Understanding Bone Density: Insights on Heel Ultrasound Results and Nutrition
Heel bone density check: -1.3 Hello Doctor: Recently, during a health check-up, my heel bone density was measured at -1.3. I came across various responses stating that bones are at their strongest around the age of 35, which startled me a bit. I would like to ask: 1. I usually dr...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
It is unclear whether your -1.3 refers to a Z-score or a T-score. Regarding calcium, if dietary supplementation is challenging, you can directly take calcium supplements. In terms of exercise, focus primarily on weight-bearing activities. Ultrasound diagnostics are mainly used fo...[Read More] Understanding Bone Density: Insights on Heel Ultrasound Results and Nutrition
Clavicle Surgery: What to Do If Your Plate Becomes Dislodged?
Clavicle fracture surgery plate dislodgement? Doctor: Hello! I had a car accident on June 3rd that resulted in a displaced fracture of my right clavicle. I underwent surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital's Douliou branch on June 5th and was discharged on June 7th. T...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After a fracture surgery, if there is a displacement, it will necessitate another surgery to re-fix the bone; otherwise, the fracture will not heal properly. You can return to the outpatient clinic to have the physician explain this clearly.[Read More] Clavicle Surgery: What to Do If Your Plate Becomes Dislodged?
Understanding Femoral Nonunion: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Options
Femoral healing Hello, doctor. In October 2015, I was in a car accident and suffered a fracture of the left femur. My attending physician used an intramedullary nail for fixation. In January 2017, without any external force, just turning normally, the intramedullary nail inside m...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, the healing time for fractures varies from person to person. Generally, if a fracture has not healed, full weight-bearing should be avoided. If it has not healed after six months, procedures such as iliac bone grafting or additional fixation reinforcement should be conside...[Read More] Understanding Femoral Nonunion: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Options
Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Fifth metatarsal fracture Hello Doctor: On April 26, I suffered a right foot inversion injury that resulted in a diaphyseal fracture of the fifth metatarsal (transverse complete fracture) with slight displacement. The orthopedic surgeon advised against surgery, and I was placed i...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello Ray: 1. It is common to experience stiffness and swelling after having a cast, but 10 weeks is quite a long time. I recommend that you visit a rehabilitation specialist to enhance your recovery and minimize any long-term effects, as there may be adhesions or contractures ...[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation for Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
Rehabilitation after ankle ligament rupture surgery? Hello Dr. Chen, I underwent ligament reconstruction surgery for chronic ankle instability in early May, where the ligaments were sutured and absorbable screws were used on the bones. Although my walking is still not quite norma...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Ligament repair and reconstruction surgery typically requires a recovery period of at least eight weeks. Generally, after the recovery period, there may be joint stiffness, which necessitates active rehabilitation.[Read More] Post-Surgery Rehabilitation for Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
Post-Surgery Recovery for Olecranon Fracture: What to Expect
Postoperative care for a comminuted fracture of the coronoid process? Hello doctor, I am one week post-surgery. My elbow is currently immobilized with a splint and a triangular bandage. I would like to know when I can stop using the immobilization devices and when I will be able ...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, your attending physician is the most familiar with your fracture condition, please consult your attending physician![Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery for Olecranon Fracture: What to Expect
Managing Coccyx Pain: Recovery Tips for Athletes After Injury
Coccydynia As a player, I fell and hit my coccyx during a match. A few days later, I started feeling discomfort, particularly pain when bending over. Sometimes, I also experience pain when coughing or sneezing. I went to the hospital for an X-ray, and the doctor said there were n...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, Zhengyi. The coccyx has many ligaments attached to it, and when it is injured, the ligaments can become inflamed, leading to discomfort when sneezing, using the restroom, or bending down and standing up. Generally, it takes about a month to recover around 70-80%. Taking an...[Read More] Managing Coccyx Pain: Recovery Tips for Athletes After Injury
Understanding Wrist Pain and Elbow Issues: A Guide for Recovery
Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question? I would like to ask a question. Around the end of last year, I experienced severe pain in my left wrist due to improper exertion at work, to the point where I couldn't use it. Later, I noticed a bone pro...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there is a prominence of the ulnar head on the lateral side of the wrist, it may be caused by a dislocation or instability of the distal radioulnar joint. You should visit a hospital for evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Understanding Wrist Pain and Elbow Issues: A Guide for Recovery
Walking After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery: What You Need to Know
Walking after foot metatarsal fracture surgery? I suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my right foot due to a car accident and underwent surgery to have screws placed. It has been six weeks since the surgery, and I have already had the splint removed. I am currently usi...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello Kevin, Actually, to provide you with a more accurate answer, I would need to see your recent X-rays. However, on average, you can start bearing weight on your fifth metatarsal fracture about six weeks post-surgery. It is important to wear hard-soled shoes; boots, thick-so...[Read More] Walking After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery: What You Need to Know
Walking After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery: What You Need to Know
Walking after surgery for a metatarsal fracture? I suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my right foot due to a car accident and underwent surgery to insert screws. It has been six weeks since the operation, and I have already had the splint removed. I am currently using...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello Kevin, Actually, I would need to see your recent X-ray to provide you with a more accurate answer. However, on average, you can start bearing weight on your fifth metatarsal fracture about six weeks after surgery. It is important to wear hard-soled shoes; boots, thick-sol...[Read More] Walking After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery: What You Need to Know
Post-Surgery Concerns for Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Recovery
Postoperative issues following fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your careful response to my previous question. Based on the chart you provided, the location of my injury seems to correspond to a tuberosity avulsion fracture, which resembles the apophyseal f...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. Heat therapy, soaking in warm water is better (slightly warmer than bath water, but avoid burns). 2. Pump exercises involve moving the ankle; the soles of the feet are less significant. 3. If swelling occurs frequently, wearing an ankle brace may help. 4. If there is no pai...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Recovery
Understanding Abnormal X-Ray Findings in Newborns: Next Steps for Parents
Abnormalities in neonatal bone X-rays? The child was born in April of this year. During prenatal check-ups, the leg bones were found to be approximately 2-3 weeks behind in development, but in the last check-up, the leg bones measured over 6.5 cm. Upon discharge, the pediatrician...
Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: Abnormal bone development may be due to genetic abnormalities or mutations, and a diagnosis cannot be made solely based on X-ray images. Please consult a genetic specialist, as there may be other abnormalities beyond the musculoskeletal system, although the bone developmen...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal X-Ray Findings in Newborns: Next Steps for Parents
Understanding Neck Injuries from Trampoline Sports: Pain Relief Tips
Neck injury from trampoline exercise? Last Saturday, I went to play on a trampoline and landed on my head, injuring my neck and hearing three pops. Initially, I experienced headaches and back pain, but later it gradually became more painful to lift my head. Now, I feel chest pain...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. How long will it take to heal? --> If it's just a muscle strain, it typically takes about 2-3 weeks. If there is a bone injury, it may take 2-3 months. 2. Why does my chest hurt? --> The chest and back muscle groups can affect each other; pain in the front of the ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Injuries from Trampoline Sports: Pain Relief Tips
Managing Spinal Compression Fractures in Elderly Lung Cancer Patients
Lung adenocarcinoma metastasizing to the spine? An 85-year-old male with lung adenocarcinoma has metastasized to the spine, resulting in a compression fracture of the 12th vertebra. He is currently experiencing right hip joint pain and is unable to sit for long periods due to sev...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, regarding the treatment options for cancer-related bone metastasis, please consider the following: 1. Chemotherapy or targeted therapy that should be continued as per your attending physician's instructions. 2. If there is only a compressive fracture without nerve ...[Read More] Managing Spinal Compression Fractures in Elderly Lung Cancer Patients
Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Symptoms, Recovery, and Rehabilitation
Fractures of the second, third, and fourth metatarsals? Hello Doctor: On June 7, I went canyoning with friends and unfortunately sustained linear fractures in the second, third, and fourth metatarsals of my left foot! The pain was unbearable that day, but the doctor said surgery ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is indeed caused by a fracture. 2. There will be no impact. 3. When the toes move, it can affect the tendons, which in turn can influence the area of the fracture. 4. It will heal in approximately two months.[Read More] Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Symptoms, Recovery, and Rehabilitation
Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Could Screws Be the Culprit?
Is it possible that the soreness after spinal surgery is caused by the screws? Hello, my mother underwent minimally invasive spinal surgery last year, during which a brace and six screws were implanted. However, nearly six months post-surgery, she still experiences persistent low...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, there are several possible causes for discomfort after spinal surgery: 1. Postoperative muscle weakness, which generally requires rehabilitation, nutritional supplementation, and personal exercise. 2. The area that was not operated on may still have issues, such as pre-exi...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Could Screws Be the Culprit?
Understanding Bone Cement Leakage: Symptoms, Causes, and Management
Bone cement leakage On January 30, 2020, I suffered a compression fracture of the T12 vertebra due to a backward fall. I underwent a self-funded balloon kyphoplasty on May 13 and was discharged on May 14. Since then, I have experienced pain and numbness in my lower back and left ...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello, an X-ray and physical examination are needed for diagnosis. A preoperative MRI can also help identify any other issues. Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure with a small incision and quick recovery, but it does carry risks, such as the possibility of leaka...[Read More] Understanding Bone Cement Leakage: Symptoms, Causes, and Management
Understanding Ulnar-Radial Ligament Laxity: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Radioulnar ligament laxity Main symptoms: Inability to lift heavy objects with the left wrist, uncontrollable dropping at certain angles, and complete inability to perform weight-bearing actions, accompanied by significant pain. Daily activities are manageable without major issue...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello Tianyun, if there is instability in the distal radioulnar joint and rehabilitation has limited benefits, please visit an orthopedic clinic if you still experience discomfort. Wishing you well![Read More] Understanding Ulnar-Radial Ligament Laxity: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Slow Recovery After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery: Tips and Rehab
Is recovery slow after surgery for a fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello Doctor, I had a car accident in mid-April and suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal. Initially, I opted for a cast instead of surgery, but during a follow-up visit, it was found that the bones were becomi...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, based on your description and explanation, I have also included an image at the end for your reference regarding the common fracture zones of the fifth metatarsal: 1. Diaphyseal fracture (midshaft), also known as a dancer's fracture, which usually heals well. 2. Jones...[Read More] Slow Recovery After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery: Tips and Rehab
Can I Still Grow Taller? Understanding Growth Potential at Age 13
Is there still a chance for me to grow taller? 1) I am 13 years old, 163 cm tall, and weigh 50 kg. I started developing at the age of 11, and over the past two years, I have only grown an average of 3-4 cm per year. Do I still have a chance to grow taller? My goal is to reach 175...
Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello Joe: The closure of the growth plates in bones needs to be determined by X-ray. Once they are closed, that part of the bone will no longer grow unless surgery is performed. However, you may still have a chance to grow taller, but it will not be a rapid increase in height. O...[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller? Understanding Growth Potential at Age 13