Recovery Insights for Right Tibia and Fibula Fracture with Dislocation
Fracture of the distal right tibia and fibula with dislocation? Hello Doctor: On October 28th of this year, I fell while playing soccer and sustained a distal fracture of the right tibia and fibula along with a dislocation. I underwent surgery the same day, and there are steel sc...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. If the fixation of the bone screws and plates is secure enough, then the cast can be removed, and starting rehabilitation exercises earlier will be beneficial and may lead to a quicker recovery. 2. Soaking in hot water can be done up to three times a day, but at least once i...[Read More] Recovery Insights for Right Tibia and Fibula Fracture with Dislocation
Understanding Recovery Time and Concerns for Open Fractures of the Ankle
Questions related to the recovery time for open fractures of the tibia and fibula? Hello Doctor: On August 15, I had a car accident resulting in an open fracture of the distal tibia and fibula in my left leg (near the ankle). I underwent fixation with bone screws and plates, and ...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, In response to your question, the old saying goes, "It takes a hundred days to heal muscles and bones." If you were injured on August 15, a complete recovery will take at least until the end of November, or even longer. Therefore, it is reasonable that the rang...[Read More] Understanding Recovery Time and Concerns for Open Fractures of the Ankle
Understanding Titanium Bone Pins for Radius Fractures: Long-Term Effects and Recovery
Fracture (right radius) Hello Dr. Lee: I fractured my right radius over a month ago. Initially, the doctor said they would use titanium bone screws to stabilize it. I would like to know if this is truly a good option. Will there be any issues in ten or twenty years? I just had th...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, please communicate more with your attending physician; they are most familiar with your condition. If you have any questions, just ask them. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Li Wenlin[Read More] Understanding Titanium Bone Pins for Radius Fractures: Long-Term Effects and Recovery
Delayed Fracture Healing: Is Short Arm Cast the Right Choice?
Delayed union of fractures Wrist injury occurred over three months ago, followed by arthroscopic examination and ulnar shortening surgery, with a steel plate and five screws for fixation. The fracture line is still clearly visible. Currently, a short arm cast is being used for st...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After ulnar shortening surgery, if the bone screws are securely fixed, a short arm cast can be used. It is normal for the fracture line to remain visible for more than three months. The cast should only be removed once the fracture line has disappeared, at which point weight-bear...[Read More] Delayed Fracture Healing: Is Short Arm Cast the Right Choice?
Understanding the Risks of Leaving Bone Screws in After Surgery
Bone screw issues On March 13 of this year, I sustained an open fracture of the humerus. The doctor advised against removing the plates and screws due to concerns about nerve damage. If I still wish to have them removed, it can be done, but there are risks involved. Could you ple...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Not removing it will not have a significant impact. In the case of a humeral fracture with plate fixation, there is a risk of injuring the radial nerve, which could result in an inability to extend the wrist.[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Leaving Bone Screws in After Surgery
Understanding Comminuted Fractures: Healing Concerns and Recovery Tips
Comminuted fracture Hello, Doctor: My husband had a car accident in mid-November last year, resulting in a comminuted fracture of the right tibia and a clavicle fracture. He had steel nails and plates inserted (he is 36 years old). It has been over three months now, but the docto...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Fractures of the tibia (shinbone) that are comminuted often lead to poor healing or nonunion, as the extent of the fracture typically results in damage to the surrounding soft tissues (skin, subcutaneous tissue, blood vessels, nerves, etc.) to varying degrees. Generally, if a tib...[Read More] Understanding Comminuted Fractures: Healing Concerns and Recovery Tips
Understanding Post-Trauma Osteoarthritis: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Degenerative arthritis caused by external forces? Dear Dr. Chen, I sustained an injury to my left knee in a car accident on November 4th and underwent an "open reduction and internal fixation surgery" at your hospital. I was discharged on November 8th, and my attending...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Mr. Yang, Whether you can return to normal work after discharge depends on the nature of your job. In principle, it is advisable to avoid jobs that require excessive walking or heavy labor. The removal of the bone screws will take at least six months, and this will be deter...[Read More] Understanding Post-Trauma Osteoarthritis: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Ankle Fractures: Recovery, Complications, and Treatment
Fracture of the left ankle and the associated joint fracture? Hello, doctor: I had a car accident on September 26, 2005, which resulted in fractures of both ankles and the connecting areas (near the joints), with 8 steel pins on the outer side and 2 on the inner side. I would lik...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The number of screws needed for a fracture depends on the surgical requirements to achieve stability. After casting, swelling may occur, and joint mobility will be restricted following the fracture. With continued rehabilitation, most patients can recover to a certain extent. Bon...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Recovery, Complications, and Treatment
How Long Should You Wait to Remove Bone Screws After Surgery?
Removal of bone screws Hello Dr. Lee: How long should bone screws be left in before removal? I have had ankle screws for 7.8 years. Should they be removed? If not removed, will it cause any issues? Thank you.
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Bone screws are generally removed one year after surgery (depending on the fracture site, some may be removed in one year, others in one and a half years). Leaving bone screws in the body without removal does not necessarily lead to complications; however, there are a few ...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait to Remove Bone Screws After Surgery?
Is It Too Early to Remove Screws Four Months Post-Surgery?
Is it too early to remove the screws four months after surgery? Hello, I was in a car accident in mid-November last year, resulting in a fibula fracture and a tear at the distal end of the deltoid ligament. Although the fibula only had a small transverse fracture, the doctor stil...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the fracture has healed and does not affect stability, and there are protruding bone screws, consideration can be given to removing the screws; otherwise, it may lead to skin perforation, which would be problematic.[Read More] Is It Too Early to Remove Screws Four Months Post-Surgery?
Open vs. Closed Reduction for Toe Fractures: Which is Best?
For simple closed fractures of the toes and fractures with joint dislocation, both open reduction and closed reduction are recommended for treatment? For simple closed fractures and fracture-dislocations of the toes, both open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and closed red...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Both options are possible, but it depends on the situation. If closed reduction can achieve proper alignment, then it is sufficient to insert the bone screws for fixation. However, if closed reduction does not result in a satisfactory position, then open reduction must be perform...[Read More] Open vs. Closed Reduction for Toe Fractures: Which is Best?
Understanding Femoral Fractures: Healing Challenges and Surgical Options
Femoral fracture Hello, I suffered a femoral fracture in my right thigh due to a car accident, with some comminuted fractures. After surgery, I had internal fixation with bone screws. However, after more than four months, the bone has not fully healed, and I am still unable to be...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
What you mentioned isn't very clear; it might refer to external fixation. If that's the case, crutches will still be necessary.[Read More] Understanding Femoral Fractures: Healing Challenges and Surgical Options
Understanding Post-Fracture Recovery: Pins, Stiffness, and Long-Term Effects
None? Hello, Doctor Shi: I would like to ask, in the area where the fracture was fixed with screws, will there be a feeling of stiffness before the hardware is removed? Does this stiffness go away over time? If I choose not to undergo another surgery to remove the screws, will th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The bone screws may cause some discomfort or stiffness initially, but this usually resolves over time. Bone screws do not necessarily need to be removed unless they affect function or cause inflammation. Some fractures can heal back to normal.[Read More] Understanding Post-Fracture Recovery: Pins, Stiffness, and Long-Term Effects
Effective Solutions for Stiff Elbows and Orthopedic Concerns
Hello, Dr. Shi? Hello, Dr. Shi. I apologize for bothering you again, but I have a few more questions. 1. If the elbow stiffness has persisted for a while and rehabilitation has not shown significant results, are there any other methods to restore the elbow to its original condi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If elbow joint stiffness persists for more than three months, recovery becomes more challenging; however, do not give up on rehabilitation, as there is still a chance for improvement. After a fracture has healed, theoretically, the bone screws can be removed, but to prevent re-fr...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Stiff Elbows and Orthopedic Concerns
Why Is My Ankle Still Swollen Two Months After Fracture Surgery?
The fracture has been present for two months, and the foot is still very swollen? Hello, doctor... I have consulted you before and would like to ask again. I had my follow-up appointment on August 27 to remove the stitches (after the removal of the ankle ligament bone screws on A...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello, Maruko's mom! Congratulations on having your cast removed. However, I recommend that you continue to use two crutches for the first two weeks. It's normal to experience heel pain and swelling after removing the cast; this is due to inactivity, tight tendons, and ...[Read More] Why Is My Ankle Still Swollen Two Months After Fracture Surgery?
Understanding Intramedullary Nailing: Open vs. Closed Reduction in Fracture Surgery
The procedure of fixing a fracture by placing screws directly at the fracture site without performing an open surgery is known as "percutaneous screw fixation." Hello Director Shih: During a fracture surgery, if the treatment involves solely the insertion of bone screws...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This is called percutaneous internal fixation for fracture, which can be found in the National Health Insurance payment standards (revised on July 1, 2004) in Volume 1, Chapter 2, Section 7, p. 11. It is typically used for distal radius fractures or elbow fractures in children.[Read More] Understanding Intramedullary Nailing: Open vs. Closed Reduction in Fracture Surgery
Recovery Timeline After Nail Removal for Femur Fracture
The healing period after screw removal..? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask how long it typically takes to start walking after the removal of the steel pins from a femur fracture, and if it takes a long time to walk normally again. Thank you for your help!
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Xiaoyuan: After a femoral fracture is stabilized with bone screws for about one to one and a half years, if healing is satisfactory, consideration can be given to the removal of the screws. After removal, you can begin light mobility within two days. However, for returning t...[Read More] Recovery Timeline After Nail Removal for Femur Fracture
Understanding Tibial Fractures: Recovery, Surgery, and Rehabilitation Insights
Tibial fracture? Dear Dr. Chen, I previously sent you an email inquiring about some questions, but I have not yet received your response. Therefore, I couldn't help but send another email to seek clarification on the following issues: 1. It has been almost 7 months since m...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear users: Whether the fracture has healed can be determined by an X-ray examination. Although the strength of the bone remains weaker than the uninjured side before complete healing, it will not be soft. Generally, spinal anesthesia is commonly used during surgery, but the deci...[Read More] Understanding Tibial Fractures: Recovery, Surgery, and Rehabilitation Insights
Can Bone Screws Be Adjusted After Locking Fractured Toes?
Is there a way to adjust the bone after the bone screw threads have locked it in place? Hello, Director Shih! The patient has a fracture of the distal phalanx of the third toe and the proximal phalanx of the fourth toe on the left foot. An open reduction and internal fixation wit...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
To realign it, another surgery may be necessary because the position of the bone screws is usually difficult to change after fixation. However, if the displacement of the fracture is not severe, sometimes it can be acceptable not to make adjustments.[Read More] Can Bone Screws Be Adjusted After Locking Fractured Toes?
Understanding Recurrent Patellar Fractures: Recovery and Concerns
Right knee patella re-fracture? Dear Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you a question: Three months ago, I suffered a patellar fracture due to an accident. After surgery, the fracture was stabilized with bone screws. Three weeks ago, I experienced severe pain due to the displacement...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Xiaozhu, the typical healing time for fractures is about three months. However, we wait until a year to remove the metal pins primarily because we want to avoid severe complications, such as re-fracture, which can depend on the degree of displacement of the fragments after t...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Patellar Fractures: Recovery and Concerns