Understanding Tibial Fractures and Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children
Tibial fracture/Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) Hello, Doctor: My child, who is 8 years old, suffered an injury in a car accident resulting in a spiral fracture of the left tibial shaft. The doctor used a telescopic intramedullary nail with two fixation screws. I would like to ask t...
Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: 1. The effectiveness of rehabilitation therapy varies from person to person, especially in children where the differences can be significant. Please be patient and cooperate with the rehabilitation therapy for six months. 2. Normal removal of internal fixation devices requ...[Read More] Understanding Tibial Fractures and Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children
Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Osteoporosis Medications
Regulations for National Health Insurance Coverage of Osteoporosis Medications The mother-in-law has a bone density of -5 and recently suffered a self-funded arm fracture from a fall, for which a steel plate was used. The doctor described her bones as being like eggshells, and it...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A bone density test must show a T-score below zero, and there must be one or more vertebral fractures in order to qualify for insurance coverage.[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Osteoporosis Medications
Does Bone Cement Have an Expiration Date? Understanding Its Use in Young Patients
Does bone cement have an expiration date? Hello Doctor: I am 35 years old. I accidentally fell from a height of 12.7 meters, resulting in severe compression of my 7th and 12th vertebrae, causing excruciating pain. At that time, my orthopedic surgeon initially planned to perform m...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, Miss Lin. 1. Bone cement does not have an expiration date; there is no issue and it does not need to be redone if there are no problems. 2. It is recommended to check bone density every 2-3 years starting around menopause. 3. Once bone cement is injected, it is almost ...[Read More] Does Bone Cement Have an Expiration Date? Understanding Its Use in Young Patients
Calcium Supplementation After Fracture: Is Procal Right for You?
Issues with taking Procal after a fracture? Director Chen: I suffered a proximal humeral fracture in a car accident last year, and five months later, the bone has not healed properly. The doctor prescribed one Prolia injection in the morning and one in the evening, and I underwen...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. Calcium propionate is calcium acetate, which has poor absorption and a strong odor. It is generally used for patients with kidney issues to help eliminate phosphate ions (as calcium binds with phosphate to precipitate and subsequently excrete it). It is usually recommended to ...[Read More] Calcium Supplementation After Fracture: Is Procal Right for You?
Managing Osteoporosis: Treatment Options and Dental Considerations
Post-osteoporosis management? Hello Dr. Chen, Since the beginning of this year, I have noticeably lost height and my weight has decreased by 6.7 kg. I underwent a bone density test (hip) and my T-score was -3.3. The rehabilitation physician advised me to supplement with calcium...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: Based on your condition, it is recommended that you adopt the following multi-faceted treatment approach: dietary supplementation of calcium and vitamin D, along with sun exposure (20 minutes of sunlight daily between 10 AM and 3 PM), exercise (walking, hiking, or ...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis: Treatment Options and Dental Considerations
Understanding Bone Density: Insights on Heel Ultrasound Results and Nutrition
Heel bone density check: -1.3 Hello Doctor: Recently, during a health check-up, my heel bone density was measured at -1.3. I came across various responses stating that bones are at their strongest around the age of 35, which startled me a bit. I would like to ask: 1. I usually dr...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
It is unclear whether your -1.3 refers to a Z-score or a T-score. Regarding calcium, if dietary supplementation is challenging, you can directly take calcium supplements. In terms of exercise, focus primarily on weight-bearing activities. Ultrasound diagnostics are mainly used fo...[Read More] Understanding Bone Density: Insights on Heel Ultrasound Results and Nutrition
Do You Need Osteoporosis Injections for a -2.7 Bone Density?
The health check revealed osteoporosis; do I need to receive the so-called osteoporosis injection? Hello Doctor: My health check report indicates that my bone density is -2.7. Do I need to receive osteoporosis injections or take medication? Or how should I take care of my bone he...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello: The current definition of osteoporosis, with a T-score of less than or equal to -2.5, applies specifically to postmenopausal women and elderly men. Therefore, strictly speaking, you do not have osteoporosis, and it is not recommended to start injections or medications at t...[Read More] Do You Need Osteoporosis Injections for a -2.7 Bone Density?
Understanding Osteoporosis Treatment and Calcium Needs After DEXA Scan Results
DEXA bone mineral density: spinal T-score -1.8, bilateral femoral T-score -2.2? Your questions: Currently taking medications include LEEYO (Escitalopram) 10mg, Doxepin 25mg *2, LYRICA 75mg *2, Metformin 500mg, Tamsulosin 0.2mg, Ativan 0.5mg *4, Zolpidem *2 at bedtime (all taken l...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
It is still advisable to get moderate sun exposure. If there are other circumstances that prevent the normal synthesis of vitamin D, please consider getting a blood test to check vitamin D levels and adjust accordingly. Generally, a daily intake of about 600 IU is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis Treatment and Calcium Needs After DEXA Scan Results
Managing Coccyx Fractures and Osteoporosis in Seniors: Key Insights
Coccygeal fracture, osteoporosis? My grandmother is 78 years old. During the 228 holiday last year, she fell while walking to collect something and landed on her buttocks. After going to the hospital, the doctor diagnosed her with a coccyx fracture and ordered a bone density test...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Coccydynia, or pain in the coccyx, is typically caused by trauma and is not necessarily related to osteoporosis. Fractures resulting from osteoporosis usually occur in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, often leading to compression fractures from minor falls. Caltrate seems to he...[Read More] Managing Coccyx Fractures and Osteoporosis in Seniors: Key Insights
Understanding Compression Fractures: Are They Congenital or Tumor-Related?
Congenital spinal development issues? Compression fractures? Hello, Doctor. I am a 28-year-old male. Recently, I experienced chest and back pain for several months, which led me to visit a hospital and consult a neurologist. The doctor ordered an X-ray of my lumbar spine, and dur...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, your spine may have developed naturally, so there is no need to worry too much. However, there is indeed a possibility of a tumor causing a vertebral fracture. Therefore, it is still recommended that you undergo an MRI examination.[Read More] Understanding Compression Fractures: Are They Congenital or Tumor-Related?
Preventive Vertebroplasty: Is It Right for Your Osteoporosis Risk?
Preventive bone cement injection Dear Dr. Lee, My mother is currently 68 years old. Recently, she underwent a bone density test, which revealed an average lumbar spine bone density value of -3.2 (T score). Aside from mild hypertension, she does not have any other medical conditi...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, I do not recommend performing prophylactic vertebroplasty. This procedure is still considered invasive and carries risks, such as infection and cement leakage leading to nerve compression. Denosumab (Prolia) is commonly used in clinical practice and is effective for treati...[Read More] Preventive Vertebroplasty: Is It Right for Your Osteoporosis Risk?
Understanding Osteoporosis: Calcium and Vitamin D Intake for Joint Health
Hip joint - Osteopenia Hello, doctor. I underwent a bone density test this year and found that I have osteopenia in the hip joint with a score of -2.1. The doctor recommended that I take calcium supplements. I have some questions regarding a calcium supplement I purchased, which ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your age, your intake of calcium and vitamin D should be sufficient. Chewing calcium tablets before swallowing can enhance absorption. Additionally, spending 5 to 10 minutes in the sun daily is adequate, so there is no need to purchase additional vitamin D supplem...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis: Calcium and Vitamin D Intake for Joint Health
Are X-rays and MRIs Harmful After Lumbar Spine Injury?
Is X-ray imaging of the lumbar spine and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) harmful to the body? Is it harmful to the body to have ten X-rays, two bone density tests, and one MRI after a lumbar spine injury over the course of two months?
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: X-rays and bone density tests involve radiation exposure, while MRI does not involve any radiation at all. If the condition requires the examination, it should be performed. With modern equipment, the radiation exposure is minimal and has little impact. Thank you.[Read More] Are X-rays and MRIs Harmful After Lumbar Spine Injury?
Understanding Bone Density: Should You Seek Further Testing?
Bone mineral density Hello Doctor: I underwent a bone density test (the ultrasound type on my right ankle) yesterday at a store, and the result was -1.48, which startled me. I usually don't get much sun exposure and often use an umbrella for sun protection. I can't drin...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A T-score of -1.48 is considered normal, so there is no need to be overly concerned. According to medical definitions, a T-score of less than -2.5 is classified as osteoporosis. Currently, there is no need to undergo a DEXA bone density scan for calcium supplementation.[Read More] Understanding Bone Density: Should You Seek Further Testing?
Understanding Knee Sounds: Is It Osteoporosis or Normal?
Osteoporosis I don't know how to describe this feeling. I know that the knee makes sounds when it's fully extended, but when I relax and swing it (not moving back and forth, just casually swinging), it makes sounds. Could this be osteoporosis?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This is not osteoporosis; it typically occurs in middle-aged and older adults, starting around the age of fifty. If you are concerned about having such a problem, you can go to the hospital for a bone density test. Osteoporosis is diagnosed when the T-score is -2.5 or lower.[Read More] Understanding Knee Sounds: Is It Osteoporosis or Normal?
Improving Bone Density: Should I Use Bone Stabilizers During Early Menopause?
Bone density medications Hello Doctor: Four years ago, I underwent a bone density test and found that my bone density was -2.2 (in the hip). I quickly started taking calcium and exercising, and my recent test showed -1.6 (in the hip), which seems to indicate improvement. However,...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A bone density of -1.6 is classified as osteopenia rather than osteoporosis. Therefore, it is recommended that you engage in more physical activity (such as walking) and increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D.[Read More] Improving Bone Density: Should I Use Bone Stabilizers During Early Menopause?
Understanding Osteoporosis X-Ray Checks: Key Areas and Treatment Options
Bone density test How many points should be examined in an X-ray for osteoporosis to be sufficient? Previously, someone went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and had their wrist and foot examined, but when I had it done at Taipei Medical University two years ago, only the hip and ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone density testing typically measures the lumbar spine and hip. A T-score of -1.8 indicates osteopenia, which is not yet at the level of osteoporosis, and the risk of fractures is relatively low. Generally, increasing physical activity and supplementing with calcium and vitamin...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis X-Ray Checks: Key Areas and Treatment Options
Morning Leg Weakness: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the legs upon waking up? Hello Doctor, my father is 62 years old. This morning, he woke up and found that his legs were weak, making it difficult for him to walk normally. He has to move his legs on the bed for about ten to twenty minutes before they feel normal again...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are many possible factors for leg weakness, such as knee joint degeneration and spinal stenosis. It is recommended that you visit our orthopedic clinic to see Dr. Kuo Chuhua for an evaluation and examination.[Read More] Morning Leg Weakness: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bone Density Tests: What to Expect at Your Appointment
Bone density test Hello Director: I forgot to ask you if the orthopedic outpatient clinic at National Taiwan University Zhudong Branch provides the bone mineral density (BMD) test using a DEXA bone densitometer as you mentioned? Additionally, can the consultation and the examinat...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The examination can be completed in a short time, within half an hour, and there are no fasting or other restrictions required.[Read More] Understanding Bone Density Tests: What to Expect at Your Appointment
Impact of Surgery on Osteoporosis: Concerns and Considerations
Surgical Impact Dear Director, I previously underwent an ultrasound bone density test, which indicated that I have osteoporosis. You suggested that I get a more accurate measurement of my hip joint or spine through a full-body lying down scan. Additionally, I have a question reg...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the bone is too osteoporotic, the screws may not be able to secure properly during surgery. The physician should assess the condition, and if the bone is too fragile, it may not be suitable for this method. There are also other surgical options available to address the issue.[Read More] Impact of Surgery on Osteoporosis: Concerns and Considerations