Understanding Congenital Bone Abnormalities: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Hello!!!! Hello Dr. Hong: I hope you don't mind me asking. My girlfriend may have a congenital condition where there are multiple bony protrusions on the surface of her bones. Additionally, the growth positions and sizes of the joints in her hands and feet are also abnormal....
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Jeff: The protruding bones on your girlfriend's skeleton are likely osteochondromas, which are benign and related to genetic factors. If there are no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, if they affect her quality of life or joint mobility, you might consider h...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Bone Abnormalities: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Does Femoral Fracture Affect Height Growth in Children?
Will a femoral fracture affect development? Hello, Director Shih: I would like to ask if having a previous femoral fracture would affect subsequent height development. Could it result in stunted growth? I am a bit worried! I appreciate your response and apologize for taking up yo...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Femoral fractures that do not occur at the growth plate will not affect height development and will not cause stunted growth. If a femoral fracture heals improperly and results in some bending or deformity, the injured limb may be slightly shorter than the normal side. In childre...[Read More] Does Femoral Fracture Affect Height Growth in Children?
Understanding Rib Defects in Newborns: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Congenital rib defects in newborns? Hello Doctor: Recently, my baby was born prematurely at 35 weeks and 4 days. The doctor mentioned that there are two missing ribs in the upper left chest and that there is some damage to the spine. The doctor advised us to wait until the baby g...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Dear concerned father, In response to your question... Based on your description, it is possible that your baby has a congenital spinal deformity. Generally, ribs are symmetrically developed from both sides of the thoracic vertebrae, with a total of twelve pairs (from the first ...[Read More] Understanding Rib Defects in Newborns: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Correcting O-Shaped Legs and Height Growth: Myths and Facts
Bow legs + growth in height Doctor... I have bow legs. I've heard that in the military, some people bind their legs to correct this, and it supposedly works! I want to ask if there are any methods to improve this condition. I am 18 years old. What is the correct standing pos...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Using leg binding to correct bow legs is ineffective. If the condition is severe, corrective osteotomy surgery may be considered. Body posture does not affect the presence of bow legs. Height growth is related to genetics, and individuals typically grow taller before puberty. Aft...[Read More] Correcting O-Shaped Legs and Height Growth: Myths and Facts
Understanding Scoliosis: Treatment Needs and Long-Term Effects
Spinal curvature assessment Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if scoliosis requires treatment. If left untreated, what are the potential complications? Will the treatment take a long time? My condition is not very severe... I'm just wondering if correcting the curvature wou...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Scoliosis should be considered for surgical treatment if the curvature exceeds 40 degrees. If the curvature is between 20 and 40 degrees, bracing may be considered, particularly in patients who have not yet completed their growth. In adults, surgery is only considered if the curv...[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Treatment Needs and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Bunions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Hallux valgus Hello doctor, recently I have noticed a soft, bump-like growth on my big toe. It feels soft and somewhat numb to the touch. Could this be a bunion? It is located on the edge of the big toe, near the index toe.
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: Hallux valgus refers to an excessive angle between the bones of the big toe, which can cause pain on the inner side of the toe, but it does not form a bunion-like growth. If there is a bunion-like growth between the big toe and the second toe that feels numb to the touch, ...[Read More] Understanding Bunions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Limb Lengthening Surgery: Can Shorter Individuals Benefit?
Inquiry about bone lengthening? Regarding limb lengthening, it is generally considered only in special circumstances. However, I would like to ask if there are any successful cases of normal individuals, such as a male with a height of approximately 155 cm, undergoing this surger...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: Regarding this issue, the so-called bone lengthening surgery, also known as distraction osteogenesis, involves breaking the bone and then re-fixing it to allow for new bone growth and lengthening. This procedure utilizes the circular external fixator designed by the pionee...[Read More] Understanding Limb Lengthening Surgery: Can Shorter Individuals Benefit?
Understanding Post-Surgery Infection and Healing in Canine Fractures
Infection of the surgical wound following a tibial and fibular fracture surgery? On December 30, 1993, my puppy and I were involved in a motorcycle accident where we were hit by a car. This resulted in fractures of the right tibia and fibula of my puppy. The doctor performed surg...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Wound inflammation requires debridement surgery, and the sutures that need to be removed will not affect the appearance of the scar. Whether to apply ice after discharge depends on the situation; if there is inflammation and swelling, cold compresses should be used. Wound infecti...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Infection and Healing in Canine Fractures
Height Questions: Morning vs. Evening Measurements and Growth Myths
Questions about height? I have a few questions to ask. 1. It seems that my height measured in the morning is taller than in the evening. If I am still taller in the morning, does that mean I might still grow taller? 2. I heard that wearing canvas shoes can affect growth. Is t...
Dr. Yang Nanping Reply:
Hello: Whether one will grow taller depends on whether the growth plates of the long bones in the lower limbs (femur and tibia/fibula) have fused, which can be assessed through X-ray imaging. Drinking milk to supplement calcium can contribute to bone health, but it is not the sol...[Read More] Height Questions: Morning vs. Evening Measurements and Growth Myths
Factors Affecting Height Growth: Can I Still Grow Taller at 15?
Factors Affecting Height Growth? At 15 years old, it is still possible for you to grow taller, as growth plates may not have fully closed yet. However, the extent of further growth can vary from person to person. Regarding your question about using computers and watching televisi...
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Lack of sleep can affect height growth because the pineal gland regulates the circadian rhythm. Modern youth who excessively watch late-night television (such as HBO, CINEMA, AXN...) or spend time online, burning CDs, or playing video games inadvertently suppress the pineal gland...[Read More] Factors Affecting Height Growth: Can I Still Grow Taller at 15?
Understanding Delayed Healing in Forearm Fractures: What to Expect
Fracture Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you a question. At the end of September, I fractured the middle part of my right forearm's ulna and underwent surgery for plate fixation. As of yesterday, December 21, during my follow-up appointment, the doctor determined that t...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... It is not absolutely abnormal to not see sufficient callus formation three months after surgery for a long bone fracture, as the reasons for fractures, the nature of the fracture, the treatment methods, and the initial bone quality can vary ...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Healing in Forearm Fractures: What to Expect
Understanding Dislocated Elbow with Fracture: Recovery Challenges and Options
Dislocation with fracture Hello, on March 16, I completely dislocated my right elbow. After two weeks in a cast, I had the upper arm bone (where it connects to the forearm) examined, and I noticed some deformity. There is also soft and hard tissue growth around the joint. After r...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
Joint dislocations are usually accompanied by injuries to ligaments and muscles. If the bones have healed, it is advisable to consult a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist to check for any neuromuscular damage.[Read More] Understanding Dislocated Elbow with Fracture: Recovery Challenges and Options
Understanding Chondromas: Causes, Treatment, and Risks Explained
What is a chondroma? Hello Dr. Lin, after the car accident, I had an X-ray taken and learned that I have chondromas in my ankle and knee. I would like to inquire about the causes, treatment options, and potential risks associated with this condition.
Dr. Lin Gengxiao Reply:
Hello~ 1. "Osteochondroma" is most commonly found in children and adolescents and is a benign bone tumor that can be either solitary or multiple. Most osteochondromas are asymptomatic and are often discovered during routine examinations. The most common clinical symptom...[Read More] Understanding Chondromas: Causes, Treatment, and Risks Explained
How to Identify if You Have a Bunions and Foot Concerns?
How to distinguish if it is hallux valgus? My thumbs are slightly protruding, and I'm not sure if it's hallux valgus. Also, there's a growth next to the fourth toe on my right foot, and I don't know what it is. Could you please help me? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear readers, Hallux valgus, commonly known as bunion, refers to the condition where the big toe deviates towards the second toe, causing the first metatarsal bone to angle inward, and resulting in a prominent bump at the base of the big toe. In severe cases, it may be accompani...[Read More] How to Identify if You Have a Bunions and Foot Concerns?
Post-Operative Care After Hip Replacement: Managing Infections and Antibiotics
Postoperative care after total hip arthroplasty? Dear Doctor, I suffered a left femoral neck fracture at the end of April and underwent a hemiarthroplasty. Unfortunately, due to a postoperative infection, my rehabilitation progress was poor. On September 17, I had surgery to rem...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Prolonged use of antibiotics can have adverse effects on the body, particularly on the kidneys and liver. Currently, the best approach is to continue monitoring CRP levels until they drop below 1, at which point antibiotic use can be discontinued. In terms of rehabilitation, it i...[Read More] Post-Operative Care After Hip Replacement: Managing Infections and Antibiotics
Understanding Bone Growths in Children: Causes and Treatment Options
Bone hyperplasia (osteophyte) The young girl, around 5 years old, discovered several protruding bones near the lower side of her thigh and at the joints close to the front of her hand. At that time, she underwent an X-ray at a major hospital, which indicated a familial hereditary...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello: If it is familial, it may be chondromatosis. If it does not affect daily life, conservative treatment can be adopted. However, if it does have an impact, surgical removal and pathological examination are recommended to determine whether it is benign. Sincerely, Dr. Luo Zha...[Read More] Understanding Bone Growths in Children: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Growth Plates: Nutrition, Surgery, and Height Increase Options
Growth plate Height can be influenced by nutrition, exercise, and stimulation of the growth plates. Is it possible to overdose on calcium supplements? If the growth plates are still open and one wishes to increase height, is the procedure to stimulate the growth plates considered...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Xiaolin, Height is primarily determined by genetics, accounting for about 90% of an individual's stature. Factors such as nutrition and exercise can have a partial impact on height. Procedures like growth plate stimulation and limb lengthening should not be used on in...[Read More] Understanding Growth Plates: Nutrition, Surgery, and Height Increase Options
Understanding Pediatric Fractures: Acceptable Deformities and Healing Potential
Pediatric fractures Dr. Remodeling potential: If the fracture site is not perfectly aligned or has even a slight rotational deformity, the balance of muscle tension stimulation, along with the periosteum responding to pressure by forming bone and responding to tension by resorbin...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Readers: Remodeling potential is related to age; the younger the individual, the stronger the remodeling capability. Therefore, younger individuals can tolerate greater degrees of rotational deformity (malrotation) and angulation. For example, in the case of distal radius fr...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Fractures: Acceptable Deformities and Healing Potential
Post-Surgery Care and Nutrition for Complex Leg Fractures
Complex fractures of the leg! My father recently suffered a complex (comminuted) fracture of the tibia and ankle due to a fall at work. He is currently undergoing treatment, and I would like to understand how to provide proper postoperative care and nutritional support for patien...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, in response to your question about fracture healing, there are several factors to consider: 1. Mechanism of injury: Comminuted, high-energy, periarticular, and open fractures generally have a poorer healing outcome compared to simple fractures. 2. Individual factors: O...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care and Nutrition for Complex Leg Fractures
Can You Reopen Growth Plates for Height Increase After Closure?
Regarding growth plates and height increase issues? Hello, Doctor. I heard that the growth plates in males typically close around the age of 16. I would like to know if there is any way to reopen closed growth plates or if it is possible for someone whose growth plates have close...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Once the growth plates have closed, there is no way to reopen them for further height increase. The only option for increasing height after the growth phase is through limb lengthening surgery. Theoretically, individuals will not grow taller after reaching their growth age.[Read More] Can You Reopen Growth Plates for Height Increase After Closure?