Understanding Clavicle Dislocation After a Car Accident: Surgery vs. Non-Surgery
Clavicle dislocation due to a car accident? Hello, my girlfriend has a one-centimeter dislocated clavicle due to a previous car accident. The doctor mentioned that surgery is optional, but will the clavicle gradually return to its original position? If she undergoes surgery, will...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1. My girlfriend has a one-centimeter dislocation of her clavicle due to a previous car accident. The doctor mentioned that surgery is optional, but will the clavicle gradually return to its original position? No, while a mid-clavicle fracture can dislocate, it typically...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Dislocation After a Car Accident: Surgery vs. Non-Surgery
Understanding Bone Cement Injection: Risks and Alternatives for Elderly Patients
Bone cement injection Hello, Doctor. My grandmother is 93 years old. Recently, she experienced pain near the sacral area on the left side of her buttocks and in her left thigh (with no history of falls) and sought medical attention. She is able to walk independently. The doctor p...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is essential to confirm that the pain is caused by a compression fracture; only then will the injection of bone cement into the fracture site be effective. 2. X-rays or other imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans. 3. Unable to determine.[Read More] Understanding Bone Cement Injection: Risks and Alternatives for Elderly Patients
Do You Really Need a Sling After Elbow Fracture Surgery?
After surgery for an olecranon fracture, is it necessary to wear a triangular bandage? After surgery for a coronoid fracture, I have been wearing a sling for a full week. When I take off the sling before bed, my arm hurts a lot when I stretch it out straight, possibly because it ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, if it is a simple fracture and the bone screws are securely fixed, a triangular bandage may not be necessary. Conversely, in the case of a comminuted fracture, it is usually required to use a triangular bandage for three weeks postoperatively to prevent displacement of the...[Read More] Do You Really Need a Sling After Elbow Fracture Surgery?
Managing Coccyx Fractures and Osteoporosis in Seniors: Key Insights
Coccygeal fracture, osteoporosis? My grandmother is 78 years old. During the 228 holiday last year, she fell while walking to collect something and landed on her buttocks. After going to the hospital, the doctor diagnosed her with a coccyx fracture and ordered a bone density test...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Coccydynia, or pain in the coccyx, is typically caused by trauma and is not necessarily related to osteoporosis. Fractures resulting from osteoporosis usually occur in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, often leading to compression fractures from minor falls. Caltrate seems to he...[Read More] Managing Coccyx Fractures and Osteoporosis in Seniors: Key Insights
Understanding the Bump on the Outer Midfoot: Is It Normal?
The bones in the middle part of the outer side of the foot are protruding? It seems to be the fifth metatarsal, and both feet are noticeably protruding. There have been no fractures, and it has been this way since childhood. Is this normal? There is no pain or discomfort, but it ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The base of the fifth metatarsal in the foot may typically protrude slightly, which can be a normal congenital variation. If you feel there is an issue, you can get an X-ray to check for any problems. If it needs to be flattened, surgery may be required, but it's important t...[Read More] Understanding the Bump on the Outer Midfoot: Is It Normal?
Walking After Hip Surgery: Tips for Recovery and Strength Training
Walking issues after hip joint surgery? Hello Dr. Shi: I have asked you two questions before, and I appreciate your responses. 1. It has been three months since my hip joint (femoral neck closed fracture) surgery. During my follow-up appointment at the end of March, the doctor ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. The healing time after a femoral neck fracture surgery is approximately 3 to 6 months. If the X-ray shows signs of healing, you can begin practicing walking. Initially, you can use two crutches and gradually transition to one. If the condition improves further, you can keep th...[Read More] Walking After Hip Surgery: Tips for Recovery and Strength Training
Understanding Elbow Dislocation Recovery: Key Questions and Tips
Regarding elbow dislocation within one week? Hello, I dislocated my elbow on April 1st. After reduction at the hospital, I currently have a cast fixed at 90 degrees in front of my chest. During my follow-up visit, I saw the X-ray of the dislocation, which looked similar to the fi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. An elbow dislocation typically involves ligament damage, which should be assessed for any associated fractures. Most ligaments are merely sprained rather than torn. To determine if there is nerve damage, check if the fingers can move and if the wrist can extend. 2. Movement of...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Dislocation Recovery: Key Questions and Tips
Understanding Surgical Options for Slow-Healing Femur Fractures
Inquiry about reoperation for femoral fracture and bone grafting? Hello, Doctor. I had a comminuted fracture in my thigh a year and a half ago. Currently, I am seeing two doctors for follow-up appointments. Both doctors mentioned that my bone is healing, but the progress is slow....
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
In my experience, comminuted fractures typically heal more slowly, sometimes taking two to three years for complete healing. If you currently do not experience any pain and can walk 5-6 kilometers, it is reasonable to continue monitoring the situation. It is possible that bone gr...[Read More] Understanding Surgical Options for Slow-Healing Femur Fractures
Understanding Fibula Fractures: Symptoms and When to Seek Treatment
Fibula fracture In October 2017, I suffered an open comminuted fracture of the mid-shaft of the tibia and fibula in a car accident. The orthopedic surgeon only performed intramedullary nailing on the tibia, while the fibula was left untreated. Last October, I underwent surgery to...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The support of the lower leg primarily relies on the tibia, which accounts for over 80% of the load. Therefore, fractures of the fibula typically do not require intervention unless they occur near the ankle joint, as this could affect joint stability. Pain in the calf is not nece...[Read More] Understanding Fibula Fractures: Symptoms and When to Seek Treatment
How Long Until I Can Walk Without Crutches After Fibula Fracture?
How long does it take to walk on the ground after a fibula fracture? Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident and sustained injuries, including lacerations on my right knee and calf, which required 6 and 2 stitches respectively. Additionally, there is a 0.5 cm fracture in the fibula...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, there is a 0.5 cm fracture in the fibula near the knee. You should use crutches for 4-6 weeks. Currently, there is no discomfort around the knee, so you can start bending the knee now. It is safer to resume running and other exercises after three months.[Read More] How Long Until I Can Walk Without Crutches After Fibula Fracture?
How Long Before Walking Without Crutches After Fibula Fracture?
How long does it take to walk on the ground after a fibula fracture? Hello Doctor: I was injured in a car accident, suffering lacerations on my right knee and calf, which required 6 and 2 stitches respectively. Additionally, there is a 0.5 cm fracture in the fibula near the knee....
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, there is a 0.5 cm fracture in the fibula near the knee. You should use crutches for 4-6 weeks. Currently, there is no discomfort around the knee, so you can start bending the knee now. It is safer to resume running and exercise after three months.[Read More] How Long Before Walking Without Crutches After Fibula Fracture?
Understanding Rib Fractures: Post-Surgery Abdominal Swelling Concerns
Rib issues Hello, doctor. Due to a car accident, I have fractured ribs, and three of them on the right side have been stabilized with a fixation plate. I have a question: after the surgery on the right side, the lower part of my right chest cavity and abdomen has become swollen, ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If it has only been a short time since the surgery, the swelling may be related to the wound. However, if the swelling persists for a long time, it is advisable to consult the original surgeon and get an X-ray to check for any other issues.[Read More] Understanding Rib Fractures: Post-Surgery Abdominal Swelling Concerns
Understanding Fracture Severity and Healing Time After Injury
How to assess the severity of a fracture and the healing time for fractures? Hello Dr. Chen: I was involved in a car accident on January 17, 2019, resulting in a comminuted fracture of my thigh, a comminuted and open fracture of my lower leg, and a torn posterior cruciate ligamen...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have sustained a severe injury with a comminuted fracture of the femur and an open fracture of the tibia, along with a torn posterior cruciate ligament. Comminuted fractures are generally worse than simple linear fractures, and open fractures are more ser...[Read More] Understanding Fracture Severity and Healing Time After Injury
Concerns About Exposed Screws in Foot Fracture Recovery
The exposed steel nail is becoming more embedded? Due to a fracture in the foot, the doctor fixed three exposed pins in the sole. While walking, I accidentally stepped on something, causing the exposed pins to penetrate further into the tissue, but there is no pain. Doctor, will ...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment for the most accurate X-ray results.[Read More] Concerns About Exposed Screws in Foot Fracture Recovery
Impact of Misaligned Screws After Calcaneus Fracture Surgery
Nail orientation I have a comminuted fracture of the left calcaneus and underwent surgery where two metal screws were inserted. After returning home to rest, I noticed that one of the exposed screws has rotated 90 degrees while changing the dressing. I'm unsure if this will ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The metal pin may be a bit loose, which could cause it to shift. If there is any discharge from the wound, it is important to monitor for signs of inflammation and to return for a follow-up appointment to check if there is any displacement of the fracture.[Read More] Impact of Misaligned Screws After Calcaneus Fracture Surgery
Understanding the Differences Between Bone Screws and Bone Cement in Orthopedics
What is the difference between bone screws and bone cement? Hello: My mother fell while pulling her scooter when the handlebar came off, and she sat down on the ground. She was taken to the emergency room for an X-ray, where the medical staff advised that she could rest for a whi...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, as mentioned in your letter, it is generally a compression fracture (without neurological damage aside from pain). Conservative treatment (using a Taylor brace) has a success rate of about 80%, but it cannot restore the height of the vertebral body. If the pain persists fo...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Bone Screws and Bone Cement in Orthopedics
Can Surgery Correct a Deformed Finger Years After a Fracture?
Can a finger fracture that occurred many years ago be surgically corrected? Hello doctor, my right hand's little finger was fractured when I was a child while playing basketball due to a fall. At that time, I did not receive timely treatment and let it heal on its own. Now, ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Surgical methods can be used for correction, but it requires evaluation by a physician. It is recommended that you consult a specialist in hand surgery for treatment, which is usually covered by health insurance.[Read More] Can Surgery Correct a Deformed Finger Years After a Fracture?
Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: When to Consider Surgery for Pain Relief
Vertebral arch issues Last November, I experienced lower back pain due to a fall and sought medical attention. The physician and neurosurgeon indicated that there were no significant issues and prescribed pain medication. However, on February 25th of this year, I experienced seve...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, if there is a fracture of the vertebral arch with associated nerve root compression, and symptoms of persistent pain continue despite medication treatment, surgical intervention is recommended. The surgical approach often involves vertebral arch screw fixation combined wit...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: When to Consider Surgery for Pain Relief
Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Spondylolysis and Treatment Options
Vertebral arch issues I apologize for the inconvenience. Here is the translation of your inquiry: "Excuse me, I would like to consult with the doctor regarding my X-ray examination report. The lumbar spine flexion and extension lateral views show a defect at the L5-S1 pars ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. If the surgery is successful, pain is usually alleviated. 2. There is health insurance coverage, but if there are internal fixation devices, there may be some costs involved; for detailed information, it is best to consult the surgeon. 3. Typically, it is better to resolve the...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Spondylolysis and Treatment Options
Understanding Revision Surgery for Tibial Plateau Fractures: What to Expect
Secondary surgery for tibial fractures? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your careful response last time. I have some concerns to discuss during today's follow-up visit. I was involved in a car accident on February 11, resulting in a comminuted fracture of the left tibial platea...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is uncommon but can sometimes be encountered. 2. It is not that the fracture may have already existed and then gradually collapsed. 3. The healing of bone grafts in this location occurs quickly because it primarily consists of cancellous bone (which heals much faster th...[Read More] Understanding Revision Surgery for Tibial Plateau Fractures: What to Expect