Fracture healing, Orthopedics FAQ

Challenges in Femoral Fracture Healing: A Patient's Journey

Poor healing of the femur? Hello, doctor. During last year's Lunar New Year, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in an open fracture of my left femur, located in the middle of the femur near the knee (approximately 3/2 of the way down). The doctor inserted a steel...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, after undergoing autologous bone grafting for poor healing of the femur, and with an additional layer of steel plate fixation, it has now been six months and only half of the bone callus has formed, while the other half shows little progress. My personal recommendation ali...

Understanding Patellar Fractures: Recovery, Treatment, and Risks

Patellar fracture Due to a fall, the left knee directly impacted the floor, resulting in a patellar fracture. After undergoing internal fixation surgery with steel pins and wires, it has been two and a half months, but the left knee remains swollen and there is still weakness in ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Patellar fractures rarely accompany ligament injuries; however, a definitive diagnosis still requires examination and assessment by a physician. Once the bone has healed, engaging in physical activity is unlikely to pose issues. After fracture healing, it is generally advisable t...

Is It Necessary to Use Bone Growth Injection for Clavicle Fracture Recovery?

Clavicle fracture I would like to ask about a 65-year-old elderly person who suffered a clavicle fracture in a car accident in mid-March. After seeking medical attention, the doctor stated that surgery is not currently necessary and that a brace should be worn. The frequency of f...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: If a clavicle fracture does not require surgery, it can be protected with a triangular sling and figure-eight bandage for monitoring. Forteo (teriparatide) is originally used to stimulate bone growth in osteoporosis, but there is no evidence to support that it accelerates ...

Understanding the Difference Between Shin Splints and Stress Fractures

Sports injuries What is the difference between tibial periosteal injury and tibial stress fracture? If a tibial periosteal injury is not properly managed, what could happen?

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Periosteal damage is a term used by laypeople because the periosteum is a layer of tissue that adheres to the surface of the bone, containing nerves and blood vessels, and is crucial for fracture healing. If there is a crack in the bone, the periosteum is usually also ruptured. T...

Understanding Slow Recovery from Fifth Metatarsal Fractures

Is the recovery from a fifth metatarsal fracture slow? Hello Dr. Lee, it has been a month since I last consulted you, and it has now been two months since my fracture. I would like to inquire if my current condition is abnormal. I can walk about 70% without issues, but I still ha...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on the X-ray you provided, your fracture healing rate is normal, and there is no significant displacement of the fracture. You are currently able to walk normally and should not require surgery. Please consider the above recommendations. Thank you.

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Pain, Symptoms, and Recovery

Rehabilitation of the fifth metatarsal? Hello, Dr. Lee. I have a transverse fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in my left foot, and it has been over three months now. About a week ago, I started wearing shoes and commuting by bus as usual. While walking, I feel some pai...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, the hard lump protruding in the metatarsal area, which becomes more noticeable after your foot swells down in the morning, is likely a callus from fracture healing or a malunion due to slight displacement of the fracture. Generally speaking, if the ...

Understanding Recovery from Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Common Concerns

Follow-up for fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello Dr. Lee, thank you for your previous response, which has reassured me a lot. Currently, although the affected area is still somewhat swollen, I can walk using the inner edge of my foot, but I occasionally experience a tingling sensat...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, it is normal for a fracture to still show signs of a crack on an X-ray after one month, and it typically takes at least three months for it to heal completely. Therefore, your current condition appears to be normal. Adequate calcium and vitamin D can ai...

Understanding Metatarsal Healing: Recovery Tips and Concerns

Metatarsal union Hello! My left foot's fifth metatarsal has a transverse fracture due to an ankle sprain. Ten weeks have passed, and during today's follow-up, the X-ray showed that the black line at the outer edge of the metatarsal is still present, but there is some wh...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, it is normal for a fracture to still show signs of a crack on an X-ray one month after the injury, and it typically takes at least three months for it to heal. Therefore, your current condition appears to be normal. Adequate calcium and vitamin D can ai...

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights

Fifth metatarsal fracture Hello, Vice Dean Li: Last Friday, March 9th, I accidentally missed a step while going down the stairs, resulting in a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my right foot. The doctor said that surgery is not necessary and has applied a splint for stabilizat...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, if there is an X-ray reference, I could provide a more accurate response, but it's okay if there isn't one; I will reply based on the majority of patient conditions. 1. Normal walking for work will require at least about one month. 2. After six weeks, you should ...

Understanding Delayed Healing in Femoral Fractures: Key Concerns

Issues with femoral fracture healing after seven months? Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident at the end of July last year, which resulted in a left femoral shaft fracture. It has been over seven months now, but during my follow-up appointment yesterday, an X-ray revealed that ...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, the left femoral shaft fracture has not healed after 7 months, but it is currently not classified as nonunion. A fracture is considered nonunion only if it has not healed after one year; at this stage, it is referred to as delayed union. If there is still some healing occu...

Post-Cast Care for Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Walking and Healing Tips

Removal of cast for fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello, Doctor: I sustained a non-displaced closed fracture of the fifth metatarsal on December 23, 2017. Due to work obligations in Japan, I had to return there for rest and recovery. On January 5, 12, and 19, 2018, I had three layer...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, I also agree with the explanation provided by the Japanese physician. You can walk slowly without pain, and if you experience pain, then you should wear the U-shaped splint. Currently, if you are walking without pain, there is no need to wear protective gear, and it will n...

Post-Operative Care and Concerns After Clavicle Plate Removal Surgery

Surgery for removal of the plate after left clavicle fracture? Hello, Doctor! I had surgery to remove the plate from my left clavicle fracture 8 days ago, and I have some post-operative questions: 1. Why did I not feel any pain after receiving a dose of pain medication following ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. The removal of the steel plate after fracture healing usually results in minimal pain. 2. If there is no pain at the site, then there is no issue. 3. You can go to an orthopedic specialist.

Recovery Timeline After Ankle Screw Removal: What to Expect

Post-operative issues following ankle screw removal? Hello, two years ago I injured my ankle and suffered a fibula fracture. I had surgery to insert a metal plate, and I just had it removed. How long will it take to return to sports? How long until I can fully recover to engage i...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
After the removal of the steel pins following a fracture healing, it is best to protect the area for six weeks before engaging in strengthening exercises, and to avoid any re-injury.

Challenges in Healing: Right Ulnar Fracture and Radial Head Dislocation

Right ulnar fracture with radial head dislocation, postoperative nonunion? Dear Dr. Chen, I sustained an injury while attending a meeting on February 10 of this year, resulting in an open fracture: a fracture of the right ulnar bone accompanied by a dislocation of the radial hea...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
1. The described unusual sensation is likely primarily related to a bone issue. 2. To promote bone development and healing, immobilization is essential in the initial phase, and calcium supplementation is also very important. Additionally, there are reports that ultrasound may ...

Challenging Recovery from Distal Tibia-Fibula Fracture: Healing Strategies

Distal tibiofibular comminuted fracture with poor healing? On July 20, 2016, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a comminuted fracture of the distal tibia and fibula. Traction was performed on the same day, and on July 29, I underwent external fixation surgery (due ...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, you have sustained a distal tibiofibular comminuted fracture with poor healing, and you have undergone an autologous bone grafting procedure. If the fracture continues to heal poorly, you may require another autologous bone grafting surgery in the future. In addition to au...

Understanding Delayed Healing in Humerus Fractures: Causes and Solutions

Humeral fracture It has been six months since my fracture, and I have not undergone surgery. During my last X-ray, it was observed that the center of the bone is still vacant and has not yet formed new bone, although the outer part has healed. The doctor advised me to consume mor...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, you are 22 years old, and it has been six months since your humeral fracture. X-rays show that the outer part has healed. Typically, fracture healing begins from the periphery, and it usually takes about a year for a fracture to fully heal. Therefore, it is normal for the ...

Understanding Delayed Union in Femur Fractures: Symptoms and Solutions

Is a femoral fracture considered nonunion? This image shows the condition at two and a half months. The following two images depict my current fracture status (it has been three and a half months). Since the surgery was performed in Kaohsiung, I have been referred to a doctor in ...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
According to your X-ray, it has been three and a half months since your fracture. The callus is forming, but the union of the bone is progressing more slowly. It is recommended that you increase your intake of calcium, vitamin D, and get some sunlight. You may lightly bear weight...

Understanding Complications After Multiple Clavicle Surgeries: A Patient's Journey

Open fracture of the clavicle, third surgery? Hello Doctor, At the end of March this year, I fractured my right clavicle while skiing in Japan and returned to Taiwan for treatment. After reviewing the X-rays, the doctor recommended surgery but did not explain how the procedure ...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Awen, Based on your condition, it appears that you are experiencing poor fracture healing following your clavicle fracture surgery. Therefore, a revision surgery for internal fixation with a plate and autologous bone grafting is necessary. After the surgery, rehabilitat...

Understanding Thigh Bone Fracture Healing Time and Recovery

The healing rate of a femoral fracture? I would like to ask the doctor, I have been dealing with a fracture for two and a half months, and on August 24, it will be three months. However, I am still using crutches. Below are the X-ray images I have taken so far: 1. The first ima...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
It is generally normal to use crutches for three months after a femoral fracture. A follow-up appointment is scheduled for September 7, during which an X-ray will be taken to assess the possibility of using a single crutch. If a single crutch can be used, it typically takes about...

Understanding Skin Indentation After Tibial Fracture Healing

Depression of the skin over the fracture site? Two months ago, I underwent surgery for a closed mid-shaft tibial fracture, with a bone plate implanted for fixation. The callus formation has begun, but there is a noticeable indentation in the skin over the fracture site. I read in...

Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: The raised area at the fracture site will improve after the bone healing process. However, the depressed area typically does not show significant improvement. For more details, please consult your original treating physician during your follow-up visit. Wishing you good he...

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