Challenges After Knee Replacement: Addressing Tuberculosis and Recovery Issues
Correction after joint replacement and tuberculous arthritis? Dear Dr. Chou, I underwent a right knee arthroplasty two years ago. According to the medical timeline, I was supposed to be able to walk normally after six months of rehabilitation. However, things did not go as plann...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that the primary culprit is indeed the infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infections, whether bacterial, tuberculous, or fungal, are a significant concern following joint replacement surgery, as they are often difficult to control ...[Read More] Challenges After Knee Replacement: Addressing Tuberculosis and Recovery Issues
Understanding the Difference: Osteoarthritis vs. Tendinitis in Knee Pain
Is it degenerative arthritis or tendinitis? Hello Dr. Chen, Last spring, I suddenly experienced sharp, needle-like pain on the inner side of my right knee, which occurs intermittently. I also feel discomfort when going up stairs, and sitting for long periods makes it painful to ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear readers: Based on your description, both degenerative arthritis and tendinitis are possible, and they may occur simultaneously. Tendinitis is relatively straightforward; with adequate rest, reduced activity, and the use of heat therapy and anti-inflammatory pain relievers, s...[Read More] Understanding the Difference: Osteoarthritis vs. Tendinitis in Knee Pain
Preparing for Joint Replacement: Insights on Osteoarthritis and Surgery
Joint degeneration issues? Hello, Doctor. My mother is experiencing knee pain at the age of 50 due to her excessive weight and frequent travel abroad. After getting an X-ray, the doctor informed us that she is in the advanced stage of joint degeneration. I noticed that the cartil...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
For patients over sixty years old with arthritis severe enough to require surgery, it is essential to first determine if the patient has any other underlying conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. If such conditions are present, they should be treated or ma...[Read More] Preparing for Joint Replacement: Insights on Osteoarthritis and Surgery
Understanding Knee Cartilage Replacement: Options and Longevity Insights
Regarding knee cartilage replacement? Hello Doctor, ten years ago, I suffered a car accident that resulted in a comminuted fracture of my left knee joint, along with a torn meniscus and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This has led to subchondral bone depression on th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Currently, artificial tissue-cultured cartilage replacement is mostly in the animal experimental stage, with very few applications in humans. However, some medical centers are performing autologous cartilage transplantation. If you are referring to a unicompartmental knee arthrop...[Read More] Understanding Knee Cartilage Replacement: Options and Longevity Insights
To Operate or Not: Navigating Joint Replacement Decisions in RA
To undergo surgery or not? Hello, doctor. I am 26 years old and have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years. My condition has been manageable with medication, but I have been experiencing persistent pain in my right knee. Currently, I find it very difficult to walk...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Basically, your understanding is correct; you may be suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition typically occurs in adolescence and is generally more severe compared to adult rheumatoid arthritis, leading to more significant joint damage. Patients with rheumatoi...[Read More] To Operate or Not: Navigating Joint Replacement Decisions in RA
Understanding Knee Joint Replacement After Car Accident Injuries
Questions about knee joint fracture and artificial joint replacement after a car accident? Last October, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a knee joint fracture and ligament damage, though the ligaments were not completely torn. Currently, I have an incomplete sur...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. You can only regain a certain level of function, and it won't return to the pre-injury condition; however, you should be able to manage daily activities such as walking, going up and down stairs, and riding a bike, but you should avoid high-impact exercises. 2. Squatting...[Read More] Understanding Knee Joint Replacement After Car Accident Injuries
Understanding Joint Replacement Surgery: Success Rates and Longevity
Inquire about surgical-related questions? If the joint replacement surgery is successful, it typically needs to be replaced approximately every 15 to 20 years. The success rate of the surgery is generally high, often reported to be around 90-95%. However, potential complications ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The success rate of joint replacement surgery is very high, generally exceeding 95%. However, the longevity of the artificial joint depends on factors such as the method of use, the patient's age, activity level, and the specific joint involved. Typically, the best outcomes ...[Read More] Understanding Joint Replacement Surgery: Success Rates and Longevity
Understanding the Costs and Insurance Coverage for Knee Replacement Surgery
Regarding joint replacement surgery? Hello. Could you please tell me what the current cost of knee replacement surgery is? Is it categorized based on the patient's condition? Additionally, is there health insurance coverage for this procedure? What are the relevant requireme...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Currently, artificial joints are covered by health insurance, and patients only need to pay a portion of the cost, typically around one-tenth, which is approximately over ten thousand NT dollars. As long as the physician deems there are indications for surgery, an application can...[Read More] Understanding the Costs and Insurance Coverage for Knee Replacement Surgery
Can Dental Implants Be Safely Placed After Hip Replacement Surgery?
Is it possible to have dental implants after hip replacement surgery? Hello, Doctor: I underwent two total hip arthroplasties last year (in May due to a femoral neck fracture, I received a partial prosthesis, which was later removed in September due to postoperative infection and...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If a patient has artificial joints, it is necessary to use prophylactic antibiotics before undergoing dental treatment or surgery. Medication may need to be administered prior to the procedure, and strict postoperative monitoring is required. There is a risk of infection, but wit...[Read More] Can Dental Implants Be Safely Placed After Hip Replacement Surgery?
Pros and Cons of Spine Surgery: What You Need to Know
Advantages and Disadvantages of Spinal Surgery Hello Dr. Yang, my mother (60 years old) has been experiencing pain in her lower body after walking for a short period over the past couple of years. After X-ray and MRI examinations, the results showed dislocation of the joints at l...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
There are no artificial joints for the lumbar spine; only internal fixation with screws, decompression surgery, or discectomy. The success rate of these surgeries is closely related to the accuracy of the physician's assessment and the completeness of the decompression proce...[Read More] Pros and Cons of Spine Surgery: What You Need to Know
Understanding Knee Replacement: Concerns and Recovery for RA Patients
Artificial knee joint I am a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and underwent surgeries on my left and right knee joints in July and October of this year. The left knee joint had more severe wear, and the doctor mentioned that a second-generation material was used, with a few...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This phenomenon is normal because the hardness of artificial joints is greater than that of bone and cartilage, so it is inevitable that there will be some sounds during joint movement. If there is no pain, it is not a concern. The second set of materials will not affect joint fu...[Read More] Understanding Knee Replacement: Concerns and Recovery for RA Patients
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis: Treatment Options and Costs Explained
excuse me? Hello, this is my first question, and I appreciate your guidance: I have a female friend who has been experiencing knee pain in both legs since October 2001. It has been discovered that she has knee cartilage degeneration, and during painful episodes, the back of her k...
Dr. Chen Weiming Reply:
I apologize for the delay in responding to your question. There are many causes of knee joint pain, and age is an important factor. A face-to-face examination and X-rays are necessary to determine the exact cause. As for artificial joints and the injection of lubricating fluid, a...[Read More] Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis: Treatment Options and Costs Explained
Understanding Osteonecrosis in Children: Non-Surgical Recovery Insights
Right-sided bone necrosis in a four-year-old child? What is the likelihood of recovery without surgery? How long will it take? Is the surgery for joint replacement? However, the child is still young; will the artificial joint grow with age? P.S.: Since we are from Kinmen, it is v...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The procedure is not the implantation of a prosthetic joint, but rather an osteotomy (bone realignment surgery). The likelihood of recovery without surgery is related to the grading or staging of the condition. Typically, if the joint has been damaged to the point of no return by...[Read More] Understanding Osteonecrosis in Children: Non-Surgical Recovery Insights
Evaluating Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery: Fitness Assessment Tools
Knee arthroplasty How can we assess the healing status after knee replacement surgery? If we use physical fitness as a measure, is there a specific assessment scale to evaluate the condition after knee replacement surgery? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Yijun Reply:
The recovery after knee joint replacement surgery involves a wide range of factors. In addition to the range of motion of the knee joint and the strength of the surrounding muscles, it also includes the range of motion of other joints and the muscles around the hip and calf. This...[Read More] Evaluating Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery: Fitness Assessment Tools
Understanding Post-Operative Hip Joint Infections: Causes and Solutions
Postoperative infection of the hip joint? Hello Dr. Shi, my sister-in-law inquired about post-operative hip joint pain on July 22. I underwent a hemiarthroplasty for a left femoral neck fracture at the end of April. After six weeks of recovery at home, I returned to work with a c...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If a bacterial infection is confirmed, the aforementioned management is a reasonable approach. After removing the infected prosthetic joint, it is essential to ensure that there are no bacteria present in the wound before proceeding with reoperation to implant a new prosthetic jo...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Hip Joint Infections: Causes and Solutions
Can New Ceramic Hip Implants Last 40 Years? Exploring the Latest Technology
Can a new artificial hip replacement really last for forty years? On August 28th (Saturday), I heard Dr. Wang discussing a new ceramic material on a radio program that can extend the lifespan of artificial hip joints to forty years. Could you please introduce this new technology ...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Dear Wang Xing Online User: Due to various reasons, including degenerative arthritis of the femoral neck and avascular necrosis of the femoral head, a total hip arthroplasty may be necessary. The current motion interface of artificial hip joints primarily consists of metal and hi...[Read More] Can New Ceramic Hip Implants Last 40 Years? Exploring the Latest Technology
Symptoms of Hip Implant Loosening: Understanding Instability and Gait Issues
What symptoms may occur if a hip prosthesis becomes loose? The inability to bend the knee is indeed due to severe wear and tear. Now, regarding the issue of walking with a limp and appearing unstable, could this be related to the loosening of a previously replaced artificial hip ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Loosening of artificial joints will definitely present with pain symptoms. Walking with a limp may also be related to insufficient muscle strength, or it could be due to unequal leg lengths. Additionally, a tilted pelvis can also contribute to such phenomena.[Read More] Symptoms of Hip Implant Loosening: Understanding Instability and Gait Issues
Symptoms of Hip Implant Loosening: What to Look For in Young Patients
What symptoms may occur if a hip prosthesis becomes loose? A young patient with rheumatoid arthritis has had a hip replacement for 6 to 7 years and is now preparing for knee replacement. However, they are experiencing difficulty bending the knee, a stiff gait, and a tendency to w...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Are you referring to the artificial joint replacement that has been in place for 6 years, specifically the hip joint? If there is a phenomenon of loosening in the hip joint, it typically presents with pain and may also result in a limp. Additionally, the range of motion in the jo...[Read More] Symptoms of Hip Implant Loosening: What to Look For in Young Patients
Can Artificial Knees Squat? Insights for Arthritis Patients
Can a knee prosthesis allow for squatting? Hello Dr. Yang! I am a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, and my knee joint has been severely damaged. My immunologist has recommended that I undergo knee replacement surgery. However, I would like to understand more about the functional...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Sandy, the lifespan of artificial joints is based on statistical data collected from patients over the years. High-flexion artificial joints have only been present in the West for a little over a decade and in the Taiwanese market for just six years, so there is still no def...[Read More] Can Artificial Knees Squat? Insights for Arthritis Patients
Can Artificial Knee Joints Squat? Insights for RA Patients
Can a knee prosthesis allow for squatting? Regarding a 33-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis, would a physician recommend or consider it appropriate to replace the knee joint with a prosthetic knee that allows for squatting? It is said that prosthetic knees designed for s...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There is a type of artificial knee joint that allows for high flexion; however, after undergoing joint replacement surgery, squatting is generally not recommended as it can lead to damage to the artificial joint. In cases of severe rheumatoid arthritis, surgical intervention for ...[Read More] Can Artificial Knee Joints Squat? Insights for RA Patients