Understanding Knee Issues: Do You Need Arthroscopy for Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis Hello Dr. Lee: I am 45 years old and have been hiking intensively for the past two and a half years. After a year of hiking, I noticed a loud popping sound when bending or straightening my knee, and sometimes the kneecap does not align properly and requires adjustm...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, your condition appears to be patellar malalignment accompanied by chondromalacia. Patellar malalignment may be congenital, leading to uneven stress on the medial and lateral cartilage of the patella, with the lateral side bearing most of the load. After the age of 25, the ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Issues: Do You Need Arthroscopy for Osteoarthritis?
Understanding Treatment Options for Degenerative Knee Arthritis: A Patient's Guide
Treatment of Degenerative Knee Osteoarthritis My father has pain in his left knee. He has seen the director of Zhudong Hospital twice and has taken Sulinton tablets and the muscle relaxant AN-AN, but he still does not require surgery. However, after about a month of medication, h...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Degenerative arthritis can occur in a single knee joint, but it may also affect both knees, especially if there are old injuries or degeneration present. The use of arthroscopy for debridement in cases of degenerative arthritis has significantly decreased in recent years due to i...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Degenerative Knee Arthritis: A Patient's Guide
Are Wrinkled Wall Syndrome and Patellar Dislocation the Same Condition?
Is the wrinkled wall syndrome the same as patellar locked dislocation? Hello, Dr. Fan: Is surgery the only option for the diagnosis of (wrinkled wall syndrome)? Additionally, the orthopedic doctor at the National Defense Medical Center 804 Hospital diagnosed it as (patellar dislo...
Dr. Fan Hongbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, here is the response: 1. Plica syndrome and patellar instability are different conditions and diagnoses. Plica syndrome: The knee does not cause pain under normal use, but prolonged friction between the articular cartilage can lead to inflammator...[Read More] Are Wrinkled Wall Syndrome and Patellar Dislocation the Same Condition?
Understanding Shoulder Joint Replacement: Benefits, Risks, and Costs
Total shoulder arthroplasty? Hello Doctor: My father is 76 years old and is experiencing pain in his right shoulder joint due to degenerative arthritis. He can only raise his arm to about 75 degrees. I would like to ask the doctor: 1. What is the outcome of shoulder arthroplasty?...
Dr. Fan Hongbin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your inquiry, here is the response: For degenerative arthritis of the shoulder joint, if it is related to ligament or fascia issues, conservative treatment is generally recommended, which includes oral medication and rehabilitation therapy. If there is avascular ...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Joint Replacement: Benefits, Risks, and Costs
Post-ACL Surgery Rehabilitation: Understanding Recovery and Pain Management
Rehabilitation after knee arthroscopy? Hello Doctor: I had a lateral meniscus tear in my right knee and underwent arthroscopic surgery three months ago, during which half of the torn meniscus was removed. My current condition is as follows: *I can walk normally, but after a long ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is best to return to the original treating physician for a follow-up consultation before deciding which activities can be performed. If the surgery went smoothly, it is certainly acceptable to follow the original recommendations.[Read More] Post-ACL Surgery Rehabilitation: Understanding Recovery and Pain Management
Understanding Knee Pain: Is There Really an Extra Ligament?
Is there an extra tendon on the inner side of the knee? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing knee pain for a long time. I had a car accident during middle school, but it wasn't serious, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, in recent years, every winter or wh...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
In the case of knee joint injuries that have not healed over a long period or are unresponsive to medication, a thorough examination should be conducted, such as arthroscopy or MRI. It is recommended to seek treatment at an orthopedic outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Is There Really an Extra Ligament?
Understanding Shoulder Dislocation: Traditional vs. Arthroscopic Surgery Options
Right shoulder dislocation? Hello, Director Shi. I accidentally fell and dislocated my joint in November 2008, and it seems to have developed into habitual dislocation, as I have dislocated it four times so far. I would like to ask you, if surgery is necessary, should I opt for t...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You must discuss in detail with your attending physician to determine which method is better. Arthroscopic surgery typically allows for a quicker recovery.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Dislocation: Traditional vs. Arthroscopic Surgery Options
How to Determine If Cartilage Repair Surgery Is Necessary?
How to determine if surgical repair of cartilage tissue is necessary? Do cartilage tissues need repair? Can X-rays detect cartilage damage? Is arthroscopic surgery needed for the hip joint? How can one determine if surgery is necessary to repair cartilage tissue? Thank you! Mr. C...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
X-rays cannot detect early cartilage damage. If there are changes on the X-ray, such as narrowing of the joint space or the formation of bone spurs at the joint margins, it indicates more significant cartilage damage. Arthroscopy allows for the visualization of cartilage changes,...[Read More] How to Determine If Cartilage Repair Surgery Is Necessary?
Managing Meniscus Tears: Treatment Options and Legal Considerations
Treatment for Meniscus Tear and Correction of Contact Information (Forwarded from the Director's Email) 1. I have sustained an injury resulting in a tear of the right knee meniscus, which was surgically repaired in 1994. Since then, I have taken careful measures to maintain ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the meniscus cartilage wear is mild, there is no need to rush into surgery. If you are going to undergo total joint replacement surgery in the future, it is advisable to wait until the cartilage damage in the femoral and tibial joint surfaces becomes severe before proceeding. ...[Read More] Managing Meniscus Tears: Treatment Options and Legal Considerations
Finding a Specialist for Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery in Taiwan
There are physicians specializing in minimally invasive hip joint surgery over there? I apologize for the intrusion, but I would like to ask the physician for some advice. Recently, I visited a large hospital in Taichung for an examination, and the doctor mentioned that they do n...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Netizens: There are very few physicians in the country who specialize in minimally invasive or arthroscopic surgery for treating hip joint disorders. Dr. Yen-Sheng Jan, an attending physician in the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Chang Gung Memorial Hospita...[Read More] Finding a Specialist for Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery in Taiwan
Understanding ACL Injuries: Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Long-Term Effects
Ligament injury Due to a knee injury, I had 50cc of hematoma drained and underwent arthroscopic surgery without the placement of screws. The doctor indicated that it was a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a fracture. I need to keep my leg straight with a brace for 6 wee...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Your attending physician is the most familiar with your condition, and you can directly consult them regarding these questions. If it's not convenient, you should ask them to refer you to a rehabilitation specialist, as the collaboration between orthopedics and rehabi...[Read More] Understanding ACL Injuries: Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Glenoid Labrum Tears: Causes and Surgical Considerations
Labral tear of the shoulder? Hello Doctor: I underwent arthroscopic surgery in early July to repair a torn labrum in my shoulder, where three small screws were inserted. I have not engaged in any physical activity recently, but I am experiencing a sensation of my shoulder joint g...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This phenomenon is uncommon and may indicate a re-rupture, possibly due to another injury or incomplete healing. It may require another surgery, and you should discuss this further with your physician before making a decision.[Read More] Understanding Glenoid Labrum Tears: Causes and Surgical Considerations
Managing Persistent Knee Issues After ACL Reconstruction: What to Do?
About the cruciate ligaments? Doctor, I have a question. I had a torn anterior cruciate ligament in my left knee and underwent arthroscopic surgery about two years ago, where they used a graft to repair it. However, sometimes at certain angles, I still feel a catching sensation i...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is important to clarify whether it is the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The sensation of catching may not necessarily be related to the ligament itself; it could also be an issue with the meniscus. Therefore, i...[Read More] Managing Persistent Knee Issues After ACL Reconstruction: What to Do?
Recovery Timeline and Concerns After Ankle Arthroscopy Surgery
Question I had ankle arthroscopy surgery on August 1st, and my stitches were removed on August 9th. Three days later, I developed a bacterial infection at the wound site, which became purulent. After a few days, I saw a doctor who prescribed antibiotics, and I have been taking th...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
The infection rate for arthroscopic surgery wounds is very low. Regarding your condition, only the surgeon can assess your joint pathology, so it is not possible to determine your situation. Please discuss your concerns in detail with your physician. We apologize for any inconven...[Read More] Recovery Timeline and Concerns After Ankle Arthroscopy Surgery
Assessing the Severity of Your Orthopedic Injury: Surgery or Rehab?
Please provide the content you would like I would like to ask if my injury is considered serious. Do I need surgery? How much would the surgery cost? Or is rehabilitation an option?
Dr. Luo Zhongwei Reply:
Dear Wee: The functions of arthroscopic surgery are: first, accurate diagnosis; second, treatment. Written materials can only provide a rough estimate of the condition, so it is recommended to consult an orthopedic surgeon for a face-to-face discussion.[Read More] Assessing the Severity of Your Orthopedic Injury: Surgery or Rehab?
Will ACL Reconstruction Surgery Weaken My Ligament?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) anterior cruciate ligament? Hello, Vice Dean Hong: I underwent arthroscopic surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction at the beginning of the month. The doctor mentioned that my ligament was a bit lax. After this surgery, will the...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello, Kaiting. Arthroscopic surgery for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) before joint contraction does not weaken the ligament, but the true effects are still unclear. Please continue to observe for a period of time.[Read More] Will ACL Reconstruction Surgery Weaken My Ligament?
Overcoming Knee Injuries: A Basketball Player's Journey to Recovery
I hope to get back on the basketball court! Hello, Doctor. I am a basketball player living in Taichung. My height is 178 cm and my weight is 78 kg. I have had surgery on both knees: my left knee underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction a year ago, and my right knee had...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you continue with rehabilitation and avoid any vigorous activities for the time being to prevent re-injury. Some benefits of rehabilitation may not be immediately apparent and require a prolonged treatment period. If you have any questions, please vi...[Read More] Overcoming Knee Injuries: A Basketball Player's Journey to Recovery
Is Arthroscopic Surgery the Right Choice for My Tennis Elbow?
My elbow is stiff? Dear Doctor, I have tennis elbow and have received several steroid injections, but there has been no improvement even after the medication wore off. My elbow continues to swell and hurt, even when I'm not working. Am I a suitable candidate for arthroscopic...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, what is commonly known as "tennis elbow" is actually caused by repetitive motions of the wrist, leading to inflammation at the tendon attachment point on the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. Treatment methods include: 1. Rest. 2. Med...[Read More] Is Arthroscopic Surgery the Right Choice for My Tennis Elbow?
Understanding Mild Posttraumatic Synovitis: Treatment and Sports Impact
輕度創傷後滑膜炎 The Chinese term for "mild posttraumatic synovitis" is "輕度創傷後滑膜炎." Whether or not an arthroscopy is necessary depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause of the synovitis. If conservative treatments fail and there is significant j...
Dr. Chu Baijun Reply:
Hello Ms. Huang: The term "posttraumatic synovitis" refers to post-traumatic synovitis, and "mild" indicates a mild degree. Whether arthroscopy is necessary depends on the clinical treatment outcomes. Arthroscopic treatment is considered an invasive procedure,...[Read More] Understanding Mild Posttraumatic Synovitis: Treatment and Sports Impact
Understanding Knee Pain: When to Consider Surgery vs. Medication
Knee pain Hello Doctor: My knee has been painful for the past 4.5 years. Over a year ago, I underwent an MRI at Hospital A, which revealed cartilage fragmentation. I subsequently had arthroscopic surgery, but after the surgery, my knee developed swelling, and I was unable to bear...
Dr. Chu Baijun Reply:
Hello: MRI is a highly sensitive examination for knee issues. There is fragmentation of the knee cartilage, resulting in the formation of loose bodies (commonly referred to as "knee mice"). Arthroscopic surgery of the knee is the preferred treatment option. As for why t...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: When to Consider Surgery vs. Medication