Post-Surgery Concerns: Swelling and Recovery After Leg Fracture
Post-surgery Hello doctor, my mother is 56 years old and had a car accident last month, resulting in a fracture of her lower leg with a metal plate inserted. However, it has been a month and her ankle is still swollen, and when pressed, it leaves an indentation that takes a few s...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
After surgery, the affected limb is prone to swelling, which is due to reduced activity levels. Following a fracture surgery, patients should not resume activity too early, as swelling is a common issue in the short term. Swelling can negatively impact circulation and the wound. ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Swelling and Recovery After Leg Fracture
Impact of Jumping on Recovery After Leg Fracture Surgery
Issues with fracture plate fixation? Two weeks ago, I fractured my tibia and underwent surgery four days later to have a plate inserted. I returned home to rest, but due to limited space, I haven't used crutches and have been hopping on one foot instead, keeping the injured ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the injured foot is not bearing weight, there should be no impact; however, excessive jumping may potentially cause issues with the uninjured foot. Therefore, it is advisable to follow medical advice and use crutches.[Read More] Impact of Jumping on Recovery After Leg Fracture Surgery
Understanding Mild Knee Swelling After Leg Fracture Recovery
Mild knee swelling? I sustained a fracture in my right thigh due to a car accident, which resulted in a small crack. I did not undergo surgery and only had a cast for nearly two months. It has been a week since the cast was removed, but my legs still appear noticeably swollen in ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is a normal phenomenon for poor circulation near the fracture site, and the joints and muscles may lack movement. Elevating the leg and applying heat can help.[Read More] Understanding Mild Knee Swelling After Leg Fracture Recovery
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...[Read More] Impact of Slow Bone Healing on Athletes After Leg Fracture
Understanding Numbness After Intramedullary Nail Surgery for Leg Fractures
After two weeks of having steel pins inserted for a tibia and fibula fracture, the sole of the foot began to feel numb? Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. On March 15th, I was hit by a car, resulting in both legs being crushed and an open fracture. The next day, I had...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Open fractures of the tibia and fibula were stabilized with intramedullary nailing; however, the injury may have affected the nerves. It is advisable to consult the attending physician for a nerve conduction study to determine the location of nerve damage and facilitate early int...[Read More] Understanding Numbness After Intramedullary Nail Surgery for Leg Fractures
Understanding Non-Displaced Ankle Fractures: Recovery and Cast Duration
Lateral ankle fracture Hello Dr. Hong, I accidentally fell down the stairs on April 1, resulting in a non-displaced fracture of my left ankle. The attending physician informed me that surgery is not necessary and that I only need to have a cast for stabilization. Additionally, I ...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello: There is a non-displaced fracture of the ankle, and it has been immobilized with a cast for 4 weeks. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the cast can be removed, but weight-bearing is still not permitted. Crutches will be needed for assistance. After two weeks of re...[Read More] Understanding Non-Displaced Ankle Fractures: Recovery and Cast Duration
Managing Knee Pain After Intramedullary Nail Surgery for Leg Fracture
Crush fracture of the tibia underwent intramedullary nailing through a knee incision, resulting in knee discomfort? Dr. Chen, I have a question. I suffered a comminuted fracture of my lower leg in a car accident on January 15, and I had an intramedullary nail inserted through sur...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, intramedullary nailing is the standard treatment for tibial fractures. After the insertion of the intramedullary nail, some patients may experience knee pain. However, it is important to rule out the issue of excessive nail prominence. If the length of the nail is appropri...[Read More] Managing Knee Pain After Intramedullary Nail Surgery for Leg Fracture
Understanding Healing Times for Femoral Neck Fractures
When will a fracture heal? It is common for individuals in their teens and twenties to heal from lower leg fractures within one to three months. However, a femoral neck fracture may take up to six months to heal properly, especially to alleviate pain in the groin area. This exten...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bones are classified into long bones and short bones. The tibia is a long bone, and it typically takes about three months to heal completely, although it may not always be fully healed by then. Generally, it takes around six months for the femoral neck to become sufficiently stro...[Read More] Understanding Healing Times for Femoral Neck Fractures
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
Can I Shower After Skin Grafting for My Leg Injury?
Skin graft surgery Hello Dr. Li, during the hospitalization for a lower leg fracture, I underwent a skin graft surgery due to exposed metal plates. The epidermis has healed, but the tissue hasn't filled the cavity completely. The outer area is dry with no drainage. The plast...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
If the surface of the indentation is covered by intact skin, it is safe to shower.[Read More] Can I Shower After Skin Grafting for My Leg Injury?
Managing Swelling and Mobility After a Leg Fracture: Key Questions
Please consult regarding issues related to calf fractures, such as redness, swelling, and walking difficulties? Hello Dr. Lee, I had a motorcycle accident on January 31, resulting in two fractured bones in my left calf. I underwent surgery at Taichung Veterans General Hospital an...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
1. Heat therapy can be applied, and range of motion exercises for the knee and ankle joints should be performed. 2. X-rays should be used to monitor whether the bone has healed; if it has not healed, the plate may become deformed.[Read More] Managing Swelling and Mobility After a Leg Fracture: Key Questions
Can You Take Hot Baths After a Leg Fracture Surgery?
Is it safe to take a hot bath after a fracture surgery? Hello Dr. Lee, I was in a car accident on March 14, which resulted in three closed fractures of the tibia and fibula in my left lower leg. The doctor performed surgery, inserting an intramedullary nail through an incision a...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, based on your description, there should be no issues, and there will not be any sequelae such as rheumatism. I recommend that you elevate your foot and perform more exercises for your foot arch and toes. If the swelling subsides, that's f...[Read More] Can You Take Hot Baths After a Leg Fracture Surgery?
Recovery Timeline After Tibial Fracture Surgery: When Can You Walk Normally?
Fracture Hello Dr. Zhou: I had a tibial fracture in March last year, and I had the six metal screws and plate removed on November 10 this year. How long will it take before I can walk normally?
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Hello, netizen: If a lower leg fracture has completely healed after one year, the internal fixation devices can be removed. After removal, normal walking can resume due to complete healing. There will be screw holes in the tibia (six in total), which will heal in about three mont...[Read More] Recovery Timeline After Tibial Fracture Surgery: When Can You Walk Normally?
Understanding Osteomyelitis: Treatment Options and Specialist Resources in Taiwan
Questions about osteomyelitis? Hello Doctor: My sister had a fracture from a car accident and underwent a long period of rehabilitation. During her recovery, she experienced redness and swelling at the site of the leg fracture, but after follow-up visits and blood tests, the doct...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Xiaoming: In cases of acute osteomyelitis, debridement and antibiotic therapy are usually required, while hyperbaric oxygen therapy serves as an adjunct treatment. Necrotic bone and infected areas should be thoroughly removed. It is recommended to visit an orthopedic outpatient c...[Read More] Understanding Osteomyelitis: Treatment Options and Specialist Resources in Taiwan
Should You Schedule an Early Follow-Up for Your Leg Fracture?
Should a follow-up appointment be scheduled proactively? Hello, doctor: I was in a car accident at the end of September this year. After being taken to the emergency room and undergoing an X-ray, I was diagnosed with a fibula fracture in my left leg and treated with a cast. The h...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. A fracture of the ankle often requires casting, which can lead to swelling and pain in the lower limb. It is advisable to elevate the affected limb (preferably above heart level) whenever possible. If the swelling and pain persist even after e...[Read More] Should You Schedule an Early Follow-Up for Your Leg Fracture?
Recovery After Right Leg Fracture: Can I Dance and Play Basketball Again?
Right calf fracture? Hello doctor, I had a car accident on September 4th of this year, resulting in a comminuted fracture of my right calf. After surgery, the doctor informed me that both the fibula and tibia in my calf were fractured. I would like to know if I will be able to re...
Dr. Huang Longde Reply:
Hello, this student: Generally, comminuted fractures can be classified into those caused by sprains or those resulting from direct impact. Sprains typically result in less severe injuries to muscles and other soft tissues, while comminuted fractures from direct impact tend to cau...[Read More] Recovery After Right Leg Fracture: Can I Dance and Play Basketball Again?
Addressing Osteoporosis After Four Months of Leg Fracture Recovery
Four months after the fracture, osteoporosis? Hello Doctor: My husband (30 years old) had a fibula fracture in his left leg due to exercise and had the cast on for four months before it was removed. The doctor mentioned that he shows signs of osteoporosis, as seen in the X-ray, w...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
A 30-year-old male patient with a fibula fracture in the lower extremity, if it is not close to the ankle joint, is mostly treated conservatively with cast immobilization. However, weight-bearing is allowed to prevent osteoporosis. If osteoporosis unfortunately occurs, it is reve...[Read More] Addressing Osteoporosis After Four Months of Leg Fracture Recovery
Understanding Recovery from a Leg Fracture After Surgery: What to Expect
Tibial fracture Hello, doctor. I was injured in a car accident on October 5th, where I sustained a knee injury and underwent surgery to remove small fragments. I also fractured the smaller bone in my lower leg, and the hospital inserted a steel pin through the ankle to stabilize ...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if you are feeling anxious, you may consider seeking a second opinion from another specialist. Generally speaking, a displacement of 1-2 mm in a fracture is considered acceptable, as X-rays can have issues with angle and magnification. A 1-2 m...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from a Leg Fracture After Surgery: What to Expect
Guide for Foreign Patients Seeking Orthopedic Surgery in Taiwan
Medical Matters for Foreign Nationals in Taiwan I have a foreign relative who had a car accident and suffered a leg fracture. They have undergone multiple surgeries in Indonesia but have not fully recovered. They would like to come to Taiwan for surgery. How much would the treatm...
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu, Thank you for your inquiry regarding the medical fee standards for foreign nationals. Here is the response: In our country, if an individual does not have National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage, medical fees are charged according to the NHI fee schedule. Theref...[Read More] Guide for Foreign Patients Seeking Orthopedic Surgery in Taiwan
Recovery from Severe Leg Fractures: When to Walk Without Crutches?
Recovery from a comminuted fracture of the lower leg? Hello Doctor: My father suffered a comminuted fracture about 5 centimeters above the ankle in his lower leg due to a car accident. It has been three months since the injury, and X-rays show that some callus formation has begun...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello Ms. Li: The comminuted fracture in the lower third of your calf will require a longer time to heal. X-rays show the formation of callus, indicating that it has not yet fully healed. Therefore, the use of crutches for support is still necessary, but you may partially bear we...[Read More] Recovery from Severe Leg Fractures: When to Walk Without Crutches?