Managing Hip Pain and Weakness After Partial Hip Replacement in Seniors
Hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture? Last year, my mother fell down the stairs and underwent surgery the next day for a neck of femur fracture, resulting in a partial hip replacement. Over a year later, she still cannot get up and walk after sitting down! She feels weaknes...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, recovery after surgery takes about one to two months. Pain should also subside during this time. If there are still issues, it is important to consider whether the artificial joint is functioning properly. A follow-up appointment with the physician may be necessary, al...[Read More] Managing Hip Pain and Weakness After Partial Hip Replacement in Seniors
Should Surgery Be Urgent for a Humerus Fracture in Elderly Patients?
Is surgery urgently needed for a humeral fracture? Hello, Doctor: My mother is 64 years old and has Parkinson's disease. She underwent surgery on her left elbow due to an injury from a fall two years ago, but because of an infection, she had to undergo a debridement surgery....
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Because there are no visible changes in the imaging, it is difficult to make a judgment. However, after receiving a joint replacement, if the fracture is unstable, surgery is usually required. If it is a stable fracture, conservative treatment may be an option. You may consider c...[Read More] Should Surgery Be Urgent for a Humerus Fracture in Elderly Patients?
Preventing Osteomyelitis: Key Insights for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Prevention of Osteomyelitis Hello, Doctor! I am a 42-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Since the onset of my condition, my inflammatory markers (ESR) have consistently been above 9, which is quite high. As a result, I have undergone total knee and hip replacements. Unfo...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The transmission route is usually through the bloodstream and is related to immunosuppressive medications. There is a possibility of recurrence. If there are implants or artificial joints in the body, antibiotics may be less effective in reaching the site. Prevention involves mai...[Read More] Preventing Osteomyelitis: Key Insights for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Does Using a Stationary Bike Accelerate Wear on Artificial Joints?
Joint replacement with artificial prosthesis? If a physician has replaced a joint with a prosthetic joint, does frequently using a stationary exercise bike accelerate wear on the artificial joint and shorten its lifespan? Are there any special precautions to take while using it? ...
Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello: After knee joint replacement surgery, it is important to maintain moderate exercise, and using a stationary bike is acceptable. Remember to adjust the seat height properly to avoid excessive bending of the knee joint. Additionally, do not set the bike resistance too high t...[Read More] Does Using a Stationary Bike Accelerate Wear on Artificial Joints?
Cost of Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery Explained
Minimally invasive surgery costs? The cost of minimally invasive hip replacement surgery typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, excluding medical expenses. Thank you!
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
The minimally invasive surgery for artificial hip joint replacement is no different from the standard insured artificial hip joint replacement. This procedure simply involves a smaller incision, utilizing fluoroscopy during the surgery to achieve a smaller wound. The artificial j...[Read More] Cost of Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery Explained
Understanding the Differences Between Knee Implant Materials: A Patient's Guide
Total Knee Replacement Hello, my mother recently underwent a total knee arthroplasty, and the surgery was very successful. Her rehabilitation is also progressing well. The only issue is that she initially requested a self-pay knee implant, but due to an oversight by the hospital,...
Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello: The lifespan of artificial joints is primarily related to the patient's post-operative usage. Even with the use of so-called ultra-durable liners, engaging in heavy work can still lead to damage (including osteolysis). There are many cases where health insurance-cover...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Knee Implant Materials: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Hip Joint Surgery: Insurance Coverage vs. Out-of-Pocket Costs
Hip joint surgery Is it true that the hip joint surgery covered by health insurance can only be used for 10 years? Is it really necessary for the out-of-pocket option to cost over 70,000 NTD (for one side)? For a 53-year-old middle-aged man considering this surgery, would you rec...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The artificial hip joint materials covered by health insurance consist of a metal and polymer interface. The polymer has a certain wear rate, which results in gradual wear each year. Younger patients or those with higher activity levels tend to experience a greater wear rate. Gen...[Read More] Understanding Hip Joint Surgery: Insurance Coverage vs. Out-of-Pocket Costs
Understanding Hip Replacement Materials and Longevity: Key Insights
Artificial hip joints... materials inquiry? Hello, Doctor... Thank you for taking the time to address my questions... 1. I had a total hip arthroplasty at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in January 2008, using a metal ball head and a polyethylene (PE) liner. Could the plastic...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Dear netizens: 1. Generally, artificial hip joints consist of metal balls and polymer liners, and there are also ceramic balls and liners. The ultra-durable liners cannot be identified through X-rays; this information will be documented in the surgical records. 2. Typically, ...[Read More] Understanding Hip Replacement Materials and Longevity: Key Insights
Understanding the Risks of Knee Bursitis and Joint Replacement Surgery
Right knee bursa frequently accumulates fluid and requires aspiration? I am nearly 53 years old. My right knee's bursa often swells and accumulates fluid, requiring aspiration. I have consulted multiple doctors on several occasions. Some physicians have suggested surgical re...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Baker's cysts are typically treated with aspiration, while a small number may require surgical excision to prevent recurrence. On the other hand, the need for joint replacement arises from severe osteoarthritis that cannot be managed through other methods; these are two diff...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Knee Bursitis and Joint Replacement Surgery
Understanding Nonunion Fractures: Treatment Options for Lumbar Injuries
The issue of nonunion fractures? Hello Dr. Lee, I was in a car accident a year ago that resulted in a burst fracture of my fifth lumbar vertebra. During the surgery, the procedure used to stabilize my lumbar vertebrae four and five, as well as the sacrum, was decompression. Howev...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, In response to your question, please do not worry too much. Although the bone has not healed, the internal implants (pedicle screws and internal fixation) are still in place, so stability should not be an issue. What is more important is your clinical presentation. If yo...[Read More] Understanding Nonunion Fractures: Treatment Options for Lumbar Injuries
Understanding Finger Joint Replacement: Key Questions Answered
Questions about artificial finger joints? A month ago, I injured the joint of my right hand's ring finger in an accident. The doctor diagnosed it as a fracture causing joint surface damage. I was informed that in order to regain normal movement and bending, I would need to u...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Reader, Finger joint replacement is not common and has only been sporadically reported at academic conferences. This is related to the specific patient population suitable for the procedure and the suboptimal postoperative outcomes. Previous reports have indicated that whil...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Replacement: Key Questions Answered
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
Post-Surgery Concerns: Addressing Complications After HIVD Treatment
Post-HIVD surgery Dear Director, My mother underwent surgery for HIVD (herniated intervertebral disc) and spinal stenosis at the L3-L5 levels at the Taipei Municipal Hospital, performed by a neurosurgeon. She opted for a self-funded artificial joint (a round one), which cost ove...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The cause may be the displacement of the implanted device, but this must be confirmed through X-ray examination. It is also possible that the original spinal stenosis has not been resolved, leading to continued compression of the spinal nerves. If either of these situations occur...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Addressing Complications After HIVD Treatment
Managing Leg Atrophy and Stroke Recovery: Surgical Options Explained
The left leg has atrophied and deformed due to a car accident, compounded by a stroke? Hello Dr. Yeh, my father is currently about 58 years old. When he was 20, he was involved in a serious car accident that caused injury to his left leg. After surgery, he was able to walk normal...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, it is unclear whether the atrophy in your knee is due to the artificial joint. Artificial joints are typically indicated for knee pain. I...[Read More] Managing Leg Atrophy and Stroke Recovery: Surgical Options Explained
Choosing the Right Hip Implant Material: Ceramic vs. Metal for Young Patients
Materials for artificial hip joints? Dear Dr. Shih, I am the patient who asked you a question on March 2nd. I had a right hip arthroplasty with a ceramic prosthesis last June and am about to undergo surgery for a left hip arthroplasty. I would like to know which is more suitable...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The purpose of both is to reduce wear, and currently, the follow-up duration is not as long as that of traditional artificial joints, making comparisons difficult. However, both theoretical and experimental evidence demonstrate that their wear is indeed less. Both are suitable fo...[Read More] Choosing the Right Hip Implant Material: Ceramic vs. Metal for Young Patients
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Hip Replacement: Key Considerations
Artificial hip joint Dear Dr. Shi, I am the patient who consulted you last year on August 1st. I underwent surgery to have an artificial hip joint implanted due to avascular necrosis of my right hip joint in early June of last year. Later, at the end of June, I discovered that m...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There is generally no particular issue with consulting different physicians, as long as the doctors are meticulous in ensuring that the legs are as equal in length as possible. The materials for artificial joints are available at various hospitals, but it is still important to co...[Read More] Choosing the Right Surgeon for Hip Replacement: Key Considerations
Understanding Knee Replacement: Materials, Costs, and Care for Seniors
About artificial knee joints? My 71-year-old grandmother recently visited an orthopedic doctor, who informed her that she needs a knee replacement. I learned that there are different materials for artificial joints, and I would like to ask the doctor: Are there distinctions in in...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The materials used for artificial knee joints are generally similar; what matters more is the quality of the surgical technique. Typically, these procedures are covered by health insurance, although some hospitals may claim that certain materials are superior and charge extra for...[Read More] Understanding Knee Replacement: Materials, Costs, and Care for Seniors
Understanding Avascular Necrosis: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Tips
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head? Hello! I have been experiencing pain in my right hip joint for about four months. In May, I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the femoral head at Chi Mei Medical Center in Tainan, and I underwent total hip replacement surgery in earl...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The causes of avascular necrosis of the femoral head are mostly unknown, but some are due to the use of corticosteroids, alcohol consumption, or conditions such as decompression sickness and other specific diseases. The left hip is currently in stage two, and it may improve or co...[Read More] Understanding Avascular Necrosis: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Tips
Exploring the New Artificial Hip Joint from Harvard and MIT
May I ask about the newly introduced artificial hip joints at your hospital? Dear Dr. Wang, I came across information online about your hospital introducing artificial hip joints developed collaboratively by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Due t...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
There are numerous types of artificial hip joints available on the market, each designed for different indications. For instance, ceramic artificial hip joints are commonly used for younger patients. In your case, due to the hip joint condition resulting from a femoral neck fract...[Read More] Exploring the New Artificial Hip Joint from Harvard and MIT
Are Ceramic Hip Implants Prone to Fracture? Insights for Young Patients
Are ceramic artificial hip joints prone to fracture? Dear Dr. Shi, I am scheduled to undergo total hip arthroplasty soon, and I have consulted several major hospitals regarding the surgical options. I have noticed that there are preferences for either ceramic or ultra-high molec...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Currently, the use of ceramic artificial joints is most prevalent in Europe. While they are indeed more wear-resistant, most clinical reports indicate that their lifespan is not very long. However, the issue of brittleness is not a significant concern. The trend is to use them in...[Read More] Are Ceramic Hip Implants Prone to Fracture? Insights for Young Patients