How Much Does Total Hip Replacement Surgery Cost?
The cost of a total hip replacement surgery typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 in the United States, depending on various factors such as the hospital, surgeon's fees, and geographic location? The total cost of a complete hip replacement surgery is approximately how mu...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Total Hip Replacement (THR) under the National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan has a reimbursement rate of NT$52,560 for materials. Typically, physicians assess the patient's hip joint condition and apply to the NHI for approval. If granted, the NHI covers the costs, and th...[Read More] How Much Does Total Hip Replacement Surgery Cost?
Can Calcium and Glucosamine Help Prevent Joint Degeneration in Seniors?
Elderly degeneration Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, my aunt is over seventy years old and has a tendency for joint degeneration in her lower limbs. Can taking glucosamine and calcium supplements help prevent or treat this degeneration?
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Elderly individuals who have long-term use of their knee joints may experience joint degeneration, which can be treated in various ways depending on the extent of cartilage wear. Generally, those with mild wear may only need to take anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication...[Read More] Can Calcium and Glucosamine Help Prevent Joint Degeneration in Seniors?
Caring for Rib Fractures: Tips for Recovery and Dietary Recommendations
Rib fracture Hello Dr. Zhou, My mother recently had a car accident, and the doctor diagnosed her with rib fractures (two broken ribs). The doctor only mentioned that she should rest at home and to return to the hospital if she experiences fever or difficulty breathing. I would l...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
1. Rib fractures are often associated with complications such as pneumothorax, so it is important to monitor for symptoms of respiratory distress. 2. Generally, rib fractures do not require surgical intervention; however, patients often experience pain when breathing or coughin...[Read More] Caring for Rib Fractures: Tips for Recovery and Dietary Recommendations
Understanding Knee Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Regarding knee injuries from falls? I injured my knee two weeks ago and had severe bruising, but now, two weeks later, there is no bruising, yet it still hurts. It hurts even with light touch. Is this normal? Should I go to the hospital for further examination? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
After a knee joint injury, in addition to using X-rays to rule out bone injuries, the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, as well as the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, may also be injured. Damage to these soft tissues often leads to joint effusion and hematoma, w...[Read More] Understanding Knee Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Limbus Vertebrae: Causes, Effects, and Concerns
Could you please provide more details about your question regarding Limbus Vertebrae? Hello Doctor: Recently, I underwent a military physical examination, and the results have come out. In the radiology (X-ray) report, I was diagnosed with "congenital muscular skeletal varia...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Limb vertebrae is a congenital anomaly characterized by the congenital fusion of intervertebral discs at the anterior edge of the vertebrae. Symptoms vary depending on the degree of fusion; most individuals are asymptomatic, while some may experience limited neck mobility. The st...[Read More] Understanding Limbus Vertebrae: Causes, Effects, and Concerns
Can Glucosamine Help with Bone Spurs in the Knee?
Can glucosamine be taken for bone spurs? Hello Doctor: My mother is 54 years old. The X-ray shows that she has bone spurs on the inner side of her right knee and needs to undergo arthroscopic surgery. I heard that glucosamine can help protect cartilage, as it seems her knee carti...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Bone spurs are a result of skeletal degeneration, and glucosamine is a component of cartilage, which does not affect bone spurs. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is caused by cartilage wear and leads to pain; in this case, glucosamine can be effective. The typical dosage is 500...[Read More] Can Glucosamine Help with Bone Spurs in the Knee?
Understanding ACL Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery Options
Cruciate ligament I would like to ask, last year while playing basketball, I injured my left knee. After I was able to walk again, I noticed instability and a tendency for my knee to shift, and I am prone to sprains. When the weather changes, I feel discomfort. Last week, I went ...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Knee injuries due to sports can lead to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, necessitating ACL reconstruction surgery. The cruciate ligaments consist of the anterior cruciate ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament, both of which can currently be surgically repaired. The ...[Read More] Understanding ACL Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery Options
Understanding Nail Changes: What Your Symptoms Might Indicate
Nail changes are beginning to occur? I would like to ask the doctor, I recently went to the hospital for knee pain, and the doctor said I have gout. However, I indirectly discovered that the big toes on both of my feet have turned black from the base (the white part), and there a...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
First, let's talk about gout. Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body, which cannot be excreted in a timely manner and accumulates in the peripheral joints. About 70% of the affected sites are in the lower limbs, typically in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the...[Read More] Understanding Nail Changes: What Your Symptoms Might Indicate
Understanding Your Symptoms: A Guide to Back Pain and Inflammation
Ankylosing spondylitis Hello Doctor, I inquired about an issue a few days ago, and today the report has come out (B27 is negative). I would like to ask about my current condition. Between September and December of last year, I frequently experienced a feeling of chest tightness u...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Based on your description, there is a strong suspicion of an autoimmune disease (HLA B27 negative sero-negative) that may affect the eyes, salivary glands, and other connective tissues. Comprehensive treatment should be conducted by a specialist in immunology, and the inflammatio...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: A Guide to Back Pain and Inflammation
Understanding Spinal Imaging: Concerns About Scoliosis and Inflammation
Skeletal imaging I previously underwent a bone scan, and I was referred to the rheumatology department. The results showed that my spine appears as follows... <=== The first vertebra is slightly misaligned)______)______)___)___ p.s. This is a side view (of course, it’s not as ...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
In your letter, you mentioned three diseases: 1. Scoliosis 2. Ankylosing Spondylitis 3. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Since you did not provide information about your age, symptoms, etc., it is difficult to determine which disease you may have. Therefore, here is an overview of these thr...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Imaging: Concerns About Scoliosis and Inflammation
Strengthening My Left Foot After a Serious Fracture: Tips and Relief
My left foot? Hello, Doctor. I accidentally fell from the third floor while building a house and severely fractured my left leg. I did not have surgery or a cast. Now I am healed, but my leg feels very weak. What can I do to strengthen my leg? Also, my leg hurts every day; how ca...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
A fall from the third floor is considered a major trauma, and the potential impacts may include 1. vertebral compression fractures 2. calcaneal fractures 3. knee and tibial fractures 4. hip fractures. A user experienced a tibial fracture and, after conservative treatment, develop...[Read More] Strengthening My Left Foot After a Serious Fracture: Tips and Relief
Does Placenta Extract Trigger Gout? Insights for Patients
The issue of gout? Hello Doctor: I am a gout patient, but before my gout diagnosis, I was taking health supplements (placenta extract). I would like to know if placenta extract can trigger gout? Would you recommend or advise against its use? Thank you!
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Gout is primarily caused by elevated levels of uric acid, which is produced from purines. It is advisable to avoid excessive intake of high-purine substances. So, what are these high-purine substances? The principle is that they have a high cellular density. The substance mention...[Read More] Does Placenta Extract Trigger Gout? Insights for Patients
Understanding Pain After Hip Replacement Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Postoperative care after total hip arthroplasty? Hello Dr. Chou: I am a patient with SLE and have undergone a partial hip replacement due to avascular necrosis of the hip joint (on both legs). I had my left hip replaced at the end of June last year, and my recovery has been quite...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Avascular necrosis of the hip joint is typically caused by ischemia in the femoral head, leading to necrosis and an uneven joint surface, which results in wear. This can further lead to the erosion of the acetabular joint surface, causing wear in both the femoral head (the ball) ...[Read More] Understanding Pain After Hip Replacement Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Severe Lower Limb Disability: What Does Total Loss of Function Mean?
Lower limb function Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about the definition of "severe physical disability" in the classification by the Department of Health. What does "complete loss of function in both lower limbs" mean? Does it refer to the inability to...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
The current classification of physical disabilities is established by the social bureaus of various counties and cities, as well as township offices, through the "Mental and Physical Disability Assessment Manual." Among the categories of physical disabilities, there are...[Read More] Understanding Severe Lower Limb Disability: What Does Total Loss of Function Mean?
Post-Fracture Surgery: Essential Nutrition and Care Tips for Recovery
Post-operative care considerations for fractures? Hello Doctor: My father accidentally fell from an aluminum ladder, resulting in fractures in both of his heels. After surgery, he is now resting at home. However, due to our limited medical knowledge, we would like to ask you abou...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Dear netizens, Calcaneal fractures of both feet are often caused by a direct fall from a height, resulting in deformity. After surgery, several important considerations must be taken into account: 1. Due to the weakness of the soft tissue around the heel (skin over bone), pro...[Read More] Post-Fracture Surgery: Essential Nutrition and Care Tips for Recovery
Understanding Coccydynia: Can Tailbone Injury Affect Bowel Movements?
Coccyx injury Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an issue I have been experiencing. Two years ago, I accidentally bumped my coccyx against the corner of a chair, which caused significant pain for a while. Since then, I have noticed a persistent feeling of incomplete evacuat...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Dear netizens, Coccygeal issues can be categorized into coccyx fractures and dislocations, often caused by direct trauma, particularly from impacts to the area (such as landing directly on the buttocks). Patients typically experience coccygeal pain and difficulty sitting or sta...[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: Can Tailbone Injury Affect Bowel Movements?
Can Calcium Supplements Help Increase Height After Age 25?
How can I increase my height? Hello, doctor. I am 25 years old and 162 cm tall. If I take calcium supplements or height-increasing calcium, is there a chance I can grow taller? Are there any dietary methods that can help me increase my height? Thank you! ^__^
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Dear user: Since you did not specify your gender and considering that 25 years of age is already adulthood, dietary treatments such as nutritional supplements or calcium tablets are generally not very effective at this stage. It is recommended to incorporate exercise therapy (suc...[Read More] Can Calcium Supplements Help Increase Height After Age 25?
Understanding Elbow Dislocation Recovery: When to Seek Further Treatment
Dislocation Hello, I dislocated my right elbow completely on March 16 (without fractures). After two weeks in a cast, I was unable to achieve more than 90 degrees of joint movement (while the normal range is about 135 degrees). After a month of traditional Chinese medicine rehabi...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Regarding elbow dislocation, it primarily depends on the severity of the injury, which can be classified into simple dislocation and complex dislocation (including fractures). In the case of a simple dislocation, after reduction, if stability is achieved, a sling can be used for ...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Dislocation Recovery: When to Seek Further Treatment
Understanding Cast Angles: When to Use Large vs. Small Angles in Orthopedics
Apply a cast? Hello Doctor: I dislocated my elbow on March 16, and after rehabilitation, my recovery is still not good. The range of motion is significantly limited. I wonder if the angle at which the cast was applied (120 degrees) was too large, causing me ongoing issues with bo...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Regarding elbow dislocation, it primarily depends on the severity of the injury, which can be classified into simple dislocation and complex dislocation (including fractures). In the case of a simple dislocation, after reduction, if stability is achieved, a sling can be used for ...[Read More] Understanding Cast Angles: When to Use Large vs. Small Angles in Orthopedics
Which Specialist Should Your Friend See for Persistent Leg Pain?
Which specialty should I consult for this symptom? Hello: First, let me tell you about my friend's symptoms: 1. He has persistent thigh pain (the pain extends from the thigh down to the knee). 2. He cannot sit because the thigh becomes sore, tingling, and painful. 3. He can ...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Dear user, thank you for your detailed description of the symptoms. I will reorganize the issues as follows: Firstly, the full name of orthopedics is "Orthopedic Surgery," which encompasses issues related to bones, muscles, and joints. Therefore, the patient's co...[Read More] Which Specialist Should Your Friend See for Persistent Leg Pain?