Bone screws, Orthopedics FAQ

Understanding Plate Removal After Fracture Surgery: Key Considerations

I would like to inquire about the issue of removing metal plates? Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about the follow-up regarding the removal of the metal plates. Last October, I accidentally fractured both the radius and ulna in my right arm while riding a bicycle. I opted ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Fractures of the radius and ulna typically heal within a year. After healing, an X-ray assessment can determine if the bone screws can be removed. Delaying the removal of the screws may lead to difficulties in extraction. Generally, the removal of screws requires no more than a w...

Understanding Bone Pain After Surgery: What to Expect and How to Manage It

Bone pain The doctor, I had an X-ray yesterday and it showed that the bone has grown! Today, the area where the bone screw is located suddenly hurt, but it got better after a while. Is that normal? Also, will it hurt when the bone screw is removed? What should I pay attention to ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is a normal phenomenon that the pain experienced during the removal of bone screws is slightly less than the pain during the initial surgery. After the removal, it is important to avoid putting too much strain on or impacting the surgical area for three to six months, as the b...

When Is the Right Time to Remove Bone Screws After Surgery?

Removal of bone screws When can the doctor remove the stitches?

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Suture removal typically occurs one to two weeks after the procedure, depending on the location of the incision. For the forearm, it is usually around seven to ten days. The same timeframe applies to the lower leg. For areas near the knee joint, it is about fourteen days, while f...

Understanding Steel Screw Displacement: Symptoms and Concerns

Screw displacement What does it mean to simply draw the fracture site? I can feel the screws placed in my fractured area, so I'm worried that there might be a displacement. Doctor, would I feel pain if the metal screws or plates have shifted?

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Taking an X-ray is the most direct method for confirmation. In some areas, the subcutaneous tissue is thinner, allowing for palpation of the bone screws. Of course, dislocation or protrusion of the bone screws can also be felt. Displacement of the metal plates may sometimes cause...

Understanding Bone Screw Protrusion: X-Ray Insights and Recovery

The bone screw has penetrated through the bone? What does it mean when an X-ray shows that the bone has protruded through the skin? I am 16 years old and had an ankle fracture with a steel plate and screws; it healed in three months. I am wondering why my femoral neck fracture ha...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The fixation of a femoral neck fracture involves the insertion of bone screws from the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter, angled upward and inward into the bone. Before healing occurs, there is a possibility that the screws may penetrate the femoral head and impinge into t...

Clavicle Fracture Complications: Plate Penetration and Surgical Solutions

Clavicle fracture with plate penetration through the skin? Hello Doctor, I was in a car accident on March 17, 2015, which resulted in a mid-shaft fracture of my left clavicle, causing the bone to break into two displaced segments. In early April, I underwent surgery to place a pl...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The fixation method you mentioned may involve the use of intramedullary nails. This is not a minimally invasive surgery, but the incision can be smaller. After healing, in some cases, a small incision can be made from the lateral side to remove the bone screws. Whether a second s...

Understanding Displacement After Neck Fracture Reduction: Symptoms and Signs

Is there any displacement? After a cervical neck fracture is reduced, if there is a displacement, it can lead to various complications such as nerve damage, chronic pain, or impaired mobility. During the moment of displacement, the patient may experience acute pain, but it can al...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Displaced fractures can only be identified through X-ray examination. At the moment, there may not be any pain; however, if the bone screws protrude outside the bone, it can cause pain and even result in an inability to walk.

Healing Time for Radial Head Fractures and Femoral Neck Fixation: What to Expect

Radial head bone callus How long does it take for a closed fracture of the right radial head to heal after plate fixation? It's been three months since the right femoral neck fracture was fixed with three screws, and it still hasn't healed. What should I do?

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A distal radius fracture typically heals in about three months; however, the removal of bone screws must wait until one year later. The healing time for a femoral neck fracture is similar, but it may lead to avascular necrosis of the femoral head or nonunion due to displacement. ...

Is It Safe to Remove Bone Plates After Four Years of Humerus Fracture?

Removal of fracture fixation plates and screws? Is it appropriate to remove the steel plate and screws from a right humeral fracture that occurred four years ago?

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there is no discomfort in the area, it is possible not to remove the hardware. If removal is necessary, it is important to ensure that the fracture has healed. Additionally, when removing the bone screws at the surgical site, care must be taken regarding the course of the nerv...

When Can I Remove Surgical Pins After Fracture Surgery?

Fracture surgery Doctor, I had surgery to place two steel pins and a plate. When can the pins be removed? If they are not removed, will it be inconvenient for me to write in school or ride a motorcycle?

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone screws can typically be removed only after the fracture has healed, which usually takes about a year. Before removal, an X-ray must be taken to confirm that healing has occurred. Fractures generally start to heal gradually within three to six months; during this time, the bo...

Post-ACL Surgery Concerns: Is My Knee Stability Normal?

Post-operative concerns regarding the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery? Hello, doctor. I underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery nearly nine weeks ago. Out of curiosity, I tested the stability (drawer test) yesterday and found it to be somewhat l...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello: The drawer test is used to assess the stability of the cruciate ligaments. It must be performed while the patient's muscles are relaxed and compared to the normal side. It is generally difficult for patients to obtain accurate results on their own. Additionally, a dis...

Understanding Delayed Bone Healing After Open Fracture Surgery

Open fracture of the right radial bone? Doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. On May 26, I was in a car accident that caused an open fracture of my right radius. I underwent surgery to have a steel plate and two screws inserted. It has been over a month, and my bone has...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Forearm fractures (of the radius or ulna) typically require six to twelve weeks for healing, with a maximum healing time of three months. If it is an open fracture, the healing time will be even longer. If your physician has advised you to use a cast for protection, it is essenti...

Understanding Recovery from Radial Head and Femoral Neck Fractures

Closed fracture of the radial head. Right femoral neck fracture? 1. I sustained an injury on May 13 and had a steel plate inserted. Currently, when I perform wrist rotation and palm-up movements, there is a popping sound and pain. Is that normal? When both arms are extended, the ...

Dr. Huang Minxu Reply:
Hello: 1. The swelling and pain approximately six weeks post-surgery may be related to the severity of the injury. It is difficult to assess the postoperative condition based solely on appearance, so it is recommended to follow up with an outpatient X-ray to evaluate the situatio...

Can Patients with Low Bone Density Safely Undergo Jaw Surgery?

Surgical issues in patients with low bone density? Hello, doctor. My bone density measured -2.1 on an X-ray, and I am currently taking calcium supplements. I would like to ask if it is possible to undergo orthognathic surgery that requires bone screws with low bone density. Will ...

Dr. Huang Minxu Reply:
Hello, there are many factors that affect bone healing. From a physiological perspective, for example, patients with diabetes, and from a lifestyle perspective, factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and the use of steroids. The key issue with osteoporosis affecting bone h...

Challenges in Rehabilitation After Humeral Nail Removal: A Patient's Journey

Removal of distal humeral locking screws? It has been 10 months since my rehabilitation began. There has been some improvement in my ability to straighten and bend my arm, but I still cannot touch my shoulder or straighten my arm independently. I have tried at home to extend my a...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Humeral fractures typically require a full year to heal completely before the removal of bone screws. Some physicians may advise patients not to remove the screws depending on the situation. If there are no other discomforts or complications, it is still important to discuss with...

How Much Weight Can You Lift After a Clavicle Fracture Recovery?

Closed fracture of the left clavicle? I had a closed fracture of the left clavicle from a motorcycle accident. The bone plate was removed 10 months ago, and it has been over three years since the removal. How much weight can I lift? Specifically, how much can I lift with one hand...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Three years after surgery for a clavicle fracture, the fracture site and the area where the bone screws were inserted should have fully healed and be able to withstand the forces experienced prior to the injury. Therefore, the weight you mentioned should not be an issue.

Understanding Elbow Fractures: Impact of Bone Fragments on Recovery

Elbow fracture Hello Doctor: Earlier this year, I suffered a humeral fracture in my left arm due to a car accident. I have been undergoing rehabilitation for the past six months. Last week, I had surgery to remove the bone screws, but I still cannot bend my fingers to touch my sh...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Post-operative swelling typically lasts for about one to two months, which should not be related to the fractured bone. The degree of joint flexion is associated with the swelling. Unless the fracture is near the joint surface, it is not related. Continuing rehabilitation may hel...

Understanding Hallux Valgus Surgery: Risks, Recovery, and Long-term Care

Hallux Valgus Hello Doctor: Following up on your last response, I have a few more questions. If the bone screws are not protruding or inflamed, can they be left in place? Is it possible that they may not be protruding immediately after surgery, but could become prominent in the f...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Over time, there is a possibility that the bone screws may protrude, indicating insufficient correction, as the alignment remains crooked and has not straightened. There are multiple factors contributing to pain; if pain persists for an extended period, joint degeneration may als...

Understanding Hallux Valgus Surgery: Risks and Recurrence Concerns

Hallux valgus Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about hallux valgus surgery. If a steel pin is placed inside and does not need to be removed, what are the potential complications after the surgery? Will there be a chance of recurrence, meaning the big toe bending again? Thank you...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the bone screws are not protruding or inflamed, they may not need to be surgically removed. Potential complications from surgery include pain, infection, or inadequate correction. If proper care is not taken after the surgery, there is still a chance of recurrence. After the p...

Post-Fracture Recovery: Addressing Pain, Rehab Effectiveness, and Swelling

Post-fracture surgery condition inquiry? Hello Dr. Chang, I had a car accident on April 5th of last year, which resulted in a fracture of my left ankle. On April 7th, I underwent surgery to implant two bone screws and one plate. I had the screws removed on February 3rd of this y...

Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to continue rehabilitation to restore joint mobility. Applying heat therapy should help improve the swelling in the foot. After work, elevating the lower extremities slightly can also alleviate the symptoms of foot swelling. Thank you!

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