Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery?
Should the titanium alloy screw be removed after a fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello, on November 14, I suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my left foot due to a fall. I visited an orthopedic outpatient clinic nearby, where they advised me to use a brace and undergo reh...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the bone has healed and the bone screws have not shifted, there is no need to remove them. The deterioration of bone quality typically occurs in long bones (such as the femur or tibia), while in the metatarsal bones of the foot, the screws can often be left in place without re...[Read More] Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery?
Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Humerus Fracture: Pain and Mobility Issues
Post-operative care after humeral fracture surgery? Hello Doctor: I had surgery on August 31 for a fracture above my right elbow, where a steel pin was implanted. I started rehabilitation six weeks later (on October 12) and have been undergoing therapy since then. Currently, my l...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Inability to bend the elbow is often related to injuries and surgeries. Post-operative soft tissue adhesions can commonly occur after surgery, especially when bone screws are well-fixed. Rehabilitation should be initiated as soon as possible, typically within three months post-su...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Humerus Fracture: Pain and Mobility Issues
Conflicting Advice on Weight-Bearing After Closed Fracture: What to Do?
I sustained a closed fracture in a car accident six months ago? My orthopedic doctor told me not to put weight on my leg, but when I consulted another doctor, he advised me to bear weight. Whom should I listen to? If I put weight on my leg, will the bone screws shift? What should...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello: You have had a fracture for six months, but the recommendations from the physicians differ, which is related to the interpretation of the X-rays. Therefore, you should prioritize the advice of the surgeon.[Read More] Conflicting Advice on Weight-Bearing After Closed Fracture: What to Do?
Is Surgery Necessary for Femoral Necrosis? Understanding Your Options
Is surgery always necessary for femoral head necrosis? Hello, Doctor Shi: About 12 years ago, I suffered a femoral fracture due to a car accident. The injury was located near the knee. I underwent surgery for fracture fixation at that time, and the bone screws were removed six mo...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The treatment methods for osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle in the knee joint include decompression and bone grafting. In severe cases, total knee arthroplasty may be necessary, as non-surgical options may not lead to improvement.[Read More] Is Surgery Necessary for Femoral Necrosis? Understanding Your Options
Post-Operative Concerns After Clavicle Fracture Surgery: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues Following Comminuted Clavicle Fracture Surgery Hello Doctor: I just had surgery last week to fix my clavicle and scapula fractures with bone screws and a titanium alloy plate. It has been a week now, and I can only raise my left arm to an angle of 70 degrees....
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, after a comminuted clavicle fracture surgery, patients are advised to continue using a sling for 4 weeks. Since the degree of fracture comminution and the stability of the plate fixation can vary, the extent of postoperative rehabilitation should be dis...[Read More] Post-Operative Concerns After Clavicle Fracture Surgery: What to Expect
Understanding Distal Radius Fractures: Symptoms, Healing, and Care Tips
Distal radius comminuted fracture Hello, I would like to ask about a comminuted fracture of the distal radius. My palm has no sensation, but it is not cold or pale. What could be the issue? Is this considered normal, or will doing more hand exercises help improve it? Additionally...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
1. If there is no sensation in the palm, it may indicate median nerve injury, and a nerve conduction study should be performed. 2. If the scab keeps cracking, it may be related to hand activity; there should be no significant issues after the removal of the bone screws in the fut...[Read More] Understanding Distal Radius Fractures: Symptoms, Healing, and Care Tips
Understanding Elbow Fractures: Recovery, Nerve Issues, and Surgical Decisions
Radial, ulnar, and olecranon fractures? Hello Doctor: In March of this year, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a closed, comminuted fracture of the right elbow, ulna, and radius. Both the ulna and radius were completely broken into several pieces. I have surgical ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is better to remove the bone screws one year after surgery, and finding another physician can also facilitate recovery in approximately 6 to 12 months.[Read More] Understanding Elbow Fractures: Recovery, Nerve Issues, and Surgical Decisions
Persistent Ankle Swelling and Pain After Fracture Surgery: Seeking Solutions
It has been over a year, and the ankle area is still swollen? Hello, Doctor: I accidentally missed two steps while going down the stairs and fell, resulting in an ankle fracture that required surgery. I had a metal plate and three screws inserted at my own expense. Post-surgery, ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the fracture has healed, consideration can be given to removing the bone screws to see if there will be any changes.[Read More] Persistent Ankle Swelling and Pain After Fracture Surgery: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Patellar Fractures: Recovery, Treatment, and Risks
Patellar fracture Due to a fall, the left knee directly impacted the floor, resulting in a patellar fracture. After undergoing internal fixation surgery with steel pins and wires, it has been two and a half months, but the left knee remains swollen and there is still weakness in ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Patellar fractures rarely accompany ligament injuries; however, a definitive diagnosis still requires examination and assessment by a physician. Once the bone has healed, engaging in physical activity is unlikely to pose issues. After fracture healing, it is generally advisable t...[Read More] Understanding Patellar Fractures: Recovery, Treatment, and Risks
Post-Fracture Surgery: When to Remove Pins and Assess Healing
Removal of metal screws after fracture surgery? Hello Dr. Lee, I fell at the end of 2016 and sustained a comminuted fracture of the right radius, after which I had steel nails and plates inserted. At that time, the doctor mentioned that if healing did not go well, I might need to...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, you have a comminuted fracture of the right distal radius. Even if the fracture has not completely healed post-surgery, wrist arthroplasty is typically not performed, and currently, wrist arthroplasty is not common. Therefore, I recommend that you seek another larger hospi...[Read More] Post-Fracture Surgery: When to Remove Pins and Assess Healing
Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Concerns About Hardware and Recovery
Clavicle fracture Hello Doctor, I have a broken left clavicle and have already undergone surgery to have a plate installed. It has been almost two years, and I plan to have it removed after my exams. Recently, I noticed a screw protruding when I touch my clavicle. Is this normal?...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Let's take an X-ray to see if there are any changes. The surgery to remove the bone screws is not difficult, and the recovery is quite fast.[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Concerns About Hardware and Recovery
Complications After Clavicle Surgery: What to Do When Pins Fail?
A year ago, I fractured my clavicle and had a bone screw inserted. After a year, the screw was removed, but the clavicle is still fractured? Hello, I would like to ask a question. My friend had clavicle screws inserted a year ago (or opted for better screws at their own expense)....
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After the fixation of a fracture, there may be instances where, after a period of time, the removal of the bone screws can lead to a re-fracture, which may require another surgical procedure for improvement.[Read More] Complications After Clavicle Surgery: What to Do When Pins Fail?
Concerns About Spinal Screw Displacement After Minimally Invasive Surgery
Spinal bone screws It has been four days since your minimally invasive spinal surgery. If you bent over to pick something up and now feel tightness on the left side, along with a sensation of something protruding, it could potentially indicate a displacement of the bone screws. I...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, the likelihood of screw displacement is very low. However, if you still feel discomfort or have any concerns, it is advisable to have another X-ray examination. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Concerns About Spinal Screw Displacement After Minimally Invasive Surgery
Understanding Clavicle Fracture Recovery: Common Concerns and Tips
Regarding clavicle fractures? Doctor, I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in a fracture of my left clavicle. I underwent surgery about two weeks ago, during which a plate was inserted. Sometimes I feel the screws at the surgical site, and there is a tightness and soreness. ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, the recovery situation after a clavicle fracture surgery is related to the degree of fracture comminution and the stability of the fixation with bone screws. It is normal to experience soreness and pain for up to two weeks post-surgery. Currently, you should avoid lifting ...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fracture Recovery: Common Concerns and Tips
Should You Remove Steel Plates and Screws After Fracture Surgery?
Should the metal plate and screws be removed? A year ago, I was hit by a car, resulting in both bones in my lower leg being fractured. The doctor said it was an open comminuted fracture, which was very serious. Initially, 15 metal screws were inserted, especially near the ankle w...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Arthritis is not related to bone screws. If there is pain or discomfort at the site of the bone screw, it is possible to remove the screw. After removal, it is important to protect the area for a period of time.[Read More] Should You Remove Steel Plates and Screws After Fracture Surgery?
Understanding Complications After Distal Radius Fractures: Pain in Shoulder and Back
Distal radius fracture sequelae Hello Dr. Shi, thank you for your response. I am the one who inquired about the distal radius fracture in my right hand on February 13. You mentioned that typically, bone screws are not removed and do not affect function. In the absence of any func...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Pain in the right shoulder and right upper back may be related to a contusion or strain, as well as a fracture near the right wrist. Additionally, using a sling can affect the tendons or nerves in the right shoulder or back, potentially leading to impaired movement.[Read More] Understanding Complications After Distal Radius Fractures: Pain in Shoulder and Back
Understanding Post-Fracture Pain: Right Wrist Injury and Shoulder Issues
Distal radius fracture of the right hand? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you the following: I suffered a distal radius fracture in my right wrist due to a car accident a year and a half ago. I underwent surgery and had titanium metal fixation, which has not been removed. Howe...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone screws typically do not need to be removed as they do not affect function. However, if it can be determined that the bone screw is causing an issue, then it should be removed.[Read More] Understanding Post-Fracture Pain: Right Wrist Injury and Shoulder Issues
Understanding Clavicle Fractures: When to Remove Surgical Hardware
Clavicle fracture Hello Doctor, I fractured four segments of my clavicle in a motorcycle accident on October 25th last year. I underwent surgery to fix it with a plate and screws, and I have been attending regular follow-up appointments. The doctor mentioned that after a year, I ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the fracture has completely healed, the bone screws can be removed. After the removal of the screws, it is important to monitor the area for three to six months to ensure proper healing; otherwise, a subsequent injury could lead to re-fracture. A slight delay in this process i...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: When to Remove Surgical Hardware
Managing Pain and Discomfort After Elbow Fracture Recovery
Soreness after recovery from an elbow fracture? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. I had an olecranon fracture about two years ago, which was surgically repaired. After recovery, my function returned to normal, but I often accidentally bump it, causing signific...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, two years ago you had an olecranon fracture that was surgically repaired. After recovery, your function returned to normal. If the fracture has healed, minor impacts and lifting heavy objects should not easily cause re-fracture. If the bone screws have not been removed, it...[Read More] Managing Pain and Discomfort After Elbow Fracture Recovery
Conflicting Medical Advice on Tibia Fracture Recovery: What to Do?
Questions about tibial fractures? Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident on the evening of October 13, 2016, which resulted in an open fracture of my right tibia and fibula. I was taken to the hospital for treatment and had bone screws and plates installed. Since then, I have been...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A tibial fracture that has not healed after a year is considered to be healing slowly. However, in the case of an open fracture, it may take a year and a half to two years to heal. If there is significant bone loss, bone grafting may be necessary. The physician recommends weight-...[Read More] Conflicting Medical Advice on Tibia Fracture Recovery: What to Do?