Understanding a Small Lump on the Left Side: When to See a Doctor
Regarding the small lump in the lower left area? While showering, I noticed a small round, soft ball located on the lower left side of my body, just below the chest area but on the left side. It is not protruding and can only be felt more distinctly when pressed at a certain angl...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, if the tumor is located subcutaneously, most of them are benign tumors. You can consult either general surgery or orthopedics. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Understanding a Small Lump on the Left Side: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Growth Plate Injuries: Impacts on Limb Length and Treatment Options
Growth plate necrosis In the case of a fourth-grade student who suffered a fracture due to a car accident, initially treated with traditional Chinese medicine for a month, the hand regained normal function but the elbow joint developed a deformity. After consulting an orthopedic ...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, generally speaking, limb length discrepancies are not related to military service; however, the range of motion and angular deformities may be associated with it. If there is an injury to the growth plate on one side, it can lead to uneven development on both sides, result...[Read More] Understanding Growth Plate Injuries: Impacts on Limb Length and Treatment Options
Managing Post-Surgery Pain and Recovery After Rib Plate Removal
Rib cage support issues? On August 3rd, 2022, I underwent the removal of a titanium alloy plate from my rib. The wound healed around August 28th, and I started rehabilitation. However, I experience persistent pain from my armpit to the surgical site on my chest. When I lift my ar...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, generally speaking, discomfort after the removal of internal fixation plates lasts about a month, and most cases improve during this time. The recommendations from the rehabilitation department are also standard. If pain persists despite taking analgesics and anti-inflamma...[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Pain and Recovery After Rib Plate Removal
Managing Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine: Treatment Options for Young Adults
Spinal degenerative arthritis After undergoing an MRI, I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis of the spine, specifically at the L4 and L5 levels. The physician I consulted mentioned that the intervertebral discs have lost most of their hydration and appear dark. I have tried...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, if lying down without any weight does not alleviate your back pain, in addition to degenerative spinal arthritis, it is important to consider your daily spinal activity, such as prolonged sitting or heavy lifting. Generally speaking, surgery is not typically recommended fo...[Read More] Managing Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine: Treatment Options for Young Adults
Persistent Swelling After Toe Injury: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Toe injury with swelling? Hello, doctor. A few weeks ago, I stubbed my toe and did not address it immediately. I also did not apply ice or heat. After experiencing bruising, swelling, and pain, it has been a month since the bruising subsided, but my toe is still swollen, although...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, the main concern is to check for any fractures. If there is no pain anymore, it should not be a major issue. Swelling may take some time to subside, sometimes requiring two to three months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Persistent Swelling After Toe Injury: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Understanding Post-Surgery Redness and Swelling in Orthopedic Wounds
Surgical wound redness and swelling? Hello, doctor. In early September of this year, I suffered a closed fracture of my left ankle due to a work-related accident. I immediately sought medical attention and underwent surgery, during which steel pins and plates were inserted. After...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, it has been two months since the surgery at the beginning of September, and the wound still appears somewhat abnormal. It is still recommended to visit the hospital for further evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Redness and Swelling in Orthopedic Wounds
Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Treatment Options
Fifth metatarsal fracture Hello, doctor. I sustained a fifth metatarsal fracture due to exercise on September 21. The doctor assessed that surgery was not necessary and that I could use a splint instead. During my follow-up appointment on October 20, the doctor said I could try w...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, with only a fifth metatarsal fracture, if there is no significant pain after one month, partial weight-bearing should not be a major issue. The likelihood of fracture displacement is minimal. Follow-up X-rays should be done once a month, and after three to four months of c...[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Treatment Options
Understanding Proximal Clavicle Fractures: Risks and Recovery Insights
Proximal clavicle fracture On August 17, I suffered a proximal clavicle fracture due to a car accident. Initially, the X-ray showed a complete fracture with minimal displacement, so the doctor recommended conservative treatment instead of surgery. After two or three follow-up vis...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, if the fracture displacement is minimal and the healing process has not been significantly affected, after two months, the fracture should have undergone initial healing. You can continue to monitor it and wait for complete healing before starting rehabilitation therapy. C...[Read More] Understanding Proximal Clavicle Fractures: Risks and Recovery Insights
Concerns About Hardware Removal After Tibia and Pelvis Fractures
Rehabilitation issues related to metal implants? Hello Dr. Wang! I was in a car accident on March 25 of this year, resulting in a fracture of my left tibia and a fracture of my left pelvis. I underwent surgery for internal fixation of the tibial fracture on April 14. It has been ...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, for lower limb fractures, the internal fixation should be removed at least one to one and a half years later. There is no specific harm in removing the internal fixation, but please avoid vigorous exercise for one month post-surgery. Changhua Hospital cares about your heal...[Read More] Concerns About Hardware Removal After Tibia and Pelvis Fractures
Can Blood Tests Detect HLA-B27 in Asymptomatic Children?
Can a blood test detect B27 in children? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis 20 years ago while serving in the military, and I tested positive for HLA-B27. After that, I was discharged. I later got married and have two children, an 11-year-old son and a 9-ye...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, the HLA-B27 tissue antigen is a hereditary trait that can be detected through a blood test. However, if there are no symptoms, engaging in regular exercise is generally acceptable. You may consult with a rheumatologist for further advice. Changhua Hospital cares about your...[Read More] Can Blood Tests Detect HLA-B27 in Asymptomatic Children?
Understanding Minor Hand Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Tips
Minor bone fracture of the hand? I sustained a minor fracture in my elbow from a skateboard fall and went to a clinic for treatment. The doctor referred me to a larger hospital where I had two X-rays taken. The doctor confirmed it was a minor fracture and said that I don't n...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, the location of the fracture is important. If the symptoms are mild, it may still take at least two to three weeks for the pain to subside. It is advisable to minimize movement and use a triangular bandage. Follow-up outpatient visits are necessary to check for any displac...[Read More] Understanding Minor Hand Fractures: Treatment and Recovery Tips
Innovative Treatments for Wrist Osteoarthritis After Fractures
Comminuted wrist fracture Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding my condition. Several years ago, I experienced an accident that left me unconscious, so I am not very clear about what happened. I sustained multiple fractures, which resulted in the loss of cartilage in my wris...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, for post-traumatic arthritis of the wrist, if there is still a need for strength, joint fusion surgery is often performed. If there is not much demand for strength, most cases are treated symptomatically. If you have further questions, it is advisable to seek a second opin...[Read More] Innovative Treatments for Wrist Osteoarthritis After Fractures
Am I Suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis? Understanding Joint Pain Symptoms
Am I suffering from rheumatoid arthritis? A 45-year-old female, 158 cm tall, weighing 45 kg: (1) Menopause occurred in May 2022. (2) No chronic diseases, no hereditary diseases, no allergies. (3) Diagnosed with a gastric ulcer via endoscopy in July 2021; chronic gastric acid has ...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, based on your symptoms, it seems very much like rheumatoid arthritis. If there is no excessive use of the joints in daily activities, we need to consider whether it is due to intrinsic factors in your body. The pain in the soles of your feet is more likely to be plantar fa...[Read More] Am I Suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis? Understanding Joint Pain Symptoms
Do You Need Surgery to Remove a Steel Plate After Arm Fracture?
Removal of fracture plate? After one year post-surgery for an upper limb fracture, the bone has healed. Since the internal plate is made of health insurance-approved material, is it necessary to undergo another surgery to remove it? (Currently 43 years old)
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, if there are no specific discomforts or foreign body sensations, it is not necessarily required to remove it. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Do You Need Surgery to Remove a Steel Plate After Arm Fracture?
Managing Ankle Fractures: Using Braces and Returning to Sports
Issues with the use of ankle fracture braces and engaging in sports? Hello, Doctor. I sustained an injury two weeks ago while exercising, resulting in a fracture of the posterior talus and a ligament tear in my right ankle. After evaluation, the doctor determined that surgery is ...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, bone healing takes at least three months. If the fracture is not severe and there is some healing, it still requires at least two months before progressing to full weight-bearing activities. For exercises like walking, it is safer to wait for three months. However, non-wei...[Read More] Managing Ankle Fractures: Using Braces and Returning to Sports
Understanding and Identifying Toe Joint Cysts: Causes and Concerns
Toe cyst Recently, I suddenly noticed two lumps on the middle joint of my second toe, each about 2 to 3 centimeters in size. They can be moved when touched and are not painful. Could this be a ganglion cyst or a tumor?
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, the likelihood of tumors on the foot is low; however, the chance of a ganglion cyst is higher. If it increases in size, surgical excision is recommended, with the pathology report being the primary consideration. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Understanding and Identifying Toe Joint Cysts: Causes and Concerns
Managing Complications After Tibial Plateau Fracture Surgery
Tibial plateau malunion? After surgery on March 18, 2022, for a grade 2 tibial plateau fracture, there is a 2 cm wide depression in the steel plate. The lower leg is externally rotated by 9 degrees, and the femur is internally rotated by 4 degrees, resulting in overall joint tigh...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, if the dislocation is so evident, the likelihood of developing post-traumatic arthritis is very high. The chances of successfully realigning the fracture through another surgery are likely low. Some physicians may opt for osteotomy to shift the weight-bearing load of the k...[Read More] Managing Complications After Tibial Plateau Fracture Surgery
Can I Have Sex After Pelvic and Spinal Fractures?
Can I have sex with a fracture? I have a pelvic fracture, as well as compression fractures of the 11th and 12th thoracic vertebrae, and burst fractures of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lumbar vertebrae. I underwent pelvic reduction and fixation surgery, as well as minimally invasive spin...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, based on what you mentioned about multiple fractures, it is necessary to wait for the initial healing of the fractures, which typically takes at least two to three months before considering recovery. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Can I Have Sex After Pelvic and Spinal Fractures?
Can I Still Grow to 175 cm by Age 16? A Guide for Teens
Is it possible for a 15-year-old, almost 16, to grow to 175 cm in height? Hello, doctor. I will turn 16 this October. I started middle school at a height of 137 cm and graduated this June at 157.5 cm, and now I'm 159 cm. I have developed pubic and underarm hair, but I haven&...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, each person's growth curve is different, influenced by nutritional status, exercise, and lifestyle. However, the presence or absence of growth plates is a direct determining factor for the potential to grow taller. You can consult an orthopedic specialist or a pediatr...[Read More] Can I Still Grow to 175 cm by Age 16? A Guide for Teens
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Finger joints Hello Doctor, previously I experienced pain in the joint of my ring finger when pressed, and also pain when bending the finger. I went to the hospital's Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology department for blood tests and X-rays. The doctors said it was neither...
Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, Madam: Arthritis in the finger joints is quite common due to their high usage. If the hands are used frequently, it is advisable to first reduce the intensity and duration of use, and to take anti-inflammatory pain relievers and muscle relaxants, which can alleviate most s...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes and Treatment Options