Understanding Clavicle and Rib Fractures: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery
Diagnosis: Fractured ribs and locked joint? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. In a diagnosis report, it states "right clavicle fracture, right 3rd to 7th rib fractures." 1. If the patient claims to have a comminuted fracture of the right clavicle...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Netizen, 1. Fractures can be classified as simple or comminuted fractures, closed or open fractures, transverse or oblique fractures, and displaced or non-displaced fractures. If it is only a minor comminuted fracture that does not significantly affect future recovery, it m...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle and Rib Fractures: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery
Understanding Post-Surgery Complications: Loose Screw in Orthopedic Pins
The small loop of the fracture pin has detached? Hello Dr. Chang, three months after surgery, one of the two metal screws has shown a small circle (similar to a nut) on the X-ray, indicating it has dislodged from its original position. I have been continuing rehabilitation, but t...
Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello, sometimes different angles in imaging can lead to variations, and it is also possible that some bone screws may have loosened. A direct comparison of the pre- and post-operative X-rays is necessary to confirm this. Regarding your concerns, you may also consult your attendi...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Complications: Loose Screw in Orthopedic Pins
Should You Remove Screws After Finger Fracture Surgery? Risks and Concerns
Should the steel pin be removed after a fracture of the right index finger? Are there any potential complications? Hello Doctor: In May 2008, in New Hampshire, USA, I forcefully opened a stuck window, which resulted in a spiral fracture of my right index finger (specifically the ...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
It is generally advisable for young individuals to have bone screws removed after one year, unless there are specific reasons to keep them. Removing screws from the phalanx is less likely to damage ligaments or tendons, whereas if the screws are in the carpal bones, the recovery ...[Read More] Should You Remove Screws After Finger Fracture Surgery? Risks and Concerns
Understanding Recurrent Infections After Clavicle Fracture Surgery
Recurrent infection after clavicle fracture surgery? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend had a clavicle fracture and underwent surgery after a car accident. The doctor recommended using out-of-pocket materials. About a week after the surgery (during the transfer from the intensive care un...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Wounds from car accidents are more susceptible to infection. You can schedule an appointment with the physician through the nursing station to discuss your condition and also inquire about any concerns you may have regarding medical supplies.[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Infections After Clavicle Fracture Surgery
How to Remove Bone Screws After a Long Recovery: A Patient's Guide
Regarding the removal of bone screws? I was in a car accident in Hualien on November 30, 2009, which resulted in a fractured pelvis and a broken right femur. I would like to have the metal removed from my pelvis, but I do not want to return to Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. This means...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: You can visit an orthopedic hospital in the Keelung area for a consultation. The physician will make a professional assessment and examination to determine whether the item can be removed or provide you with recommendations.[Read More] How to Remove Bone Screws After a Long Recovery: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Knee Rehabilitation Progress After ACL and Meniscus Surgery
Rehabilitation progress It has been two months (nine weeks) since my left knee anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and bilateral meniscus repair surgery. I used crutches for over five weeks and continued with a single crutch for a little over a week (I still carry a crutch ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The recovery period for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction of the knee joint typically lasts about 6 to 9 months, during which time there may still be uncomfortable symptoms. Rehabilitation must be approached step by step, and the range of motion should progressively...[Read More] Understanding Knee Rehabilitation Progress After ACL and Meniscus Surgery
Impact of Long-Term Retained Bone Screws on Mobility and Health Risks
Will having thigh and knee bone screws left in for about 20 years affect mobility in the future? I was involved in a severe car accident in 1993, resulting in fractures of both hip joints, the right femur, the left knee joint, and the left tibia. After multiple surgeries, both th...
Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello: The principle is to remove internal bone screws and plates; however, many individuals do not have them removed. This decision is related to the patient's age, the location of the screws (such as whether they are embedded within a joint), and the patient's symptom...[Read More] Impact of Long-Term Retained Bone Screws on Mobility and Health Risks
How to Determine if Surgical Hardware is Causing Pain After Clavicle Surgery?
How can one determine if the bone screws or plates on the left clavicle are impinging on the muscles or bones, and whether they are too short after surgery? Dear Director Shih, Thank you for your thoughtful response last time; I am very satisfied and extend my deepest gratitude ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, an X-ray examination can reveal any issues. If a fracture has healed, depending on the situation, the bone screws can be removed early if they are impinging on the joint or muscle. If the fracture has not healed, then further waiting is necessary, and another physician...[Read More] How to Determine if Surgical Hardware is Causing Pain After Clavicle Surgery?
Persistent Shoulder Pain After Clavicle Fracture Surgery: What to Expect?
It has been almost three months since the surgery for a comminuted fracture of the left clavicle, and I am still experiencing significant pain? Dear Dr. Shi, Hello! I underwent surgery on my left clavicle on September 1, where it was stabilized with a plate and screws. I started...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After a clavicle fracture surgery, it is important to monitor the degree of bone healing. If the bone has completely healed, there should be no pain, which typically occurs within three to six months. Regarding shoulder mobility, if the bone screws are not impinging on the muscle...[Read More] Persistent Shoulder Pain After Clavicle Fracture Surgery: What to Expect?
Understanding Recovery After Left Ankle Fracture Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Left ankle fracture? Hello, Doctor: I underwent surgery for a left ankle fracture on April 7, and it has now been four weeks. I would like to ask a few questions (as my follow-up appointment is still a few weeks away, I hope you can understand). 1. At home, there are some areas...
Dr. Luo Zhongwei Reply:
DEAR HSINGYEH: Your description is unclear; it's not specified whether it's the left foot or the right foot. It is not advisable to jump on one foot as it may lead to falls. Your primary care physician should have provided you with educational information regarding your...[Read More] Understanding Recovery After Left Ankle Fracture Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Recovery Timeline for Weight Training After Radius Nail Removal
Radial steel nail Dear Director, I had a fracture of the left radius that has been healed for a year. Last Thursday, I had the steel pins removed. Since I love sports, I would like to know how long after the removal of the pins I can start weight training or perform multiple exer...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It has been about six months since the removal of the bone screws, and the areas where the screw holes are located are the most vulnerable. If excessive force is applied, there is a possibility of re-fracture.[Read More] Recovery Timeline for Weight Training After Radius Nail Removal
Understanding Symptoms After Leg Rod Surgery: What to Expect
Symptoms after leg intramedullary nailing? I experienced the greatest setback of my life when I was involved in a serious car accident. I was close to losing my life, but thankfully I survived. However, I suffered a fracture in my thigh bone and my knee bone was also bent. The do...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
First of all, congratulations on your good recovery. The femur and patella are actually two different bones. The femur is typically stabilized using a steel rod and four screws. If the fracture heals well, there are usually no symptoms, except that the exposed bone screws may sli...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Leg Rod Surgery: What to Expect
Understanding Humerus Fractures: Recovery, Pain Management, and Surgery Decisions
Humeral fracture Hello, Doctor: I would like to briefly describe my situation. In December 2008, I suffered a right humeral fracture while playing softball. The fracture was in a lightning shape, and the surgeon later inserted a plate and 12 screws. I also injured my radial nerve...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Internal bone screws and plates do not need to be removed unless they affect function or cause inflammation or infection. Removing the plates may risk damaging nerves, so this surgery should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Pain may be due to other causes and can be manage...[Read More] Understanding Humerus Fractures: Recovery, Pain Management, and Surgery Decisions
Understanding Spinal Surgery Options for Elderly Patients with Diabetes
Spinal region Hello, Doctor: My mother is 75 years old. She has undergone an MRI and X-rays at a hospital in Taipei. The doctor informed me that there is a gap between her lumbar vertebrae 4 and 5, and I am unsure if this is related to cartilage; he only mentioned that the materi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Surgery is not necessary unless there is severe pain. If there are neurological symptoms and signs of spinal instability, then the use of bone screws for fixation may be required. The surgery for bone screws must be pre-approved by health insurance, and it can be covered without ...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Surgery Options for Elderly Patients with Diabetes
Patellar Fractures: Cast vs. Pins - Which Treatment is Best?
Patellar fracture? The treatment for a patellar fracture may involve either casting or the use of bone screws. The choice between these options depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Generally, surgical fixation with bone screws is preferred for displaced fractures, as...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: The treatment for a patellar fracture is determined by the size of the gap at the fracture site and its location, which will dictate whether casting or surgical internal fixation is necessary. Regardless of whether a cast or surgical treatment is used, a recovery period of...[Read More] Patellar Fractures: Cast vs. Pins - Which Treatment is Best?
Understanding Recovery After Arm Fracture Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Fracture Hello Dr. Hong, I was in a car accident on March 10 and underwent surgery at Chungli Tiansheng. The doctor diagnosed me with a "right humeral fracture; shoulder contusion with rotator cuff tear." I had surgery on the morning of March 11 and stayed in the hospi...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Based on your medical condition, it appears that after the first surgery, the fracture did not heal and has shifted. It has been approximately four weeks since the second surgery, and the fracture still has not healed. Therefore, it is important to be particularly cautious during...[Read More] Understanding Recovery After Arm Fracture Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Post-Surgery Pin Removal: Recovery Tips and Mobility Guidance
Issues related to fracture fixation removal? Hello Doctor: In June 2006, I sustained my first closed fracture of the right tibia and fibula, for which I underwent internal fixation surgery with bone screws and plates. In late November 2006, I experienced a second closed, comminut...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, you have a fracture of the right ankle and tibial shaft, which has been stabilized with a plate, screws, and intramedullary nails. After a year of good healing post-surgery, you can undergo a procedure to remove the internal fixation. Postoper...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pin Removal: Recovery Tips and Mobility Guidance
Are PLGA Absorbable Bone Screws Widely Used in Orthopedic Surgery?
Orthopedic materials Hello, doctor! I would like to inquire about the use of PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) absorbable bone screws in orthopedic surgeries. Are they widely used in clinical practice, or are they still in the experimental stage? Additionally, is this material...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: Biodegradable bone materials are currently used only for human fractures. Their composition is polylactic acid. The use of these materials is out-of-pocket. There are currently no reports of harmful effects on the human body. Bone screws made from this material have been u...[Read More] Are PLGA Absorbable Bone Screws Widely Used in Orthopedic Surgery?
Post-Surgery Knee Pain After Tibial Fracture: What to Expect
Knee pain after tibial fracture surgery? Hello Doctor: In early November 2006, I sustained multiple closed, comminuted fractures of the tibia in my right lower leg (above the ankle and below the knee joint). After two months of casting, I underwent intramedullary nailing surgery ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is necessary to check if the bone screws are protruding near the knee, which could irritate the bone or tendons and cause pain. Additionally, if a fracture has healed, the site of the break should not be painful, and there would be no need to rely on crutches for ambulation. C...[Read More] Post-Surgery Knee Pain After Tibial Fracture: What to Expect
Understanding Intramedullary Nail Issues in Orthopedic Surgery
Intramedullary nail issues? Hello Doctor: In June 2006, I experienced my first closed fracture of the right tibia and fibula, for which I underwent internal fixation surgery with bone screws and plates. Then, at the end of November 2006, I had a second closed and comminuted fract...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. For tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nailing, it is true that some individuals may experience discomfort at the knee incision site, but this occurs in only about 10% of cases. There's no need to worry too much, and this ...[Read More] Understanding Intramedullary Nail Issues in Orthopedic Surgery