Recovery Timeline After Nail Removal for Femur Fracture
The healing period after screw removal..? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask how long it typically takes to start walking after the removal of the steel pins from a femur fracture, and if it takes a long time to walk normally again. Thank you for your help!
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Xiaoyuan: After a femoral fracture is stabilized with bone screws for about one to one and a half years, if healing is satisfactory, consideration can be given to the removal of the screws. After removal, you can begin light mobility within two days. However, for returning t...[Read More] Recovery Timeline After Nail Removal for Femur Fracture
Understanding Bunions: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions for Foot Pain
Regarding hallux valgus? I have had wider feet since I was young, and as I grew up, it became very difficult for me to find shoes. My foot width is about 9 centimeters. When I wear regular canvas shoes designed for women, I experience pain in the bones next to my little toe and b...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Xiao Feng: Pain in the little toe and big toe is a common symptom among girls. The big toe is experiencing hallux valgus. The treatment methods include avoiding high heels, not standing or walking for prolonged periods, and wearing loose-fitting shoes. Currently, there are s...[Read More] Understanding Bunions: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions for Foot Pain
Understanding Flat Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
I'm here to help! Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I have a question. I have flat feet in both of my feet, with an angle of 166 degrees. However, after standing for just 5 to 10 minutes, my fee...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear A-Zhi, Generally, a flat foot with an angle of 166 degrees should not cause pain after standing for five to ten minutes, and your symptoms do not seem directly related to this condition. If your job requires prolonged standing, walking, squatting, or excessive stair climbin...[Read More] Understanding Flat Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Scoliosis: Degrees, Military Service, and Re-evaluation Options
Regarding the issue of scoliosis? I recently graduated from university and received a health examination notification. I have a 12-degree right thoracic curvature and a 12-degree left lumbar curvature. The doctor who initially examined me mentioned that I had not yet reached the ...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Heng, Thank you for your inquiry. The angle of scoliosis is measured using the Cobb angle method, which assesses the maximum angle of inclination of the vertebrae involved in the curvature. If you are interested, you can search online using keywords like "Co...[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Degrees, Military Service, and Re-evaluation Options
Understanding Moderate Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Recovery
Herniated disc Dear Doctor: I have a moderate herniated disc between the 2nd and 3rd, as well as the 3rd and 4th vertebrae, which is compressing the nerves and causing me significant pain. I can't stand or sit comfortably. The rehabilitation physician has suggested that I st...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Ruby, Thank you for your letter. Your concerns may have caused some inconvenience in your daily life. May I ask if this issue is due to an injury? If it is injury-related, there may be instability, and we would need to further assess whether a spinal fusion surgery is neces...[Read More] Understanding Moderate Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Recovery
Effective Strategies to Alleviate Shoulder Pain from Stress
Shoulder pain? About two years ago, I started experiencing shoulder pain, which was not frequent at first. However, recently, it seems to have increased in frequency, possibly due to my tendency to be overly stressed or busy. I often feel significant shoulder discomfort and find ...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Friend, There are many causes of shoulder pain, usually related to external and internal factors such as work fatigue, excessive physical activity, and stress in daily life. The general treatment approach starts with rehabilitation therapy, followed by medication. At home,...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Alleviate Shoulder Pain from Stress
Understanding Muscle Tightness and Pain in the Right Calf: Causes and Solutions
Muscle issues For the past two months, my right calf muscle has felt particularly tight, and sometimes it hurts when I walk, making it difficult to exert strength. This is especially noticeable when climbing stairs, which feels particularly exhausting, but this is not related to ...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Ming, Based on your description in the letter, it appears that improper gait during exercise (evidenced by the uneven wear on your shoe soles) has led to ligament injuries in both knee joints, making it particularly difficult for you to go up and down stairs. Additional...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Tightness and Pain in the Right Calf: Causes and Solutions
Will I Still Grow Taller? Understanding Growth Patterns in Teens
Will I still grow taller? I grew up slower than others and wasn't very active, but I wasn't picky with food. I was often sick as a child and took a lot of medication. Now, in my first year of high school (16 years old), I am 167 cm tall. My dad is 172 cm and my mom is 1...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Chen, At the age of sixteen, you still have considerable potential for growth. As long as you engage in appropriate exercise, maintain a balanced diet, and your growth plates have not yet closed, it is not difficult to gain a few more centimeters in height. If you have ...[Read More] Will I Still Grow Taller? Understanding Growth Patterns in Teens
Understanding Frog Leg Surgery: Safety, Recovery, and Costs Explained
Frog leg surgery Dear Dr. Shi, I have had a condition commonly referred to as "frog legs" for a long time. When I squat, I need to spread my legs apart first, and I am unable to cross my legs. I have read online that aside from surgical treatment, there are no other ef...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Chen, In response to your inquiries, please find the answers below: 1. If the condition is not very severe, it is usually managed with observation or medication. 2. The surgery is not considered major, and complications are uncommon. 3. Postoperatively, a recovery peri...[Read More] Understanding Frog Leg Surgery: Safety, Recovery, and Costs Explained
How to Assess Your Bone Health: Essential Tests and Tips
Bone health assessment Hello, doctor: How can I check if my bones are healthy? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Achang: Bone examinations should be determined based on age. For individuals at a developmental age, blood tests can be used to assess bone development. For those at an age associated with osteoporosis (over 65 years), a bone density test can be conducted. Orthopedics Depart...[Read More] How to Assess Your Bone Health: Essential Tests and Tips
How to Check Growth Plate Healing: X-Ray and Cost Insights
Regarding the examination of whether the growth plates have fused? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask how to check if the growth plates have fused. Should I get an X-ray or is there another method? I am considering visiting an orthopedic specialist for an evaluation and would lik...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Sir/Madam: To determine whether the growth plates have matured and closed, the best method is to take an X-ray of the growth plates around the knee joint. Please visit our pediatric orthopedic outpatient clinic. If you have health insurance, the cost is not high, approxima...[Read More] How to Check Growth Plate Healing: X-Ray and Cost Insights
Understanding O-Leg: Causes, Concerns, and Correction Methods
What is bow-leggedness? I would like to ask, what is bowleggedness? I feel that my leg shape is not attractive and seems to be bowlegged, but I don't quite understand the definition of bowleggedness. When I stand, my legs cannot come together, and there is a noticeable curve...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Cola Netizen, The medical term for O-shaped legs is "genu varum." When standing, if the distance between the knees exceeds four centimeters and they cannot touch, it creates a gap resembling an island, which is referred to as O-shaped legs. If this condition occur...[Read More] Understanding O-Leg: Causes, Concerns, and Correction Methods
Can Collagen Supplements Boost Growth and Improve Nose Height?
Collagen and its Role in Cartilage Hello Doctor: I am nineteen years old and have always been troubled by my short stature. I often search for related information online and understand that the key to continuing growth is whether the growth plates are still open, as well as the i...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Sir/Madam, The mechanism of human growth is not as simple as you might think. It is not solely caused by a single mechanical or chemical action. Therefore, attributing height increase entirely to one type of collagen cannot fully explain the growth mechanism. Genetic factor...[Read More] Can Collagen Supplements Boost Growth and Improve Nose Height?
Understanding Recovery from Right Ankle Dislocation: Pain and Swelling Concerns
Right ankle dislocation Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. After I fell on February 2nd, I dislocated my right outer ankle. I had it in a cast for six weeks, and it has since been removed. However, the affected area is still swollen, and there is pain when I apply lig...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Codi user: If there is a dislocation of the ankle joint without a fracture, it is treated with a plaster cast. This usually lasts for six to eight weeks. Due to prolonged immobilization of the joint and affected blood circulation, swelling symptoms are common after the cast ...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Right Ankle Dislocation: Pain and Swelling Concerns
Understanding Postural Kyphosis: When to Seek Medical Advice
Kyphosis Hello, I noticed in the FAQ that the physician mentioned: "Postural kyphosis can be adjusted voluntarily and self-corrected. When straightened, it returns to normal; this type of kyphosis is the most common, and correction methods can change walking posture." D...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Bottle Network User: Postural kyphosis refers to an adjustable and changeable angle of spinal flexion, often caused by habitual behaviors, physical activity, or the shyness commonly experienced by adolescent girls, leading to poor posture characterized by a reluctance to lif...[Read More] Understanding Postural Kyphosis: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding L5-S1 Herniated Disc Surgery: Size, Stability, and Risks
Herniated disc Doctor, I have a small posterior herniation of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc. The doctor is planning to remove the herniated portion. Could you please tell me how large the incision will be for surgery on just this segment? Will the stability of my spine be affecte...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Subject: Treatment for L5S1 Disc Herniation The treatment for L5S1 disc herniation depends on the patient's age and symptoms. If the condition is not severe, rehabilitation therapy may be considered. Otherwise, surgical intervention is also a treatment option. The surgery t...[Read More] Understanding L5-S1 Herniated Disc Surgery: Size, Stability, and Risks
Understanding Traditional vs. Microsurgery for L5-S1 Disc Herniation
May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, I have a herniated disc at L5-S1. The doctor recommended traditional surgery, but the incision is only about 3 cm, and it will only involve removing the herniated portion of the disc. I will be hospitalized for about 3 days. I would like to ask...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Subject: Management of Intervertebral Disc Disorders There are various methods for managing intervertebral disc disorders. Currently, for individuals under the age of 45, the general approach is to prioritize rehabilitation therapy. Surgical intervention is considered only when ...[Read More] Understanding Traditional vs. Microsurgery for L5-S1 Disc Herniation
Understanding Growth Spurts: Can You Still Grow Taller After 16?
Height increase Hello Dr. Shi: I would like to ask you, I heard that height growth stops by the age of 16, is that true? I am currently 165 cm tall, and my father is 164 cm. Our teacher mentioned that growth can still occur, is that true? I am now in the first year of high school...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello, Aaron: 1. Boys typically stop growing in height around the ages of 16 to 17, but further growth may occur. It is necessary to check if the growth plates are closed, as skeletal age may not align with chronological age. 2. For matters related to secondary sexual characteris...[Read More] Understanding Growth Spurts: Can You Still Grow Taller After 16?
Understanding the Differences Between Discectomy and Spinal Decompression Surgery
Questions about surgical methods? What is the difference between a discectomy and spinal nerve decompression surgery? Isn't endoscopic discectomy just scraping away the herniated disc? Doesn't that effectively decompress the nerve root? Thank you for your response, doct...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear netizen: When a herniated disc causes neurological symptoms and rehabilitation is ineffective, it is necessary to perform a discectomy to achieve decompression. Therefore, it is also one of the decompression surgeries. Spinal nerve decompression is also a type of neurosurger...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Discectomy and Spinal Decompression Surgery
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation and Endoscopic Surgery Options
Herniated disc Doctor, I have a herniated disc between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra, which is protruding posteriorly into the spinal canal rather than laterally. As a result, I only have mild neurological symptoms. I would like to ask if, during endosco...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello, thank you for your question. A herniated disc does not always require surgery. Generally, if neurological symptoms are mild, it is sufficient to pay attention to posture, strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, take medication, or even undergo rehabilitation traction. I...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation and Endoscopic Surgery Options