Understanding Thumb Ligament Issues: Do They Heal on Their Own?
Thumb ligament-related issues? Hello Doctor: My thumb looks normal and the X-ray shows that the bones are also fine. I would like to inquire if it is a ligament issue. Will it heal on its own, or will I need injections or surgery for treatment? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You haven't clearly stated your question. If it is a ligament issue, pain would necessitate treatment. As for whether injections or other treatment options are needed, that should be determined by a physician's diagnosis and recommendations.[Read More] Understanding Thumb Ligament Issues: Do They Heal on Their Own?
Understanding Patellar Fractures: Common Sounds and Concerns After Surgery
Patellar fracture Hello, I am a patient with a patellar fracture. I underwent traditional surgery on June 23, where two steel pins and an 8-shaped wire were used. When I sit and lift my leg straight out in front of me, I hear a popping sound each time I do this. Is this normal? I...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It could be the sound of ligaments sliding over the bone or the sound of friction between wires or bone screws. Please have the doctor check during your follow-up appointment.[Read More] Understanding Patellar Fractures: Common Sounds and Concerns After Surgery
Understanding Third Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery Tips and Concerns
Fracture of the third metatarsal bone? Hello, Dr. Shi. On September 12, I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in a fracture of the third metatarsal. At that time, the doctor did not recommend a cast, but since I couldn't take time off work, the doctor suggested wearing a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. If the metatarsal fracture in the foot is not severely displaced, surgery may not be necessary; typically, immobilization for about four weeks will prevent significant displacement. 2. Natural healing is possible. 3. Stepping on the gas pedal is generally manageable.[Read More] Understanding Third Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery Tips and Concerns
Understanding Occasional Leg Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Intermittent pain in the leg bones or joints? Hello Doctor, in the past year or two, I have occasionally experienced a dull ache in my lower limb joints or bones, similar to growing pains, mostly occurring in the evenings before sleep. I would like to ask if it is necessary to se...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You can first use heat therapy or massage to relieve the discomfort; if it doesn't improve, then consult a physician.[Read More] Understanding Occasional Leg Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Coccyx Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Coccygeal issues In January of this year, I fell on the stairs and hit my coccyx on the ground. It was very painful at the moment, but after resting for a day or two, the pain subsided, and I did not seek medical attention. About two weeks ago, I noticed that the sensation on the...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. If there is numbness, it may indicate nerve compression. 2. It is possible. 3. It may be related. 4. Unlike cauda equina syndrome, there is no phenomenon of urinary or fecal incontinence.[Read More] Understanding Coccyx Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding MRI Reports: Insights on PCL Injury and Reconstruction
Can you help interpret an MRI report? Right knee MRI consisted of multiplanar T1 and T2 weighted images with multiple sequences showing: > PCL injury, status post PCL reconstruction. > Ligamentous edema of the PCL is noted. > Fluid collection within the knee joint. > ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
The MRI results indicate a rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament in the right knee, with edema present in the posterior cruciate ligament following reconstruction surgery.[Read More] Understanding MRI Reports: Insights on PCL Injury and Reconstruction
Post-Surgery Bump on Arm After Olecranon Fracture: What to Expect?
Post-operative protrusion of the arm after an eagle beak fracture? Hello, Doctor. I originally had an olecranon fracture and had a plate fixation. After the surgery, I noticed a protrusion on my arm, which I thought was the plate and didn't pay much attention to it. A year l...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It could be bone proliferation, and if healing is not satisfactory, an X-ray is necessary to determine the condition. You should get an X-ray and have the physician make a further diagnosis.[Read More] Post-Surgery Bump on Arm After Olecranon Fracture: What to Expect?
Understanding Hip Joint Weakness: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Hip joint issues? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a feeling of weakness on the right side of my thigh near the greater trochanter. It's not that I can't exert force; rather, it feels weak, but I can perform all movements normally and there is no pain. This sensat...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. It is difficult to assess feelings of weakness; it is recommended to consult a physician to check for signs of myasthenia or any nerve compression issues. 2. Identifying the diagnosis is essential before potential solutions can be found. 3. There may be a connection. 4. Consid...[Read More] Understanding Hip Joint Weakness: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Post-Surgery Concerns After Steel Nail Removal in Orthopedic Patients
Post-operative issues following the removal of metal screws? Hello, Dr. Shi! 1. I had three steel pins removed from my right femur fracture on August 24, 2023. Due to my osteoporosis, I was concerned about incomplete bone healing, so I asked my attending physician to use BMP ma...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. You can get an X-ray in about six months. 2. Normal. 3. It will take about six months.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Steel Nail Removal in Orthopedic Patients
Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
Lumbar and sacral spine issues? Hello doctor, on September 4, 2023, I twisted my ankle while moving branches and hit the root of the branch. The trunk pressed against my groin area, but I have no bruising or external injuries. Currently, there is only slight pain in the groin are...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
A spinal contusion without a fracture typically heals within four weeks. Applying heat or taking pain relievers can help alleviate symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Complications After Plate Removal
Metatarsal fracture Hello, doctor. I had a regrettable incident while having a plate removed in a rural area: 1. I fractured my metatarsal in early August last year and had a plate inserted. After a year, I returned for a follow-up, and after an X-ray, the doctor assessed that ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. It is usually necessary to confirm that the fracture has healed before removing the metal plate. 2. It is possible that it has not fully healed yet.[Read More] Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Complications After Plate Removal
Understanding Sharp Pain Below the Rib Cage: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain under the rib cage? Hello Doctor: In mid-July, I experienced a noticeable squeezing and stabbing pain under my left ribcage whenever I bent forward, but these issues do not occur when I am standing. I visited a neurologist, who diagnosed me with intercostal nerve infla...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If you have had an X-ray and nothing significant was found, you can continue taking your medication and apply heat. This is usually caused by a muscle strain or fasciitis, and it typically improves in about two to three months.[Read More] Understanding Sharp Pain Below the Rib Cage: Causes and Solutions
Post-Operative Care for Patellar Fracture: Rehabilitation and Concerns
Postoperative care for patellar fracture? Hello, Doctor. At the end of last month, I slipped in the bathroom and my knee directly hit the ground, causing a fracture of the patella into two pieces. I have had it fixed with wires at the hospital and am currently undergoing rehabili...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
After the surgery for a fractured bone, it is important to protect the area for a period of time. Premature bending movements may cause the fracture site to separate. It is essential to wait until complete healing occurs before fully bending the knee joint. Ice therapy can be app...[Read More] Post-Operative Care for Patellar Fracture: Rehabilitation and Concerns
Recovery Tips for Burst Fractures: Safe Mobility After Spinal Injury
Vertebral fracture Dear Doctor, I hope this message finds you well! I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a "burst fracture of the third cervical vertebra" (with vertebral body collapse of 0.3-0.4 cm). I have been resting at home for 7 weeks now. Most of th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Vertebral fractures typically develop callus around eight weeks and usually heal completely by twelve weeks. Before that, some movement is allowed, as activity can promote faster recovery. You can have an X-ray at eight weeks to check on the healing progress of the fracture.[Read More] Recovery Tips for Burst Fractures: Safe Mobility After Spinal Injury
Understanding Open Finger Fractures: Recovery and Nerve Sensation Issues
Open fracture of the finger? Hello doctor, on August 29, 2023, I had an open fracture of the third and fourth fingers due to work. I underwent emergency surgery where two steel pins were inserted into the proximal phalanx of the third finger and one steel pin into the proximal ph...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Numbness may be due to nerve damage, which could take some time to improve. Additionally, you may ask your doctor to prescribe medication to alleviate the numbness, typically vitamin B12 or similar supplements.[Read More] Understanding Open Finger Fractures: Recovery and Nerve Sensation Issues
Managing Lumbar Disc Herniation: Tips for Safe Movement and Strength Training
Lumbar disc herniation at the L4-L5 level? Hello Doctor: It has been 8 months since my herniated discs at the L4-L5 level were confirmed by a physician. The orthopedic doctor at the clinic arranged for me to undergo traction therapy, but I stopped returning for follow-ups after a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You can bend slightly but should avoid lifting heavy objects. If there is a slip while bending, the treatment will depend on the grade. If it is grade two or below, surgery may not be necessary. Additionally, surgery is only required in cases of severe pain or lower limb weakness...[Read More] Managing Lumbar Disc Herniation: Tips for Safe Movement and Strength Training
Understanding Thumb Joint Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
Thumb issues Hello Doctor, my right thumb's interphalangeal joint started hurting about a week ago, and I would like to ask you some questions: Currently, the symptoms are that when viewed from the back of the hand, the right side of the interphalangeal joint is particularly...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. It could be ligament inflammation. If there is an issue with the bone, an X-ray will be needed to confirm it. 2. You can rest and take some anti-inflammatory medication. 3. Try to avoid using your thumb as much as possible. 4. If there is no improvement after two weeks, consul...[Read More] Understanding Thumb Joint Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase: Causes and Concerns
Alkaline phosphatase The normal range for alkaline phosphatase is 25-130 U/L, and my level is 132 U/L. My liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, CEA, and CA 19-9, are all normal. I underwent dental implants in March and April of this year, and the procedure is not yet complete...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
A slight elevation in alkaline phosphatase levels is not a concern; it may return to normal after rechecking in three months. If there are significant symptoms from a herniated disc, treatment is necessary; however, if there is no severe pain, conservative management is sufficien...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: Recovery and Long-Term Care
Lumbar spine issues Dear Dr. Shih, I hope this message finds you well! I was involved in a car accident on the highway, where I was rear-ended by another vehicle. The emergency assessment diagnosed me with a "burst fracture of the third vertebra," with a 0.3 cm vertebr...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. Approximately three months. 2. Three months, because the healing of a fracture takes that long. 3. If the deformity from a vertebral compression fracture is not severe, there typically won't be any long-term complications. After healing, it is important to practice abdomi...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Injuries: Recovery and Long-Term Care
Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Healing and Risks
Fracture of the fifth metatarsal (non-surgical)? Hello, Doctor: I sustained a fracture in my fifth metatarsal on June 13, 2023, and I was immediately placed in a cast. However, during a follow-up appointment on June 27, the doctor mentioned that there was a slight re-fracture in ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
An X-ray is necessary to determine if there is a fracture.[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Healing and Risks