Growth, Orthopedics FAQ

Can I Still Grow Taller at 16? Understanding Growth Plates and Height

Height does not increase? At 16 years old, you sometimes engage in masturbation and have a smoking habit. Currently, your height is 167 cm, while your brother's height is 178 cm. You are unsure if your growth plates have closed and if you still have a chance to grow taller. ...

Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: An X-ray of the knee joint can determine whether the growth plates have closed, but it cannot accurately predict how much taller you will grow. Your height is already 167 cm, so just let it happen naturally. Changhua Hospital, Orthopedics, Dr. Li Wen-Hong.

Understanding Scoliosis Diagnosis: Can a 20-Degree Curve Be Corrected at 22?

A few days ago, I was diagnosed with scoliosis with a curvature of 20 degrees? A few days ago, I was diagnosed with a 20-degree scoliosis at a rehabilitation clinic. I am 22 years old, and the doctor stated that it cannot be corrected because my bones have already matured. Howeve...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, according to medical principles, the growth plates are typically closed by the age of 22, so correction should not be possible. However, if a physical therapist suggests that correction is possible, you might as well give it a try, as it won't harm the body.

Understanding Growth Plate Issues: Can You Still Grow Taller?

Growth plate issues I am currently 173 cm tall. A few days ago, I went to the hospital for an X-ray of my knee, and the doctor told me that the growth plate at 3764 has a height increase ratio. He then mentioned that the growth plate below the knee is nearly fused and that the sm...

Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: It is no longer possible to significantly increase height; only a little more growth is possible. Thank you! Wishing you good health! Orthopedics, Changhua Hospital, Dr. Li Wen-Hong.

Can You Still Grow Taller at 18? Understanding Growth Plates and Height

Height and Growth Plate Issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if it's still possible to grow taller at the age of 18, considering that I have already developed an Adam's apple during high school. Does this mean that my growth plates have already fused?

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, you are currently 18 years old, and since you have already developed an Adam's apple during high school, it indicates a high likelihood that your growth plates have fused. However, it is still recommended that you visit an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray to confirm whe...

Managing Complications After Humerus Fracture Surgery: What You Need to Know

Surgical management of humeral fracture debridement? Previously, I had a sports accident that resulted in a humeral fracture. After examination at the hospital, it was discovered to be a pathological fracture. The doctor recommended surgery to remove the damaged area and to use a...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
1. Pathological fractures in young individuals are uncommon, so it is essential to rule out the possibility of malignant bone tumors first. 2. If a wound suddenly opens and continues to exude tissue fluid, it could indicate an infection or a rejection of the artificial bone. Th...

Understanding Soft Lumps in the Calf: Causes and Concerns

When squatting, you may feel two slightly protruding structures in your calf? Yesterday, I discovered two slightly protruding lumps on my left calf when squatting. They are not painful and feel somewhat round. The two lumps are vertically aligned, and when I look in the mirror cl...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello: 1. Fibromas do not develop in the calves. 2. Due to individual constitution, there is a higher tendency for growth. 3. It should not become more pronounced to the point of affecting aesthetics. 4. Observation is sufficient. 5. The likelihood of varicose veins is low. 6. Sq...

Post-Surgery Wound Healing Issues After Tibia and Fibula Fracture

Wound dehiscence after surgery? Hello, after my tibia and fibula comminuted fracture surgery on August 31, the doctor mentioned that the wound on my ankle is healing slowly due to the steel plate underneath. For the past month, the doctor has been treating it with burn ointment. ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the wound is not infected, gradually changing the dressings will usually promote the growth of granulation tissue and skin, so it will take some time to heal. If there are any issues, you must return to the original physician for further management.

Understanding Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Back pain In the past two years, I have occasionally experienced a sensation of my back (near the scapula) getting stuck when leaning on the sofa or getting out of bed, making it difficult to move. I need to apply external force to get up. For the past year, I have felt pain and ...

Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of back pain. Statistics show that 90% of people, especially younger individuals, often do not have issues with their bones but rather with muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues, which is referred to as myofascial pain syndrome. This condition is u...

Understanding Partial Ligament Tears in the Thumb: Treatment Options and Recovery

The thumb was accidentally bent backward, resulting in a partial ligament tear, and it has been nearly one year since the injury? Hello, doctor. My left thumb was bent backward during sports last November, causing significant pain and swelling. I have been following up with ortho...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, your thumb has experienced a backward bend due to an accident, resulting in partial ligament rupture for nearly a year. The effects of self-funded PRP therapy may not be very significant. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with another physician (a hand surgeon)...

Does Removing a Steel Pin Help Healing After a Femur Fracture?

Does removing a steel rod from a femur fracture help with bone healing? I had a car accident on July 5th, resulting in a closed fracture of my right femur, with a clean break between two segments. I underwent surgery at Yuanlin Christian Hospital on the same day. During my follow...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, as mentioned in your letter, your bone fracture is very "clean," which likely means there are not many fragments. In this situation, if the bone healing is too slow after surgery (especially when using intramedullary nails for fixation), it is possible to remove ...

Understanding New Fractures in Pediatric Tibial Injuries: Key Concerns

Tibial shaft fracture with secondary injury? Hello Dr. Lee, My son (6 years old) sustained a tibial fracture on August 13. He returned for a follow-up two weeks later, and the bone was not displaced. On September 28, during another follow-up, the X-ray showed that the fracture l...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
1. It is indeed possible. 2. There should be no impact. 3. There should be no impact. 4. The first item is more serious.

Recovery Time After Elbow Growth Plate Displacement Surgery

Medial elbow growth plate displacement? Hello doctor, I fell while riding my bike at school and displaced the growth plate on the inner side of my elbow. I would like to ask how long the rehabilitation period will be after I have removed the metal pins. (I just had the pins remov...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It will take approximately three months of continuous rehabilitation to potentially achieve a better recovery status.

Understanding Wrist and Forearm Issues: Surgery, Healing, and Recovery

Wrist issues involving the radius and ulna? Hello, doctor. I am the inquirer from the previous issue 138823. Today, I consulted another physician who mentioned that my radius is displaced by about 1mm, and the height difference between the radius and ulna at the wrist joint is le...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Reasonable 2. Minimal impact 3. This is considered normal; it may not dislocate again. 4. No 5. It is advisable to start exercising the joint earlier for better recovery.

Understanding Benign Bone Tumors: Impact on Dance and Surgery Costs

Osteochondroma of the right knee? In my first year of high school, I went to the hospital for an X-ray, and the doctor said I have a benign bone tumor. I researched online and found that it might be due to an injury to the growth plate, so the doctor told me not to worry. However...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
1. You should return to the orthopedic outpatient clinic for follow-up evaluation of the current status of the bone tumor. 2. Unless the tumor is very large, dancing and stretching exercises should not have any impact. 3. The cost of the surgical removal is covered by health insu...

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 Growth Plates and Height: A Guide for Parents

Growth plate height Hello, doctor. My son is currently a freshman in high school and just turned 16 years old, with a height of 167 cm. He injured his ankle in April and had an X-ray taken. The doctor indicated that the growth plate in his ankle has already healed, and suggested ...

Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: (1) You may consult your Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician regarding the prescription of Chinese herbal medicine. Personally, I suggest that it may be best not to take it, but I have no evidence to support or refute TCM treatments. (2) During puberty, long bones...

Can I Still Grow Taller with Unhealed Growth Plates?

Growth plate issues My growth plate on top has not yet healed, but the one below is close to healing. Can I still grow taller? I am transitioning from middle school to high school.

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Before the age of fifteen, there is still a chance for growth in height; however, if the growth plates are completely closed, further height increase will not be possible.

Understanding Thumb Ligament Tears: Recovery, Surgery, and Treatment Options

Tear of the ligament in the right thumb? Hello! Doctor, in late March, I sustained an injury to my right thumb due to external force, resulting in swelling. At that time, I underwent X-rays and an MRI, which diagnosed no bone damage but indicated a partial ligament tear, classifi...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: Q1: How long does it take for a general thumb ligament tear to heal? 2-3 months. Q2: The joint protrusion is due to periosteal or soft tissue proliferation. MRI indicates that there is no damage to the bone, so it is ...

Understanding Thigh Discomfort Without Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions

Thigh soreness without pain? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you about my knee issue, and now my knee feels a bit better, but my right thigh has started to feel sore all day (my lower back occasionally feels sore as well). My right thigh feels warm, but it doesn't hurt, and...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, after boys go through puberty and the growth plates close, they can no longer increase in height. For boys, this usually occurs after the age of 16.

Understanding Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Children: Treatment Options Explained

Growth plate slippage I would like to inquire about a fourth-grade child. If the growth plate at the connection between the femur and the pelvis has slipped, what treatment options are recommended? Is surgery necessary?

Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: The growth plate slippage at the upper end of the femur should be surgically fixed with steel pins to prevent further displacement. Other treatment methods such as non-weight bearing, bed rest, using a wheelchair, or crutches are unlikely to prevent further slippage and sh...

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