Fracture healing, Orthopedics FAQ

Understanding Clavicle Fracture Healing: When to Move Your Arm Again?

Clavicular long bone callus issue? Hello, Doctor. I had a car accident in early May and fractured my left clavicle, which was displaced. I did not undergo surgery and only used a figure-eight shoulder strap for stabilization. In early June, while sitting in a taxi, I was hit by a...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A clavicle fracture, if not surgically treated, will gradually heal with callus formation, which typically takes about three months. Initially, the bone will grow back, but its strength will not be sufficient, so it is essential to wait until it is fully healed before engaging in...

Nutrition and Healing: Managing Fifth Metatarsal Fractures Effectively

Fifth metatarsal tuberosity fracture? Hello, due to a fracture of the fifth metatarsal tuberosity, I am currently using a splint for stabilization while waiting for the bone to heal. I have researched extensively and found that fracture patients require a balanced diet. As a fema...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1. The foods you mentioned do not affect fracture healing. 2. Coffee is generally acceptable, just avoid excessive consumption. Thank you.

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation for Ankle Tibia Fractures: A Patient's Journey

Postoperative Rehabilitation Program for Tibial Injury in the Ankle Joint Hello Dr. Hong, I fell from a height of 2.5 meters, and upon landing, I heavily impacted my left foot, resulting in a fracture on the lateral side of the distal tibia. I underwent surgery where two steel sc...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
After an ankle joint fracture, it is recommended to avoid weight-bearing for 6-8 weeks to maintain joint stability. It is advised to use assistive devices for partial weight-bearing to prevent affecting fracture healing and joint stability.

Slow Recovery from Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Tips and Insights

Slow recovery from metatarsal fractures? 1. How much longer is the normal recovery time? Are there any ways to expedite the healing process? 2. Is it necessary to wear a brace 24 hours a day? 3. How can I strengthen my bone density? 4. The doctor suggested an out-of-pocket ...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: If there is a metatarsal fracture in the foot without pain, and due to osteoporosis the callus formation is not significant, observation may be considered. Follow-up with self-paid osteoporosis injections can be pursued, as clinically they do not provide significant help f...

Understanding Tibia and Fibula Fracture Healing Challenges

Issues with healing of tibial and fibular fractures? Hello Doctor, I sustained a closed fracture of the tibia and fibula in the lower third of my right leg on December 18, 2016. I underwent surgery and had an intramedullary nail inserted. During my follow-up appointment on Februa...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
A fracture of the distal one-third of the tibia and fibula may have a slower blood supply and circulation; however, since surgical reduction and fixation have been performed, it should heal properly. As for the ankle being darker red, this is a normal phenomenon associated with w...

Understanding Post-Fracture Symptoms in Children: Is Numbness Normal?

After bone fracture healing Hello, Dr. Lee: I would like to ask you about my child's tibial fracture healing. During the follow-up appointment on November 8, the X-ray showed complete healing. Recently, he has been sitting in a fixed position for too long, such as on the sof...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
The X-ray taken during the follow-up visit for the tibial fracture shows complete healing. It is normal for the previously injured leg to occasionally feel numb after sitting in a fixed position for too long, so there is no need to worry.

Understanding Delayed Clavicle Fracture Healing: What to Expect

Clavicle fracture nonunion after three months? Hello Dr. Shih: My clavicle has not healed for almost three months since the car accident. This Tuesday, I returned to the hospital for an X-ray (Zanca view), and the doctor said my clavicle has not yet healed. He asked if I felt any...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The average healing time for fractures is about three months; some individuals may heal faster while others may take a bit longer. However, most fractures will heal over time, so it is important to continue monitoring the healing process. To determine if a fracture has fully heal...

Understanding Clavicle Fracture Recovery: Timeline and Precautions

Clavicle fracture? Hello Doctor, I was in a car accident on October 25 and was diagnosed with a broken clavicle after being taken to the hospital. I chose to pay out of pocket for surgery to have a plate and screws installed. The surgery was very successful, and since the operati...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Clavicle fracture, fixed with surgical screws, has been six weeks; normal rehabilitation exercises can be performed, and there is no need to use a sling. However, it is important to avoid excessive movements. As for activities like cycling or basketball, they should be determined...

Understanding Femoral Fractures: Autologous Bone Grafting Insights

Comminuted femoral fracture and autologous bone grafting surgery? Dear Dr. Shih, I had a severe comminuted fracture of my thigh in a car accident this July. It has been five months since the injury, and while some areas show signs of healing, the critical gap has not formed any ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Whether or not to undergo bone graft surgery must be discussed with the attending physician. If the condition of not regrowing bone persists, early bone grafting may be considered. Some comminuted fractures can heal on their own, so it is not always necessary to perform a bone gr...

Recovery Timeline for Clavicle Fracture: When to Resume Weight Training?

Hello, doctor? Hello, doctor. I am 18 years old and had a motorcycle accident on November 2nd, resulting in a closed fracture of my right clavicle (three-part fracture, with the anterior end not displaced, the posterior end displaced and slightly protruding). It has been almost a...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: It has not been a month since the fracture, and you must avoid weight-bearing until X-rays confirm that the fracture has healed. Otherwise, there is a risk of displacement and deformity, which may lead to complications. It is normal to experience sharp pain at the fracture...

Understanding Pain After Clavicle Surgery: What to Expect and Recovery Tips

Comminuted fracture Hello, doctor. My boyfriend just underwent clavicle surgery today after a car accident that resulted in his clavicle being fractured into three pieces. The doctor recommended using a steel pin to secure the broken bones together. Since the surgery yesterday, h...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Post-operative wound pain is normal and can last for at least 2 weeks. The first 6 to 8 weeks are necessary for fracture healing, followed by rehabilitation to return to normal activities.

Can a Child Stand After 5 Weeks of Tibial Fracture Healing?

Can I stand if my bone fracture has not completely healed after five weeks? A three-year-old child sustained a tibial stress fracture on August 31 while playing soccer. It has been five weeks since the injury, and during a follow-up visit on October 6, X-rays showed that the frac...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Fracture healing in three-year-old children generally occurs quickly. If the physician indicates that the child can stand and walk, and the child is not experiencing any pain, parents can feel reassured. However, it is important to avoid falls and running or jumping.

Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Recovery, Surgery, and Weight Lifting

Clavicle fracture Hello Doctor: I suffered a comminuted fracture of the distal left clavicle in a car accident at the beginning of the month and had a self-funded hook plate inserted. I have a few questions: 1. I know several people who have undergone surgery for clavicle fractur...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
In the case of a comminuted clavicle fracture treated with a hook plate fixation, the decision to remove the plate primarily depends on the healing status of the fracture to avoid affecting the surrounding soft tissues. Additionally, when lifting heavy objects, it is important to...

Managing Pain from Scaphoid Fracture Healing: Tips and Advice

Scaphoid fracture Hello doctor, I fractured my hand over two weeks ago and have been in a cast. A few days ago, during my follow-up appointment, I was told that a callus has already formed. Recently, I've been experiencing pain because the cast is pressing on the protruding ...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Scaphoid fractures usually do not experience significant pressure from plaster casts, as the cast contains a mold that should prevent excessive compression. If there is no pain, it is advisable to wait until the scheduled time for cast removal, at which point the cast can ...

Understanding Ankle Fracture Healing: What Does It Really Mean?

Closed ankle fracture Could you please explain the definition of fracture healing, doctor? Does the presence of bone fragments in the joint still count as fracture healing? Thank you, doctor.

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The continuity interruption of a fracture is referred to as a fracture, and its continuity restoration signifies healing. In other words, it means that no visible cracks remain, and the presence of fragmented bone is also considered.

Understanding Long-Term Effects of Bone Fractures in Patients with Osteoporosis

Femoral fracture Hello Doctor: My brother, who is 12 years old, became a vegetative state after a car accident, and it has been 21 years since then. He is currently being cared for in a nursing facility. A year and a half ago, we noticed swelling in his right thigh and took him t...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Patients in a vegetative state who are bedridden can experience severe osteoporosis, which can indeed affect fracture healing. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss with an orthopedic physician whether it is appropriate to administer medications for osteoporosis. There are variou...

Impact of Slow Bone Healing on Athletes After Leg Fracture

Fracture of the left femur due to a car accident? Hello doctor, I had a car accident on February 10th that resulted in a fracture of my left femur. It has been six months now, and during my recent follow-up appointment, the doctor advised me to wait another two months before retu...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: The speed of fracture healing is closely related to the mechanism of injury, surgical methods, and nutritional status. However, even with slow bone healing, most strength training can still be performed, just not with full weight-bearing. It is essential to closely monitor...

Is It Time to Remove Your Ulnar Nail After Fracture Healing?

Removal of steel pins from ulnar fracture? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask about a case of an ulnar olecranon closed comminuted fracture that underwent surgical fixation with a steel pin. It has now been four months, and the X-ray shows good postoperative healing. Is it possi...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
The ulnar olecranon comminuted fracture has healed well, but it is still recommended to wait until the surgical scar matures and stabilizes before removal, in order to minimize tissue damage.

Managing Osteomyelitis After Complex Fractures: A Patient's Journey

Comminuted fracture with nonunion and osteomyelitis? Hello, Doctor: I suffered a comminuted fracture of my left arm in a car accident on October 16 last year and underwent surgery on October 17, where they inserted steel nails and secured them with screws. Two months post-surgery...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, in principle, osteomyelitis can lead to delayed fracture healing or even nonunion. Generally, multiple debridements are required, along with the removal of internal fixation and antibiotic therapy. If the virulence of the bacteria is not strong, a portion of the fracture s...

Recovery Time After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Fibula Fracture

Closed fibular fracture of the left ankle? My friend, who is 46 years old, suffered a closed fibula fracture in her left ankle due to a motorcycle collision. She underwent open reduction and internal fixation surgery with plates and screws in the emergency department. I would lik...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Fracture healing typically takes about three months, so recovery is usually nearly complete by that time. After surgery, you can gradually start to put weight on the affected area and attempt to walk with the assistance of crutches after six weeks. You should only discontinue the...

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