Chest Pain Near Rib Joint: Which Specialist to Consult?
Rib issues You should choose to see a specialist in thoracic medicine or a pulmonologist for the sharp pain in your chest located at the costosternal joint.
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Sky, Costosternal arthritis, located in front of the heart, is difficult to visualize on chest X-rays, making it challenging for orthopedic physicians to make a scientific diagnosis. As a result, patients often find themselves bouncing between departments such as pulmonary ...[Read More] Chest Pain Near Rib Joint: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Risks and Success Rates of C1-C2 Spinal Fusion Surgery
Surgical fixation of the cervical spine at levels C1 and C2? Hello Dr. Su: My mother went to the hospital for examinations (at three different hospitals). The doctors said that my mother has a dislocation at the C1 and C2 vertebrae, which is compressing blood vessels or nerves. S...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Xiao Ke: It is uncommon for individuals to experience dislocation of the first and second cervical vertebrae. This condition is typically not caused by trauma but rather by rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, instability of the first and second cervical vertebrae (Atlanto-axi...[Read More] Understanding Risks and Success Rates of C1-C2 Spinal Fusion Surgery
Essential Tests for Diagnosing Foot Pain and Neuroma
What kind of examinations should be done for foot pain? Hello Dr. Su, First of all, thank you for your explanation regarding the pain between my 3rd and 4th toes. I previously went to the hospital for an X-ray, and the neurologist said there were no issues with the bones and pr...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Hello Chen Jenfeng: If there is tenderness between the 3rd and 4th toes, it could indicate a neuroma issue. However, so far, electrodiagnostic tests (changes in resistance, voltage, and current) have not been effective in distinguishing the pathology. If the symptoms are quite pe...[Read More] Essential Tests for Diagnosing Foot Pain and Neuroma
Understanding Joint Effusion: Causes and Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Joint effusion I injured my left knee on February 2, 2006, and I still cannot fully extend or flex it, and I experience pain. An MRI showed the presence of effusion. Could this be the reason for my inability to fully extend and flex my knee, or could there be other possibilities?...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Toby, If there is still fluid accumulation in the knee joint, it would naturally prevent full extension and flexion due to pressure. If it has been confirmed that the fluid has been drained and it does not appear that there is any remaining fluid, then the knee joint may h...[Read More] Understanding Joint Effusion: Causes and Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Understanding Mysterious Foot Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Foot pain Hello doctor, I have been experiencing unexplained pain in the area beneath the middle toe and the fourth toe on the sole of my foot. It hurts more when I walk or apply pressure, and there hasn't been any trauma or sports injury. What could be the cause? Thank you.
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Jenny, If there is pain between the 3rd and 4th toes, three conditions should be considered: 1. Sesamoiditis, which causes pain during movement. 2. Morton's neuroma, which may present with numbness in the toes. 3. Localized callosity (corn), which can be observed as ye...[Read More] Understanding Mysterious Foot Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Foot Anatomy: A Guide to Metatarsals and Toe Joints
Foot I'm sorry, but I don't quite understand the meaning of the metatarsal bones and the metatarsophalangeal joints. Could you please send me an explanatory diagram? Thank you!
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Please find the attached image for your reference! Sincerely, Dr. Su Yi-Jen, Chiayi Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Foot Anatomy: A Guide to Metatarsals and Toe Joints
Understanding Quadriceps Tightness: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Frog legs Hello Dr. Su, In December, I wrote an email to inquire about issues related to quadriceps muscle spasms. I also visited you in person at Chiayi Hospital at the end of December, so you should remember me. Currently, the doctors at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital have condu...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear TJD, Thank you for providing various reports. I hope to choose an effective method to address the current symptoms. If the situation is severe, a quadriceps lengthening procedure may be necessary. However, if we proceed with this, it must be thorough; a lengthening of at le...[Read More] Understanding Quadriceps Tightness: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Effective Care and Treatment for Painful Big Toe Joint Issues
Foot I often experience sharp pain behind the big toe bone, and it also hurts when I walk. I would like to inquire about maintenance methods and treatment options.
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Fang, Are you referring to the metatarsal bones or the metatarsophalangeal joints? Sincerely, Dr. Su Yi-Jen Chiayi Hospital, Department of Health[Read More] Effective Care and Treatment for Painful Big Toe Joint Issues
Understanding Traumatic Arthritis: Concerns for Military Service
Traumatic arthritis I would like to inquire about my left knee, which has traumatic arthritis, during my military service physical examination. I experience pain when walking for extended periods, and there is a cracking sound whenever I perform leg raises. I am concerned about h...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Tom, Greetings. Our hospital is conducting military service physical examinations in accordance with relevant regulations. For the standards regarding traumatic arthritis examinations, please visit http://civil.hccg.tw/MILITARY/p3/80.HTM to check the related provisions. A...[Read More] Understanding Traumatic Arthritis: Concerns for Military Service
Understanding Quadriceps Contracture: Insights on Treatment Options
Frog legs Hello Dr. Su, I would like to ask you some questions. Due to receiving injections since childhood, I have developed significant muscle contractions in both thighs (with noticeable indentations), which prevents me from squatting down properly. The angle at which I can sq...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear TJD, According to the information you provided, it appears to be Quadriceps contracture. This condition is relatively rare in Taiwan, but more common in mountainous areas of Japan. In the 1960s, a significant number of cases were reported, leading to schoolchildren being un...[Read More] Understanding Quadriceps Contracture: Insights on Treatment Options
Understanding Joint Imaging: Procedure, Anesthesia, and Contrast Use
Arthrography I would like to ask about the process of arthrography. Is anesthesia required during the procedure? I need to undergo the examination on my left wrist... I only know that a contrast agent will be injected, but I am not aware of how the procedure is conducted.
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Sandy, Based on your inquiry, it seems that you should undergo an arthrogram. Unlike arthroscopy, which is a surgical procedure using a camera, an arthrogram is a traditional X-ray imaging technique that involves injecting a contrast agent into the joint space. As long as y...[Read More] Understanding Joint Imaging: Procedure, Anesthesia, and Contrast Use
Understanding a Sudden Bump on the Back of Your Hand: Causes and Next Steps
A small protrusion suddenly appeared on the back of my hand? Hello, Doctor: Recently, I suddenly noticed a protrusion near the joint on the back of my right hand, approximately 0.8 cm in diameter. It is not noticeable or palpable when my hand is flat, but it becomes very apparent...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Gianni, What you are describing is likely similar to a ganglion cyst, commonly referred to as a "water tumor." The formation of a ganglion cyst is generally due to a gap between the second and third tendon groups on the dorsal side of the wrist, allowing the intra...[Read More] Understanding a Sudden Bump on the Back of Your Hand: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Spinal Curvature: Is Your Spine Too Curved?
From the side view, how curved is the spine? If I stand straight against the wall, there is a half fist distance between my lower back and the wall. From the shoulder blades to the hips, there is no contact with the wall. Does this mean my spine is too curved? What is the normal ...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Ziga: Based on the symptoms you described, there is indeed a condition of lumbar lordosis. It is particularly worth investigating whether the angle of the lumbosacral region is excessive. If the angle exceeds 40°, it may lead to spondylolisthesis, which can cause significant...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Curvature: Is Your Spine Too Curved?
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
About finger joints? Dear Doctor, I would like to ask for your advice. Recently, I have been experiencing soreness in the middle joint of my right middle finger. My job often involves the repetitive motion of opening and closing jars. I have noticed that the gap between my right...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Tony: Your question is very good. Please visit our outpatient clinic at the scheduled time and have an X-ray taken for further discussion. Sincerely, Dr. Su Yi-Ren, Orthopedics, Chiayi Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Spinal Growth Plate Healing: X-ray Insights and Implications
My spine? Is there anyone who can find an X-ray image of the spinal growth plates' fusion? Because it is said that once the spinal growth plates are fused, growth in height will stop. I happen to have an X-ray taken of my spine due to an illness, but I don't know what f...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Tina: You can come to the orthopedic outpatient clinic at Chiayi Hospital. I will show you the illustrations from the textbook. If you are only 14 years old, there is still some room for growth in height; however, girls typically experience their growth spurt during the fift...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Growth Plate Healing: X-ray Insights and Implications
Understanding Angel Wing and Frog Leg: Causes, Genetics, and Treatment Options
Angel Wing + Frog Limb Dear Dr. Su, I would like to ask about the causes of right deltoid atrophy (winged scapula) and frog leg deformity. Is there a genetic component to these conditions? When I was four years old, I underwent surgery on my right arm. The doctor mentioned that ...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Hello RUBY! The deltoid muscle, like the gluteus maximus, has many patients with contractures. In severe cases, the upper limbs cannot be brought close to the body, and walking resembles that of a traditional Taiwanese performer. Therefore, surgery to release the muscles is neces...[Read More] Understanding Angel Wing and Frog Leg: Causes, Genetics, and Treatment Options
Understanding Frog Legs: Surgical Options for Hip Pain Relief
Frog legs Hello, I missed the golden period for treatment, and now I find it very difficult to climb stairs and even get on the bus, which has caused some inconvenience. I wonder if there are successful surgical cases at my age. I'm worried about my current condition and the...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear CC: A depression in the buttocks does not necessarily indicate frog legs; muscle atrophy can also result from sciatic nerve pathology. Please ensure you consult an orthopedic physician and arrange for nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing and electromyography (EMG) to asse...[Read More] Understanding Frog Legs: Surgical Options for Hip Pain Relief
Understanding Neck Pain: Degeneration or Muscle Tension?
My cervical spine feels strange? Recently, I've been experiencing some issues with my cervical spine. Sometimes, I hear a sound in my neck and head that resembles rusting, and my neck often feels strained. When I lie down, I feel a tingling sensation in the skin of my right ...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Dear Ai Ru: Neck degeneration is not only a condition that affects the elderly. Based on your reported symptoms, it seems that there may be nerve root compression in your cervical spine, which could be causing the tingling sensation. In addition to physical therapy, it is importa...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: Degeneration or Muscle Tension?
Understanding Frog Legs: Orthopedic Challenges and Solutions for Women
Frog legs Hello Dr. Su, I am a woman suffering from frog leg syndrome. I had a cesarean section, and I am experiencing the following issues in my left thigh and hip: 1. I need to hold onto the handrail to climb stairs, I have difficulty squatting and getting up, and I cannot rise...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on your symptoms, it may not be caused by frog legs, but rather by sciatica. Please promptly visit a major hospital's orthopedic department for X-rays or a CT scan to confirm whether there are bone spurs or other conditions (such as tumors, congenital abnormalit...[Read More] Understanding Frog Legs: Orthopedic Challenges and Solutions for Women
Does Sexual Activity Affect Bone Healing After a Fracture?
Please ask a question? Hello, I would like to ask you a question. There is a common belief that if you have a fracture, you should not engage in sexual activity during the healing period. If you do, the chances of the bone healing properly will decrease significantly. Is this sta...
Dr. Su Yiren reply Orthopedics
Hello, Monkey: Thank you for your inquiry. The question you raised is unfounded, and there is no correlation between the two. Thank you! Dr. Su Yi-Jen, Puzi Hospital.[Read More] Does Sexual Activity Affect Bone Healing After a Fracture?