Persistent Pain After 3 Months: Healing Strategies for Metatarsal Fractures
The second and fourth metatarsals are fractured and have been painful for three months! The second and fourth metatarsals have been fractured for three months and still hurt. There is some redness and swelling. Using a topical analgesic causes a slight stinging sensation and warm...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
First, rehabilitation after a fracture can only begin once there is initial healing at the fracture site. If the stabilization method is not secure enough or if the duration of immobilization is insufficient, leading to delayed fracture healing, rehabilitation is not appropriate....[Read More] Persistent Pain After 3 Months: Healing Strategies for Metatarsal Fractures
Understanding Open Tibia-Fibula Fractures: Recovery and Concerns
Open fracture of the right tibia and fibula? Hello Dr. Huang: I was in a car accident last month (on May 3) and sustained an open fracture of the right tibia and fibula. I had an intramedullary nail inserted, which I paid for out of pocket. The day before yesterday, I accidentall...
Dr. Huang Minxu Reply:
Hello: If there is another fall resulting in injury and there are visible abnormalities, a follow-up appointment should be scheduled to assess and monitor with X-rays to check for any loosening of screws, new displacements, or new fractures. Generally, after surgery, a cane can b...[Read More] Understanding Open Tibia-Fibula Fractures: Recovery and Concerns
Post-Surgery Infection After Fracture: Risks and Treatment Options
Postoperative infection after fracture surgery? Hello, doctor! My father had a left leg fracture from a car accident. After surgery, he developed an infection at the wound site, and it took about a month and a half for the wound to heal. It has been four months since the accident...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello: After a fracture surgery, the biggest concern is infection, which can lead to osteomyelitis, a serious complication. Both situations can result in nonunion at the fracture site. If a fracture does not heal, it is essential to first address the infection, and then assess th...[Read More] Post-Surgery Infection After Fracture: Risks and Treatment Options
Impact of Delayed Surgery on Distal Radius Fractures
Radial head fracture I fell and broke my wrist on December 20th last year while trying to catch myself. I've been struggling with the decision of whether to have surgery. After reviewing the reports and consulting with my doctor this week, I've decided to proceed with t...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
The letter does not specify which bone is fractured, nor does it clarify the severity of the fracture. However, if an orthopedic surgeon recommends surgical treatment, it is likely that surgery would be more beneficial for the healing process. Fracture healing has a time-dependen...[Read More] Impact of Delayed Surgery on Distal Radius Fractures
Sudden Pain and Swelling Years After Tibia Fracture Healing
Sudden swelling and pain long after a fracture has healed? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, my tibial fracture in the lower leg has healed for about 8 years. I have previously gone for follow-up examinations, and they all indicated no issues. However, recently, when I press on ...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
The tibial fracture has healed for 8 years, and the adjacent muscle soreness is likely not significantly related to the fracture. It may be due to increased physical activity recently. For a detailed evaluation, it is advisable to consult with the original orthopedic physician in...[Read More] Sudden Pain and Swelling Years After Tibia Fracture Healing
Understanding Toe Swelling After Fracture: Causes and Treatment Options
Toe I would like to ask the doctor, on March 19, I had a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my right foot and was in a full cast for three and a half weeks, followed by a half cast for two weeks without moving my toes. Now, 74 days later, I have noticed a small round swelling on...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Local swelling and reduced circulation are related. Given the current situation, heat therapy is sufficient, and there is no need for further ice therapy. Strengthening rehabilitation for the areas that have been inactive for a long time should lead to improvement. If nece...[Read More] Understanding Toe Swelling After Fracture: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery, Symptoms, and Care
Fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal tuberosity? Hello doctor, I have a fracture at the base of my fifth metatarsal that has been healing for 47 days. Sometimes I experience a sharp pain; is this normal? Previously, I couldn't fully separate my toes, and there are ti...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: First, it is important to assess the healing status of the fracture. If there are issues with fracture healing, it may not be significant. Having symptoms one and a half months after the fracture is not unusual. It is recommended to continue monitoring the healing process ...[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery, Symptoms, and Care
Should You Remove Steel Pins After Humerus Fracture Healing?
After a humeral fracture has healed, is it necessary to remove the metal pins? After the car accident, I fractured my right humerus. After being stabilized with six screws and one plate for over a year, I want to have the screws removed. My attending physician said it may not be ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Considering the risks associated with surgery, I also recommend that it may not be necessary to remove it, as scarring in the surrounding soft tissue after surgery can increase the likelihood of nerve injury. If nerve damage occurs, the potential for long-term complication...[Read More] Should You Remove Steel Pins After Humerus Fracture Healing?
Effective Methods to Accelerate Tibia Fracture Healing
Fracture healing Hello Dr. Lee, I am a tibial fracture patient and it has been three months with slow bone healing. I would like to ask if the ultrasound device for accelerating bone healing is effective? Alternatively, could you suggest any methods to promote faster healing of t...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Bone growth takes time, and appropriate sun exposure is also a good way to support it.[Read More] Effective Methods to Accelerate Tibia Fracture Healing
Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Finger Fracture Surgery?
Nail removal issues? I was born on August 10, 1973. In May 2008, I sustained an injury due to an accident that resulted in a fracture of my right index finger. I underwent surgery in the United States, where the doctor inserted five screws made of titanium alloy into the injured ...
Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question, it cannot be generalized as it depends on factors such as the degree of fracture healing and the condition of the metal pins. Therefore, you may still need to visit the outpatient clinic for accurate and appropriate advice. Thank you![Read More] Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Finger Fracture Surgery?
Can You Eat Oranges and Radishes After a Fracture?
Fracture Can I eat oranges and white radishes if I have a fracture?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There are no specific dietary restrictions after a fracture; foods like oranges and radishes do not affect fracture healing. Therefore, they can be consumed without concern. During the healing process, it is important to have adequate calcium, protein, and certain vitamins such a...[Read More] Can You Eat Oranges and Radishes After a Fracture?
Should You Avoid Calcium Supplements After a Fracture for Three Weeks?
Calcium Supplementation Hello Doctor: I came across an article online stating that calcium supplements should not be taken within "three weeks" after a fracture. Is this claim correct? I have read many articles, and different doctors have varying opinions; some say that...
Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Currently, I have not heard of this theory being widely accepted; moderate calcium supplementation should not have any particular drawbacks![Read More] Should You Avoid Calcium Supplements After a Fracture for Three Weeks?
Optimal Timing for Removing Fibula Fracture Fixation Nails
The time for the removal of fixation screws after a fibula fracture varies depending on the healing process and the specific case. Generally, it is recommended to wait about 6 to 12 months post-surgery, or until the bone has sufficiently healed and the physician determines it is ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear User: Congratulations on your recovery progress! The timing for the removal of the hardware ultimately depends on the results of the X-ray examination; the X-ray must show that the fracture has healed before considering the removal of the implant. Generally, for fibula fract...[Read More] Optimal Timing for Removing Fibula Fracture Fixation Nails
Improving Elbow Flexion After Complex Ulnar Fracture Surgery
Comminuted fracture of the ulna!!! Dear Director, Several years ago, I suffered a comminuted fracture of the ulna due to a car accident. After an emergency surgery, a steel pin was inserted, which was removed three months later. An X-ray revealed that the fracture of the olecran...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Stiffness resulting from an elbow fracture may be due to poor fracture healing or joint adhesions. Conservative treatment includes active rehabilitation or manipulation under anesthesia. More invasive options involve surgically releasing the adhesions. These approaches may...[Read More] Improving Elbow Flexion After Complex Ulnar Fracture Surgery
Post-Surgery Walking Guidelines: Can I Put Weight on My Foot?
Continuation of the issue with steel nails? Dear Dr. Zhou, Thank you very much for your response! Regarding the part about not putting weight on the affected area, the surgeon informed me that I could start to bear weight and walk a little when I was discharged on August 19. The...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
The degree of fracture fragmentation and the strength of the fixation determine the healing process. Generally, complete fracture healing requires 3 to 4 months, while initial healing takes about 1.5 to 2 months. Therefore, if the fixation is stable, weight-bearing can be initiat...[Read More] Post-Surgery Walking Guidelines: Can I Put Weight on My Foot?
One Year Post-Car Accident: Struggling with Severe Orthopedic Issues
Over a year since the car accident? Hello doctors, I had a car accident over a year ago, resulting in a comminuted fracture of the right femur, as well as fractures in my pelvis and sacrum. My arm was also broken. Currently, the issue is that my pelvis is misaligned, and I am una...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Netizen: You have suffered severe trauma, which has resulted in multiple fractures. The purpose of surgery, rehabilitation, and other treatments is to minimize the extent of sequelae, reduce pain, and promote functional recovery, rather than to guarantee a return to the pre-...[Read More] One Year Post-Car Accident: Struggling with Severe Orthopedic Issues
Recovery Insights for Humeral Shaft Fracture After Surgery
Fracture of the right humeral shaft? Dear Dr. Chen, I recently suffered a "humeral shaft fracture" due to a car accident and have undergone "open reduction and internal fixation" surgery. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. At the time of the acc...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Netizens, In cases of humeral shaft fractures accompanied by radial nerve injury, most patients can expect a good recovery of the radial nerve after rehabilitation treatment, typically requiring about six months. However, if there is no significant progress after two to thr...[Read More] Recovery Insights for Humeral Shaft Fracture After Surgery
Understanding Bone Healing After Fractures: Expert Insights and Solutions
Fractures & Bone Healing Hello, Doctor. On July 24, 2009, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a closed fracture of my left femur. After surgery, I had metal rods and screws placed. During follow-up X-rays in September and October, the doctor expressed concerns a...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: The normal healing time for a fracture is approximately three to six months; however, this can vary for each individual due to differences in fracture type, comminution, bone quality, and treatment methods. Each case requires different considerations. Generally, if there i...[Read More] Understanding Bone Healing After Fractures: Expert Insights and Solutions
Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Recovery Challenges and Surgical Options
Fracture I had a car accident at the end of March, resulting in a fracture of my left clavicle near the shoulder. I did not undergo surgery and used a figure-eight shoulder strap for one month. After that, I went to a military hospital for an X-ray, which showed some bone growth....
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Reader, The treatment for clavicle fractures can be divided into conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Surgical intervention is necessary in cases of open fractures, associated neurovascular injuries, mid-shaft clavicle fractures with significant displacement, frac...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Recovery Challenges and Surgical Options
Understanding Proximal Humerus Fractures: Recovery, Pain Management, and Rehabilitation
Proximal humeral comminuted fracture? On May 26 of this year, I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in a comminuted fracture of the proximal left humerus (broken into five pieces). On the 27th, I underwent surgery for internal fixation with a plate. The doctor mentioned that ...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, you have been regularly attending follow-up appointments, and the X-rays show that the fracture site appears normal, yet you continue to experience persistent pain. This is not a typical situation and may be due to delayed rehabilitation, leading...[Read More] Understanding Proximal Humerus Fractures: Recovery, Pain Management, and Rehabilitation