Can You Walk Without Crutches After Tibial Fracture Surgery?
Comminuted complete fracture of the tibia? After a month following a comminuted complete fracture of the tibia, treated with surgical intervention and plate fixation along with the addition of bone graft, is it possible to walk slowly without crutches?
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
You need to use crutches after the surgery to protect yourself properly and have regular follow-up X-rays. When it's time to start using crutches, your attending physician should remind you. Do not be overly brave; breaking the metal plate and needing another surgery is defi...[Read More] Can You Walk Without Crutches After Tibial Fracture Surgery?
Post-Tibial Screw Removal: Essential Care Tips and Precautions
Post-removal care for tibial screws should be noted? Hello, I would like to ask what precautions should be taken after removing the tibial screws. If I accidentally bump into the bone, will it break? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, whether or not to remove the intramedullary nail and the associated risks can only be accurately assessed with a physical examination and X-rays. However, I can share some general information: 1. Intramedullary nails in the tibia can typically be removed after the fracture...[Read More] Post-Tibial Screw Removal: Essential Care Tips and Precautions
Understanding Recovery from Metatarsal Fractures: Expert Advice
Questions regarding fractures of the second, third, and fourth metatarsals? Hello Dr. Chen, I have had fractures in my second, third, and fourth metatarsals for nine weeks now. My cast has been removed, and I have been undergoing rehabilitation for three weeks. I have some questi...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello Ms. Shih, due to the absence of your X-ray and personal physical examination, I will respond to your medical inquiries as follows: 1) During your eight-week follow-up, the doctor mentioned that you no longer need to use crutches and do not need to return for further appoi...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Metatarsal Fractures: Expert Advice
Understanding Patellar Fractures: Healing Time and Recovery Tips
Patellar fracture Last month, I slipped and fell on my knee, resulting in a minor bone fracture. After seeing a doctor, I was not given a cast but was advised to keep my leg straight and limit movement. A month later, during a follow-up appointment, the doctor said the bone is gr...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, I have had a patella fracture for a month. I would like to ask if it is normal to still experience some pain when bending and lifting my leg? Yes, the healing of the fracture requires more time. Will climbing stairs or squatting affect the healing? Yes, the attending physi...[Read More] Understanding Patellar Fractures: Healing Time and Recovery Tips
Understanding Short Leg Casts for Fibula Fractures: Key Insights
Fibula fracture cast? Dear Doctor, Why did the nurse apply a short leg cast for my proximal fibula closed fracture instead of a long leg cast? Initially, I had a longer cast applied in the emergency department, but later the doctor instructed the nurse to change it to a short l...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, treatment should be determined based on clinical examination and X-rays. However, generally, a cast for the proximal fibula is not applied for more than one month, and in some cases, a cast may not even be necessary. Of course, your situation may be unique.[Read More] Understanding Short Leg Casts for Fibula Fractures: Key Insights
Understanding Baker's Cyst: Recurrence, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Baker's cyst I previously underwent surgery for a Baker's cyst located in front of my knee, which had hardened into a lump. After the removal, it recurred about two months later. The doctor at National Taiwan University advised me to just monitor it, and after approxima...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. The swelling in front of the knee is likely not a Baker's cyst, but rather bursitis. 2. If the cyst is asymptomatic, surgery is not necessary; aspiration and local corticosteroid injection may be attempted. 3. The recurrence rate after surgery is high, ranging from 30...[Read More] Understanding Baker's Cyst: Recurrence, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Assessing Knee Pain: MRI, Bone Screw Materials, and Alternative Diagnosis
Low-field MRI + interface bone screws in the knee + X-ray to determine the material of the screws? Hello Dr. Chen, I underwent a right knee anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery 26 years ago due to a sports injury, using my own patellar tendon for the reconstruction ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. Modern MRI technology can utilize MARS (Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence) to reduce artifacts; however, it depends on whether the hospital where the procedure is performed has this technology. Contrast agents cannot reduce artifacts but can assist the physician in obtaining c...[Read More] Assessing Knee Pain: MRI, Bone Screw Materials, and Alternative Diagnosis
Managing Osteoporosis: Treatment Options and Dental Considerations
Post-osteoporosis management? Hello Dr. Chen, Since the beginning of this year, I have noticeably lost height and my weight has decreased by 6.7 kg. I underwent a bone density test (hip) and my T-score was -3.3. The rehabilitation physician advised me to supplement with calcium...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: Based on your condition, it is recommended that you adopt the following multi-faceted treatment approach: dietary supplementation of calcium and vitamin D, along with sun exposure (20 minutes of sunlight daily between 10 AM and 3 PM), exercise (walking, hiking, or ...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis: Treatment Options and Dental Considerations
Understanding Knee and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Knee and lower back discomfort? Hello, doctor! Earlier this year, I sustained a bruise and swelling on the inner side of my right knee due to an accidental impact with the ground. After seeing a rehabilitation specialist, the bruising has subsided, and I have undergone rehabilita...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. Knee pain can generally be categorized into three sources: inflammatory, structural, and functional. Rehabilitation treatment primarily targets functional injuries, which can lead to inflammatory pain. It is recommended that you take medication for two weeks, which should resu...[Read More] Understanding Knee and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Managing Bone Thickening and Skin Issues After Tibia Fracture
Wound after a fracture? I have a question about my right tibia. It was fractured in a car accident over a decade ago, and now that area of the bone has become very thick. Is there any way to restore the bone to its original thickness? Additionally, the surgical scar has become ve...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello, A-Ting. Based on your description, it is necessary to conduct relevant examinations such as physical therapy and imaging studies to rule out issues related to osteomyelitis or bone protrusions causing the wound problem. Please visit the orthopedic outpatient clinic![Read More] Managing Bone Thickening and Skin Issues After Tibia Fracture
Can You Still Grow Taller After 20? Natural Methods to Consider
Is it still possible to grow taller? Hello, doctor. I will be turning 20 this year. My parents' heights are 173 cm and 157 cm. I started my menstrual period in the sixth grade, and currently, my height is only 148 cm (my mother says I should have at least surpassed 155 cm, b...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
In adults, the growth plates of the bones have closed, which theoretically means that it is not possible to grow taller unless limb lengthening surgery is performed to extend the lower limbs by four to five centimeters. Exercise, nutritional supplementation, or the use of medicat...[Read More] Can You Still Grow Taller After 20? Natural Methods to Consider
Understanding Tibial Impact Injuries: Symptoms and Recovery Insights
Impact to the tibia? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently sustained an impact to my tibia. The area of impact is painful when pressed, and while I have no issues walking short distances, the area swells slightly and causes mild pain after walking for an extended period (there is also a ver...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello Mr. You, when the muscle is still inflamed, walking for a longer period can cause swelling. Applying ice frequently will help. If there were a fracture in the bone, the pain would be so severe that you wouldn't be able to walk, so your condition doesn't seem to in...[Read More] Understanding Tibial Impact Injuries: Symptoms and Recovery Insights
Post-ACL Surgery: Understanding Button Detachment and Recovery Challenges
Post-operative button detachment of the posterior cruciate ligament? Hello, doctor. I had surgery at the end of June, and I started rehabilitation 18 days post-op. I was able to walk slowly without crutches after 23 days. Today, on August 14, during my follow-up appointment, an X...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen, please follow your attending physician's instructions to wear the protective gear. For any other related questions, please consult your attending surgeon.[Read More] Post-ACL Surgery: Understanding Button Detachment and Recovery Challenges
Understanding Ankle Fracture Recovery: Bruising, Pain, and Rehabilitation
Post-fracture bruising on the lateral ankle and associated rehabilitation issues? Hello, about a week after my ankle fracture on the outer side, I was allowed by my doctor to switch to a pneumatic brace. The person selling the brace told me that I could start to lightly bear weig...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, Miss Hsu. The information provided below is based on averages, and your condition requires X-rays and clinical examination for a definitive diagnosis. 1. For a non-displaced lateral ankle fracture without surgery, using an air cast and crutches is recommended. Generally,...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fracture Recovery: Bruising, Pain, and Rehabilitation
Understanding Distal Radius Fractures: Seeking the Right Treatment Options
Distal radius fracture At the end of June, I accidentally fell and fractured my left radius. I first went to a Far Eastern clinic for treatment, where I had an X-ray taken. The doctor said that surgery was not necessary and that I only needed to use a splint for stabilization. Wh...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello, sir. A distal radius fracture may experience further displacement during the healing process, so regular follow-up is necessary. Whether surgery is needed and which type of plate and screws to use for fixation should be determined based on X-ray results. Please consult wit...[Read More] Understanding Distal Radius Fractures: Seeking the Right Treatment Options
Understanding ACL Injuries: Types, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Kneecap contusion and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury? Hello, Doctor. Yesterday, after my MRI, the orthopedic surgeon told me that I have a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). However, when I researched online, I found that there are different grades of tears, but the ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
1. If the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is not reconstructed, what problems might I face later? ANS: If there is already a phenomenon of knee instability, you may find it difficult to engage in activities that require sudden changes in direction, such as sports or abrupt turns...[Read More] Understanding ACL Injuries: Types, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Challenges for Giant Cell Tumor Patients
Postoperative rehabilitation issues for "giant cell tumor." Hello, doctor. I discovered a benign "giant cell tumor" on the outer side of my right knee in mid-June. I underwent surgery at the end of June, where an artificial bone and a steel plate were implante...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello, may I inquire about the surgeon or the rehabilitation specialist?[Read More] Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Challenges for Giant Cell Tumor Patients
Post-Surgery Recovery Tips for Tibial Plateau Fracture Patients
Postoperative care after tibial plateau surgery? Hello Doctor, I was involved in a car accident on July 3rd this year. At the time of the accident, my leg was in a vertical position. I was taken to the emergency room where X-rays diagnosed me with a torn anterior cruciate ligamen...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. If there is swelling and heat, you can apply ice. If the swelling is not severe but the joint is very stiff and cannot bend, then you can apply heat before attempting to bend the joint. 2. Bone healing occurs after approximately three months. 3. You can regain a certain le...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Tips for Tibial Plateau Fracture Patients
Healing Time and Support for Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: A Guide
Healing time and stabilization of the fifth metatarsal bone? Hello Doctor, here is the link to my X-ray: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1nnvALKiT-M34gzkCOSTD93HHX9KTNOnT. I would like to ask you the following questions: (1) On July 11, I injured my foot by hitting it wi...
Dr. Wang Jiacheng Reply:
1. A fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal with minimal displacement will heal in approximately six weeks and does not require further immobilization. 2. Walking can be practiced after six weeks, and running can be resumed after twelve weeks. 3. There is no need for ad...[Read More] Healing Time and Support for Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: A Guide
Understanding Knee and Hip Pain: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Orthopedic Neurology Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my grandmother (79 years old). For the past few weeks, she has been experiencing pain in both legs from the knees to the pelvis. She has not had any falls, and although she has tried acupuncture, it has not helped. She ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello Aping, X-rays cannot determine if there is nerve compression. If the pain persists despite conservative treatment, an MRI should be performed to check for nerve compression. You can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurosurgeon. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding Knee and Hip Pain: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist