Understanding High Tibial Osteotomy: Recovery, Pain Management, and Expectations
High tibial osteotomy Hello Doctor: I have a tear at the root of my medial meniscus, and due to my knee varus, the physician recommended that I undergo high tibial osteotomy two weeks ago, utilizing 3D printing technology for the osteotomy and a titanium plate was installed. Thre...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is normal; recovery typically takes about three months. 2. Wound healing requires time, usually at least six weeks or more. 3. It may not be necessary to remove it unless there is sharp pain or severe discomfort. 4. Crutches should not be discontinued until the bone h...[Read More] Understanding High Tibial Osteotomy: Recovery, Pain Management, and Expectations
Understanding Metacarpal Fractures: Symptoms and Recovery Insights
Metacarpal fracture issues? On October 14, I had a car accident resulting in a fracture of the third metacarpal bone in my left hand (no surgery, just a cast for immobilization; on October 19, it was changed to a supportive brace). 1. Currently, I experience a tingling and numb...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, after a fracture, swelling and numbness in the distal area are often caused by swelling and lack of movement. These symptoms should improve once normal activity is resumed. Such fractures typically do not affect arterial blood supply, and applying heat may help alleviate t...[Read More] Understanding Metacarpal Fractures: Symptoms and Recovery Insights
Understanding Fourth Toe Shortening: Treatment Options and Costs
Fourth toe short toe syndrome with unequal lengths of the toes on both feet? Hello Doctor, my left foot's fourth toe is shorter than the fifth toe. The lengths of the fourth toes on both feet are different, which affects my appearance and has psychological impacts. For some ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, most limb lengthening surgeries are performed when there is a discrepancy in length between the femur and tibia or between the limbs. It is impossible to perform the surgery without leaving any scars, and the decision depends on the degree of length difference. In severe c...[Read More] Understanding Fourth Toe Shortening: Treatment Options and Costs
Understanding Tibial Fractures: Healing Time and Mobility Guidelines
Fracture of the left tibia? 1. Should I avoid bending my leg with a tibial fracture like mine? 2. How long does it take for the bone to heal? 3. When is it possible to start bending my leg?
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, bone fractures take at least three months to heal, and once healed, there are no restrictions on activities. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Understanding Tibial Fractures: Healing Time and Mobility Guidelines
Understanding Toe Fractures: Healing Time and Treatment Options
Fracture of the little toe? On September 4th, I stubbed my toe and fractured the toe bone. The emergency treatment on the same day involved taping the fourth toe to the injured fifth toe. Two days later, on September 6th, I went to an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray, and the treat...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there is no significant deformity in the little toe, conservative treatment is usually sufficient, and it should heal within three months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Understanding Toe Fractures: Healing Time and Treatment Options
Understanding Toe Fractures: Healing Time and Treatment Options
Fracture of the little toe? On September 4th, I stubbed my toe and fractured the toe bone. The emergency treatment on the same day involved using tape to bind the fourth toe and the injured fifth toe. Two days later, on September 6th, I went to an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray, ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there is no significant deformity in the little toe, conservative treatment is usually sufficient, and it should heal within three months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Understanding Toe Fractures: Healing Time and Treatment Options
Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips
Fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone? Hello Doctor, on August 19, I sustained a bone fracture near the fifth metatarsal close to the Jones fracture area. It has been approximately six weeks since the injury. These two images are from my second week of X-rays: https://imgur.com/x...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1. How long after an injury can I remove the crutches or stop wearing the brace to walk and squat normally? Generally, after about six weeks post-injury, you can start to remove the brace and crutches, and around eight weeks, you should be able to walk normally. 3. Is i...[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips
Facing Surgery Fears: Coping with Arm Pain and Potential Fracture
Fear of undergoing surgery? Since the motorcycle accident on July 23, the abrasions have mostly healed, but I am still experiencing severe pain in my left arm and shoulder. I can move it, but the range of motion is limited. I had to visit an orthopedic specialist tonight, and the...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a detailed examination that can assess the extent of soft tissue injuries. Before the results come out, it is best to rest; the more you move, the worse it will be for the affected limb. Thank you, but diet does not have a significant im...[Read More] Facing Surgery Fears: Coping with Arm Pain and Potential Fracture
Post-Fracture Care: Essential Tips for Activity and Immobilization
Please inquire about issues related to activity and immobilization after a fracture? Hello, Doctor. Three days ago, I suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal. After seeking medical attention the day before yesterday, the doctor advised that if surgery is not necessary, it is ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It's okay. 2. It's better to walk less because prolonged walking can cause foot swelling. 3. You can walk a few times, but not too much. 4. Regularly return to the hospital for follow-up appointments to check if the bones are healing.[Read More] Post-Fracture Care: Essential Tips for Activity and Immobilization
Can Current Medical Technology Reopen Growth Plates for Height Increase?
According to current medical technology, is it possible to reopen and regenerate growth plates? Hello doctor, I am currently 33 years old, 170 cm tall (male), and I would like to grow to 178 cm. Is there any medical technology available that can reopen the growth plates? Or are t...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The unlikely procedure of bone lengthening surgery can slightly increase the length of bones.[Read More] Can Current Medical Technology Reopen Growth Plates for Height Increase?
Post-Vertebroplasty Complications: Understanding Cement Leakage Risks
Vertebroplasty (bone cement) post-procedure? Dear Dr. Tsai, I would like to inquire about the issue of vertebral compression fractures. My mother, who is 88 years old, recently suffered from a vertebral compression fracture that compressed her nerves. On September 27, she underw...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello, after vertebroplasty, there may be complications such as cement leakage, which can potentially lead to symptomatic or asymptomatic pulmonary embolism. Please promptly follow up with the original treating physician, and if you experience severe shortness of breath, go to th...[Read More] Post-Vertebroplasty Complications: Understanding Cement Leakage Risks
Understanding Recovery from Open Femur Fracture After Car Accident
Open femoral fracture of the right thigh due to a car accident? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a fracture caused by a car accident on June 30. During a follow-up X-ray on September 27, there is still a clear fracture line, but there is already bone callus surrounding it....
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, in the case of an open fracture, there is a more severe destruction of the soft tissue surrounding the fracture, which increases the likelihood of delayed healing. Joint flexion and extension activities should not pose significant issues, but caution is advised when walkin...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Open Femur Fracture After Car Accident
Understanding Asymmetrical Skull Features: When to Seek Medical Advice
Skull issues Hello Doctor, I have noticed that there are protruding bones above the diagonal of both my ears. I found that the left side is higher, but it feels less pronounced when I touch it, while the right side is slightly lower and more prominent, and it feels more noticeabl...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, a full-body CT scan can reveal slight asymmetries in the bones throughout the body, so your condition is quite normal and there is no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Asymmetrical Skull Features: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Asymmetry in the Bones Behind Your Ears
Asymmetry of the mastoid processes behind both ears? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about the bones behind my ears, which seem to be asymmetrical. The bone behind my left ear is palpable but not very prominent, while the bone behind my right ear is distinctly noticeable. I...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You can consult a neurosurgeon to get an X-ray to check for any asymmetry on both sides.[Read More] Understanding Asymmetry in the Bones Behind Your Ears
Can Ankle Braces Replace Casts for Metatarsal Fractures?
Fracture of the second and third metatarsal bones? Hello, doctor. I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in fractures of my second and third metatarsal bones. I consulted a doctor at Taipei Medical University Hospital, who mentioned that the displacement is not severe and that...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is generally safer to wait for the primary callus to form before switching to a brace, which typically takes about four weeks.[Read More] Can Ankle Braces Replace Casts for Metatarsal Fractures?
Understanding Clavicle Subluxation: Causes, Symptoms, and Long-Term Effects
Sternoclavicular joint subluxation A car accident resulted in a partial dislocation of the right clavicle, with ligament instability and looseness. When moving the right arm, there is a clicking sound, and the bone movement is quite noticeable. Given that the bone has not been re...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, with a sternoclavicular joint injury and subluxation, early activity should be restricted. After two months, once stability improves, you can resume larger movements, and most patients experience minimal long-term complications. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. W...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Subluxation: Causes, Symptoms, and Long-Term Effects
Can You Still Grow Taller After Growth Plate Closure? Exploring Options
If the growth plates have closed, are there any other methods to increase height? Hello, two days ago I visited the hospital, and the doctor informed me that the growth plates in my hands have already closed. I would like to ask: 1. If the growth plates in my hands have closed,...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Administering growth hormone after the growth plates have closed is ineffective. 2. The claims circulating on the internet are incorrect. 3. There are no foods that can achieve this. 4. There is no such method. 5. Limb lengthening surgery involves a surgical technique ...[Read More] Can You Still Grow Taller After Growth Plate Closure? Exploring Options
Can I Still Grow Taller at 16? Understanding Growth Potential
Growth issues Hello, I will be turning 16 in a few days. However, my height is only 174/175 cm. I drink 2-3 cups of milk every day, go to bed at 10:30 PM, and stretch and exercise whenever I have the time. Can I still grow taller? Is it possible for me to reach a height of 178-18...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the growth plates in the bones have not yet closed, there is still a possibility for further height increase. However, if they are completely closed, theoretically, no additional height growth will occur. At the age of 15, there may still be a slight chance for growth.[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller at 16? Understanding Growth Potential
Post-Crash Knee and Arm Injuries: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Knee issues due to injuries from a car accident? Hello, Doctor. I had a motorcycle accident on July 23rd, where I fell face down, resulting in most of my injuries being on the front of my body. My left arm, both legs, and knees have bruises from the impact. After the accident, I ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, anything related to bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles falls under the scope of orthopedics. Don't worry, as many injuries still require physical examination and imaging studies. It is best to consult an orthopedic specialist. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Crash Knee and Arm Injuries: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Understanding Recovery from Tibia and Hip Fractures After a Car Accident
Fracture issues from a car accident? In mid-July, I was involved in a car accident and was diagnosed with a left tibial fracture (a crack in the bone). The doctor mentioned that I could either undergo surgery or not. I chose to have surgery, during which two bone screws were inse...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. You can try walking to see if you can bear weight; if you can, you can gradually start to let go of the crutches. 2. A fracture that is cracked is still considered a break and will require some time to heal. If it heals well, there should be no issues.[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Tibia and Hip Fractures After a Car Accident