Bone, Orthopedics FAQ

Understanding Growth Issues in Adolescents: A Case Study on Bone Age

Developmental issues Hello, my son is almost 14 years old and is on the shorter side. He has been monitored for bone age, and his left hand has consistently shown a delay of about a year. Last year, he experienced a sudden growth spurt, and during a follow-up in August, his bone ...

Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. Bone age is a reference point and should not be a cause for excessive concern. 2. There are three main factors that are most closely related to height increase based on medical evidence: a. Genetic factors: This is something that cannot be changed. b. Sleep duratio...

Persistent Swelling and Pain in 8-Year-Old's Foot: Causes and Solutions

An 8-year-old child presents with swelling and pain in the dorsum of the foot? Hello, I have an 8-year-old child whose foot has been swollen for about three weeks, specifically on the top of the foot near the fourth toe. It hurts when pressed, and X-rays show no bone issues. We h...

Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: Please elevate your left foot and apply local ice or heat (it has been three weeks; if there is no redness or warmth, heat application is recommended). If there is no improvement, you should return for a follow-up appointment. Thank you! Changhua Hospital Orthopedics Dr. L...

Can Warm Baths Enhance Bone Healing After Fracture Surgery?

Fracture healing I was involved in a car accident on September 27 of last year, resulting in fractures of the tibia and fibula in my lower leg. I underwent internal fixation surgery, and it has now been 7 months. During my follow-up appointment today, the doctor mentioned that al...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Saunas and hot baths do not accelerate bone growth. A tibial fracture that has not healed typically refers to a duration exceeding 12 months. In such cases, one can wait and see if bone growth is promoted without surgery. There is a type of extracorporeal shockwave therapy that c...

Understanding Seed Bone Fractures: Recovery Time and Diagnosis Explained

Questions about seed bone fractures? Hello, doctor. At the end of last month, after exercising, I experienced foot pain. After seeing a doctor and getting an X-ray, the doctor said it was a fracture of the sesamoid bone. Since there are not many similar cases online, I have two q...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A bone crack and a fracture are both referred to as fractures in orthopedics, which is a disruption of the continuity of the bone. What you refer to as a bone crack may indicate a fracture without significant displacement, while a fracture typically involves some degree of displa...

Understanding Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Shoulder and neck pain (2) I previously inquired about my shoulder and neck pain, but the doctor's response seemed somewhat off-target. Could you please clarify the issues I raised? Additionally, when the doctor mentioned, "If you can't afford the tests, it might b...

Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
I have been experiencing shoulder and neck pain for at least 10 years. Once, I visited a pain management specialist who performed an ultrasound on my right shoulder and found a small bone that was different from the left side. The doctor prescribed a topical ointment, saying that...

Understanding Ankle Ligament Injuries: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Ankle ligament injury Hello, Doctor. On April 15th, I twisted my ankle while playing basketball. After seeing a doctor and getting an X-ray, I was told that there were no bone issues, but it is still very swollen. The next day, April 16th, I went to another hospital where the doc...

Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. Ligament sprains typically involve partial tears, and with appropriate protection, the body can heal itself without the need for surgery. However, subsequent rehabilitation is still necessary. 2. Within the first week of a sprain, it is important to actively apply ice, elevate...

Can You Ride Roller Coasters After Spine Surgery for Scoliosis?

Post-spinal surgery S-shaped scoliosis. A sixth-grade student underwent thoracic spine surgery and had metal rods inserted. The lower part of the spine was not operated on due to concerns about flexibility and other issues. Can they now go to an amusement park and ride roller coa...

Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello: Under normal circumstances, there should not be significant effects, but it is still important to consider details such as the stability of your bone screws and whether the bone fusion is complete. It is advisable to consult your surgeon for more safety. Thank you.

Post-Surgery Challenges After Car Accident: Orthopedic Insights

Post-operative issues following a car accident? Dear Doctor, I apologize for bothering you with some questions. I previously inquired about post-surgery issues following a car accident and will consult the hospital again, but I still have some doubts and would like to hear differ...

Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello: 1. In my personal opinion, the reason for the incomplete reduction of the greater tuberosity, where the rotator cuff attaches, may lead to functional limitations that cannot be fully restored. However, there are many reasons for the malposition, such as various difficult...

Understanding Post-Fracture Pain in the Left Shoulder and Arm

Issues with healing of closed fractures in the left shoulder? After healing, there are times when there is a sharp pain in the left shoulder and left arm, which feels like a strain or muscle pain, or like a bone pain. Will this gradually improve? What kind of pain is this? Thank ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, fractures heal within about three to six months, and the pain gradually decreases. If the condition does not improve, it is necessary to see a physician.

Persistent Coccyx Pain One Year After Injury: Treatment Options

Coccyx issues - Pain persists one year after injury? Hello, I injured my coccyx over a year ago. At that time, I visited an orthopedic specialist and had an X-ray, which confirmed that there was no bone damage. However, over the past year, if I sit for a long time on a hard chair...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Let's take another X-ray to check if the coccyx is protruding, which could be compressing the nearby soft tissues, potentially causing inflammation and pain. You may seek treatment from an orthopedic specialist, which could include medication or local injections.

Persistent Hand Numbness After Surgery: Causes and Solutions

Numbness in the hand after surgery for a fracture of the metacarpal bones? Hello Dr. Shen! My family member suffered a fracture in the left hand and wrist last October. The doctor recommended surgery for a quicker recovery, so we decided to proceed with the operation and used sel...

Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, it seems you may have a metacarpal fracture. Metacarpal fractures are typically treated with surgery on the dorsal side, where a steel plate is implanted. Generally, this procedure does not significantly damage the digital nerves, although it may affect the superficial ner...

Revisiting Knee Replacement: Addressing Pain from Short Pins After Surgery

One year after total knee arthroplasty, the screws are too short and require another surgery? Hello, doctor. I underwent knee arthroplasty in May 2020, and I have been experiencing pain for about a year post-surgery, which has recently worsened. I consulted the original surgeon, ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
What you are describing as misalignment may be due to the tilting of the tibial stem, which is referred to as prosthetic loosening. The term "replacing the steel pin to adjust the length" pertains to surgery and is not related to length but rather to the fixation of the...

Knee Pain When Kneeling: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help

Knee problems Hello, doctor. I started noticing some issues with my knees around middle school. I don't experience any problems while running or jumping, but whenever I kneel, my knees hurt a lot. Even if I kneel gently or on a mat, I can't hold the position for more th...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There are many potential causes for anterior knee pain that can be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist, including issues related to the tendons as well as problems with the patella.

Understanding Radial Nerve Palsy After Proximal Humerus Fracture Surgery

Fracture of the left proximal humerus and humeral shaft, left radial nerve palsy? Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on April 10, and the diagnosis indicated that I underwent minimally invasive surgery with self-paid bone graft and titanium alloy intramedullary nail. When I w...

Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello Doctor, I was in a car accident on April 10th, and the diagnosis indicated that I underwent minimally invasive surgery with self-paid bone graft and titanium alloy humeral intramedullary nail. Upon discharge on April 15th, the doctor mentioned that my radial nerve palsy was...

Understanding Sudden Coccyx Protrusion: Causes and Considerations

Coccygeal protrusion issue? Hello doctor, my wife recently noticed that her coccyx is more prominent than before. It feels very noticeable to the touch, and it feels hard like bone. When she bends over, it is also visibly apparent. However, she says it doesn't hurt, and ther...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Usually, there shouldn't be any issues. If there are concerns, you can visit an orthopedic specialist to get an X-ray to check for any abnormalities.

Can You Work in Freezing Conditions After Spine Surgery?

Is it safe to work in sub-zero environments within six months after surgery? Hello Doctor: I have a herniated disc issue at the L4-L5 level. I was hesitant to undergo surgery for a long time due to my fear of surgical failure leading to lower body paralysis, which caused me to de...

Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
Hello, dear online friend. I'm not sure if you underwent microsurgery or endoscopic surgery, but both typically involve smaller incisions and quicker recovery. Post-operative weight-bearing is more relevant than temperature, but it's still important to maintain warmth. ...

Understanding Osteoporosis: Lifestyle Factors Affecting Bone Health

Osteoporosis-related issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about osteoporosis. For the past two years, my health check reports have shown that I have mild bone loss (this year it has reached -1.6). However, I have many questions. I work as a lifeguard at an outdoor swimming po...

Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
Hello, Yang. A 31-year-old active male is unlikely to have osteoporosis. I'm not sure which measurement method you used, but the currently recognized most accurate method is Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Using ultrasound to measure heel bone density is generally l...

Understanding the Implications of a Cuboid Bone Fracture in the Ankle

Lunate bone fracture Hello doctor, I have a fracture of the cuboid bone. I'm not sure if the cuboid bone is located in the ankle. If I don't have surgery, will it affect my future walking? Or will it leave a lasting problem? Thank you!

Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
If there is significant displacement in a fracture of the cuboid bone in the foot, surgical reduction is recommended. If the displacement is minimal, conservative treatment (non-surgical protection with a brace) is advised. Bone healing typically takes three months. If there is c...

Should You Remove Plates and Screws After Orthopedic Surgery?

Should the plates and screws be removed? In late February, I was involved in a car accident and had an interlocking plate fixed to my acetabulum. A few days later, I underwent surgery for my tibia, which was stabilized with screws. The doctor mentioned that if I don't feel a...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1. What are the pros and cons of removing the plate versus not removing it? The metal plate is considered a foreign body in the human body. At this stage, not removing it is unlikely to cause significant issues. However, as one ages and the body's immune system weak...

Relieving Ankle Pain from Prolonged Standing: Tips and Tools

Ankle pain from prolonged standing? Hello Director Chen, my job requires me to stand for 8 hours, and I also have to run around or squat. Usually, after standing for 2-3 hours, my ankles start to hurt, specifically on the outer sides of both ankles. I’m not sure if it’s due to my...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, standing for long periods and prolonged use can cause discomfort in the lower extremities. The pain caused by flat feet primarily occurs at the location of the navicular bone on the medial side of the ankle, which should be different from what you described. If the pain is...

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