, you may consult with another doctor if you have concerns. Some hospitals have specialized hand surgery departments w...[Read More] Understanding Complications After Finger Fracture Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Ankle Pain in Seniors: Causes and Treatment Options
Elderly individuals often experience ankle pain? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. My mother, who is in her 70s and has a history of hypertension, started experiencing pain on the outer side of her left little toe about a week ago (without any s...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, if you suspect a bone injury, you can consult an orthopedic doctor for an examination. During the period of right foot fracture, the left foot may bear more weight, which could lead to poor posture or inflammation of the tendons. Hyperuricemia does not necessarily cause go...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Pain in Seniors: Causes and Treatment Options
Choosing the Right Knee Brace for Patellar Malalignment: A Guide
Knee brace for patellar valgus? Hello doctor, what type of knee brace should someone with patellar valgus choose? Should it be worn only when experiencing discomfort, or is it necessary to wear a knee brace while walking regularly?
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, generally speaking, knee braces do not have a significant unloading effect for patellar valgus, so their effectiveness may be limited. However, if you feel more comfortable wearing a knee brace while exercising, you can certainly continue to use one. Wishing you good healt...[Read More] Choosing the Right Knee Brace for Patellar Malalignment: A Guide
Cracking Elbow and Weakness After Motorcycle Accident: When to Seek Help?
There is a popping sound on the outer side of the left elbow after the car accident? On November 15, I was involved in a motorcycle accident where my motorcycle was rear-ended at a red light by another motorcycle traveling at high speed. When I was thrown forward, I braced myself...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, if an X-ray is taken and the angle does not capture the fracture or if there was no displacement at the time, it is possible that the fracture may go unnoticed, which can result in ongoing pain. In such cases, it may be necessary to repeat the X-ray or arrange for other ex...[Read More] Cracking Elbow and Weakness After Motorcycle Accident: When to Seek Help?
Understanding Tibial Plateau Fractures: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Tibial plateau fracture Hello, I had a car accident recently that caused swelling in my right foot. I had an X-ray taken in the emergency department, and the emergency physician said there was no fracture. A week later, I followed up with an orthopedic doctor, who reviewed the X-...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, sometimes X-rays may not capture a fracture due to the angle or if there was no displacement at the time of the initial imaging, which can lead to ongoing pain. In such cases, a follow-up appointment may require another X-ray or additional imaging studies. I am unable to a...[Read More] Understanding Tibial Plateau Fractures: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Understanding Persistent Numbness and Tingling in the Foot and Leg
There is a persistent tingling and electric sensation from the left foot to the bottom of the calf? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a tingling and electric sensation in the soles of my feet for over a year. Sometimes it suddenly stops, but recently, for the past month, I h...
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing symptoms of nerve compression, such as numbness in the toes or the dorsum of the foot. If this is significantly affecting your daily life, appropriate use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, along with...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Numbness and Tingling in the Foot and Leg
How to Determine if You Have a Fracture: Expert Insights
Fracture issues Hello Dr. Shen, earlier you responded to my inquiry, but there was an issue with the photo that I couldn't open. It has now been fixed. I would like to ask for your help in determining whether there is indeed a fracture. Thank you!
Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, the lateral X-ray of the knee shows a faint trace that may indicate a possible avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament with minimal displacement. An MRI should provide a clearer view, as sometimes there is no initial displacement that later develops. The physi...[Read More] How to Determine if You Have a Fracture: Expert Insights