Fracture healing, Orthopedics FAQ

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Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Healing Challenges

Fifth metatarsal bone healing issues? Hello Doctor, I fell on March 1 and sustained a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal. I have been undergoing conservative treatment, and the fracture site remained in a state of opening and closing until early May. Therefore, I went t...


Dr. Wang Jiacheng Reply:
1. Correct. 2. If symptoms persist for more than six months, it is considered. 3. Continue monitoring and consult a physician for further evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Healing Challenges


Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Healing Challenges

Fifth metatarsal bone healing issues? Hello Doctor, thank you for your previous response (I have made the cloud link publicly accessible). I would like to ask a few more questions based on the X-rays from May and July: 1. Has the fracture site reopened or is it not healing prop...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, the fifth metatarsal fracture is also known as a Jones fracture. This is unrelated to your condition. Please follow the rehabilitation instructions as advised. You may also consult the rehabilitation department for further assistance. Trust your attending physician, and if...

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Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Healing: Concerns and Recovery Tips

Healing of the fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello Doctor, thank you for your previous response. I would like to ask a follow-up question based on the X-rays from June and July: 1. Is the fracture site not healing? 2. Should I wear the protective shoe again or limit my walking? I ...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, the link you provided is not accessible for viewing photos. If you have concerns, it is advisable to return for a consultation with your attending physician or to seek advice from a rehabilitation specialist. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Healing: Concerns and Recovery Tips


Understanding Ankle Fractures: Recovery and Treatment Options

Fracture of the left medial malleolus? Hello, I suffered a fracture of the left ankle on April 12th, and it has been almost 11 weeks. The fracture site has some displacement, and I have attached the X-ray image from June 25th: https://lurl.cc/v0vsm. I would like to ask: 1. Is c...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, 1. It seems that there is initial healing, and conservative treatment may be appropriate. 2. There may be some discomfort during the first three to six months, primarily depending on the status of the fracture healing. 3. It should be fine; the fracture will stabilize ...

[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Recovery and Treatment Options


Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights

Metatarsal fracture Hello Doctor, I had a car accident at the beginning of April and sustained a fracture of the third and fourth metatarsal bones. I was put in a cast at the time, and the images are as follows: https://lurl.cc/2bbRd, dated 4/4, 4/22 (cast removal), and 5/20. Aft...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, metatarsal fractures rarely result in nonunion. Fracture healing typically takes at least three months. If there is initial healing, most weight-bearing activities should not pose significant issues. Displacement in metatarsal fractures has an acceptabl...

[Read More] Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights


Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Base Fractures: Treatment Options and Recovery

Base of the fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello Doctor, I sustained an injury from a fall on March 1st, and on March 2nd, an orthopedic evaluation diagnosed me with a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal. During my follow-up on March 16th, it was noted that the fracture gap ...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Generally, fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal typically do not require surgery. They usually heal well with approximately 8 to 10 weeks of cast immobilization, followed by about 4 to 6 weeks of rehabilitation after the cast is removed. However, a small number of patien...

[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Base Fractures: Treatment Options and Recovery


Understanding Recovery from Tibial Comminuted Fractures After an Accident

Tibial comminuted fracture Hello, doctor. I had a car accident on February 3rd and suffered a comminuted fracture in my lower leg. Could you please tell me when I will be able to fully bear weight on my leg? It still feels numb and tingly. Thank you very much.


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, the degree of fracture healing must be assessed to determine when it is safe to bear weight. Therefore, follow-up X-rays are required, which may take at least three to six months.

[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Tibial Comminuted Fractures After an Accident


Should You Remove Intramedullary Nails After Fracture Healing?

Is it necessary to remove intramedullary nails? Hello, I suffered a closed femoral fracture on the left side due to a car accident a year ago (November 2022). At that time, I was treated with intramedullary nailing. My recovery has been relatively good, and I can walk freely, alt...


Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Each individual's condition and recovery process varies, so it is recommended to consult with an orthopedic specialist for personalized advice. Thank you.

[Read More] Should You Remove Intramedullary Nails After Fracture Healing?


Understanding Sharp Pain After Toe Fracture Healing: Causes and Solutions

Shooting pain after fracture healing? Hello, my little toe suffered a fracture due to an impact last January. Even after a long time, I still feel a sharp pain when walking, and it feels numb when touched. I had an X-ray, and the doctor said there was nothing wrong. I would like ...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
A toe fracture typically heals in 3 to 4 months. If you continue to experience pain or other discomfort, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment with your attending physician. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Sharp Pain After Toe Fracture Healing: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Femoral Fracture Healing: Recovery Tips and Concerns

Comminuted femoral fracture Hello Doctor: I was involved in a car accident on January 25 of this year, resulting in a comminuted fracture of my right femur. The following day, I underwent surgery (open reduction and internal fixation with nails and plates). It has now been four m...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Weight-bearing walking should only be done after healing. Walking with crutches too early may lead to a re-fracture. 2. Normal. 3. A nutritious diet is essential, and it is important to supplement with calcium, protein, vitamins, and other nutrients.

[Read More] Understanding Femoral Fracture Healing: Recovery Tips and Concerns


Understanding Tibia and Fibula Fractures: Do You Need Bone Graft?

Tibiofibular fracture from a car accident? I have a tibia and fibula fracture from a car accident. The fracture is quite fragmented with a one-centimeter gap, and I have an internal fixation plate installed. Do I need to use bone graft? The doctor said that the X-ray shows that t...


Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: A comminuted fracture of the lower extremity generally requires three to six months before one can walk without assistive devices, but this varies from person to person. Typically, regular follow-up appointments with X-rays are necessary, during which the physician will ad...

[Read More] Understanding Tibia and Fibula Fractures: Do You Need Bone Graft?


Does Bone Cement Have an Expiration Date? Understanding Its Use in Young Patients

Does bone cement have an expiration date? Hello Doctor: I am 35 years old. I accidentally fell from a height of 12.7 meters, resulting in severe compression of my 7th and 12th vertebrae, causing excruciating pain. At that time, my orthopedic surgeon initially planned to perform m...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, Miss Lin. 1. Bone cement does not have an expiration date; there is no issue and it does not need to be redone if there are no problems. 2. It is recommended to check bone density every 2-3 years starting around menopause. 3. Once bone cement is injected, it is almost ...

[Read More] Does Bone Cement Have an Expiration Date? Understanding Its Use in Young Patients


Slow Recovery from Fibula Fracture: Causes and Solutions

Fibula fractures heal slowly? Hello, doctor. I had a fibula fracture from a car accident nearly three months ago. It is a proximal closed fibula fracture located about 10 centimeters below the knee. I did not undergo surgery. For the first month, I used a long leg cast, and in th...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1) Will walking all day affect fracture healing? Are elastic bandages and compression stockings suitable for use? 2) For a typical fibula fracture that does not require surgery, how long does it usually take to see callus formation on X-rays? From the X-ray, does it see...

[Read More] Slow Recovery from Fibula Fracture: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Clavicle Fracture Healing: Bone Callus Formation and Care Tips

The clavicle fracture has not yet formed a callus? I have a fracture of my right clavicle, and the doctor said conservative treatment is sufficient. I am currently using a sling. During my follow-up appointment in the third week, an X-ray was taken, and the doctor mentioned that ...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, if the clavicle fracture is in the midshaft, surgery may not be necessary. However, it is important to use a figure-eight shoulder strap along with a shoulder sling for about 6-8 weeks. Supplementing with calcium is beneficial, but please be aware that it may cause constip...

[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fracture Healing: Bone Callus Formation and Care Tips


Post-Accident Knee Swelling: When to Consider Surgery and Recovery Tips

Swelling around the knee persists after a car accident, and remains swollen even after surgical debridement? Hello Dr. Chen, I was involved in a car accident at the end of January 2022, which resulted in a fracture of my kneecap and contusions in the surrounding tissues. Since it...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, there are two possible conditions (not excluding other possibilities): 1. Lower extremity venous thrombosis 2. Local congestion and poor circulation after fracture healing. For both conditions, it is recommended to increase activity and p...

[Read More] Post-Accident Knee Swelling: When to Consider Surgery and Recovery Tips


Recovery Timeline After Fibula Fracture and Hardware Removal

Displaced fibular fracture? Hello Doctor: In May 2021, I had an accident that resulted in a fibula fracture. Due to some unexpected displacement, I underwent surgery and had a plate and three screws inserted. I am planning to have the hardware removed in July 2022. I would like t...


Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, if you do not experience severe pain after the removal of the steel plate following a fracture healing, you should be able to walk normally. However, for intense physical activities, it usually takes several weeks. This should be discussed with your physician. Wishing you ...

[Read More] Recovery Timeline After Fibula Fracture and Hardware Removal


Understanding Ankle Fractures: Recovery, Pain, and Treatment Insights

Tear fracture of the ankle Last month, my boyfriend was in a car accident. Three days later, he woke up with pain in his left ankle and went to the hospital for an X-ray. The doctor informed him that there was a fracture. Initially, walking was uncomfortable and he had a noticeab...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, fracture healing generally takes 2-3 months. Therefore, the brace should also be worn for 2-3 months. For the first 1-2 weeks after the fracture, it is important to apply ice and elevate the leg. After that, you can switch to heat therapy.

[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Recovery, Pain, and Treatment Insights


Managing Cosmetic Concerns After Clavicle Fracture Healing

Clavicular nonunion with a prominent callus? Hello, Dr. You. About two years ago, I had a closed fracture of the distal end of my right clavicle due to a car accident. The doctor recommended conservative treatment, using a figure-eight shoulder strap and a triangular bandage for ...


Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello: Once a bone has healed, it is generally advised not to move it again. Regarding your symptoms, I personally recommend a more thorough evaluation to clarify whether they are related to the healing of the clavicle fracture but with shortening. Any advice I provide from behin...

[Read More] Managing Cosmetic Concerns After Clavicle Fracture Healing


Understanding Recovery from Right Shoulder Fracture Surgery: Key Questions Answered

Right shoulder humeral comminuted fracture? Hello, Doctor! I sustained a comminuted fracture of the right humerus due to a sports accident on October 11, and I underwent ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) surgery on October 12. I would like to ask the following questions...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, after undergoing internal fixation surgery for a comminuted humeral fracture on October 12th, I have a few questions: 1. Should I continue to wear the shoulder sling post-surgery? In most cases, it is recommended to wear it for six weeks, unless it is a simple linear frac...

[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Right Shoulder Fracture Surgery: Key Questions Answered


Healing Time and Mobility After Left Tibia Fracture: What to Expect

Comminuted fracture of the left tibia? How long does it take for a comminuted fracture of the tibia in the left lower leg to heal? Can the left lower leg with a comminuted fracture of the tibia bend?


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, fractures need to be stabilized and weight-bearing should be avoided for about six weeks. There are various methods of fixation, including casts, nails, and plates, as well as external fixation, each suitable for different situations. Bone healing requires healthy soft tis...

[Read More] Healing Time and Mobility After Left Tibia Fracture: What to Expect


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