Nails, Orthopedics FAQ

Should You Remove Intramedullary Nails After Bone Healing?

Removal of metal pins Several years ago, my mother suffered a comminuted fracture of the femur and had a steel rod implanted in her thigh bone. She has undergone several surgeries to remove it, but they were unsuccessful due to a drop in blood pressure that required emergency ces...

Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, metal screws do not have a specific lifespan. If there are no other symptoms and the surgical risks are too high, it may be considered not to remove them. It is advisable to discuss this further with your attending physician and make a decision after ev...

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...

Understanding Recovery After Humerus Fracture Surgery: What to Expect

Humeral fracture Hello, I had a humeral fracture and underwent internal fixation surgery with steel nails last July. It has been ten months since then, and I can only extend my arm back to my waist; I cannot reach higher or fasten my bra straps. Is this normal? Additionally, if t...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
The location of the fracture, the type of implant (such as intramedullary nails or plates), the site of implantation, and the healing status can all affect mobility. It is recommended to follow up with an outpatient clinic for X-rays so that the physician can make an assessment.

Understanding Comminuted Fractures: Plates vs. Nails and Healing Time

Comminuted fracture Hello doctor, I would like to ask whether a comminuted fracture should be treated with a plate or screws? What types of plates are available? Generally, how long does it take for a comminuted fracture to heal? What constitutes nonunion in bone healing?

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
To determine the type of fixation plate material to use, such as stainless steel or titanium alloy, it is essential to examine the morphology of the fracture. There are various types of fractures based on their shapes. If a fracture heals in a misaligned manner or deviates signif...

Delaying Removal of Tibial Nails: What Are the Risks?

Removal of metal screws issue Hello, doctor. I have had a tibial intramedullary nail for a year and need to have it removed. However, due to my busy work schedule, I don't have time to have it removed right now. I am considering postponing the removal for another year. Will ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there is currently no tingling sensation or joint locking, it would not be a major issue to wait another year for extraction.

Understanding Femoral Neck Fractures: Recovery and Concerns for Young Adults

Femoral neck fracture Hello Doctor: I am 22 years old. I suffered a non-displaced fracture of the left femoral neck in a car accident on December 11. The physician I consulted recommended a treatment approach without the use of nails, and I have been using crutches. I took anti-i...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It has been almost a month since the fracture, and fractures typically do not heal within this timeframe. Healing usually takes about three months. The range of motion in the hip joint may be reduced and will take some time to recover. There is a risk of avascular necrosis of the...

Challenges in Healing a Complex Femur Fracture: Seeking Solutions

Regarding the delayed healing of a femoral fracture? Hello Dr. Lee, when I was 21 years old, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a comminuted fracture of my right femur (the right thigh was broken into three segments). Over a year after the surgery, the recovery sit...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, your situation is quite unique. Even if I provide you with a lot of relevant information, it may not alleviate your concerns. My personal recommendation is to consult some renowned orthopedic specialists, such as Dr. Ching-Chuan Chiang at Nati...

Recovering Finger Mobility After Long-Term Radish Consumption

I have been eating pickled radish for 1 to 2 years? I'm sorry, it's a bit lengthy. I've been eating dried radish for about a year and a half due to playing basketball, and my condition has become quite serious (previously, it was just my nails breaking, causing ble...

Dr. Zhang Shengben Reply:
Joint injuries in the fingers due to trauma can result in tears to the joint capsule, bones, and ligaments. After an injury, it is important to immediately apply ice to the affected limb, immobilize it, and seek an X-ray examination from an orthopedic specialist. Failing to do so...

Choosing Between Plates and Pins for Colles Fracture Treatment: A Guide

Colles' Fracture (Distal Radius Fracture) Hello Director Chen, I have a closed fracture of the radius due to a car accident, and I have osteoporosis. Currently, my doctor has recommended using a plate for fixation because the bone is somewhat fragmented. If I manage my house...

Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Readers: Distal radius fractures are commonly seen in postmenopausal women due to falls, resulting in osteoporotic fractures. Treatment options include closed reduction with cast immobilization, closed reduction with percutaneous pinning and cast immobilization, closed reduc...

Understanding Nail Bed Reconstruction Surgery in Orthopedics

Nail bed reconstruction surgery Dear Dr. Tan, What is nail bed reconstruction? Is it necessary to include bone repair, grafting, and microsurgical techniques for it to be considered nail bed reconstruction? I would greatly appreciate your guidance on this matter. Thank you.

Dr. Tan Zhuowen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Meng: Ingrown toenails that become infected are common among individuals with flat feet, those who wear shoes that are too tight, and diabetic patients, leading to a condition known as "paronychia." The simplest preventive measure for paronychia is to trim t...

Understanding Recovery from Left Heel Bone Fracture: Pain and Treatment Options

Regarding left heel bone fracture? Hello, Doctor! On June 27, 2009, I fell from a height of one story while working at school, resulting in a fracture of my left calcaneus. I underwent surgery at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Tamsui, where the doctor performed an open reduction and...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Your question should be directed to your surgeon. Each person's fracture location, shape, and treatment approach are different, so every patient's situation is unique. I wonder if you have undergone any rehabilitation therapy? Please ask your surgeon to recommend...

Understanding Avascular Necrosis: Recovery Tips After Hip Surgery

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head? Hello Dr. Zhou, In November 2007, I suffered a femoral head fracture near the hip joint due to a car accident. After being treated with steel nails, there were no signs of necrosis on X-rays for the first six months. However, due to (exces...

Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
According to online users, there is currently a fracture plate in place, and the femoral head is necrotic with a history of bone grafting. The key focus is on whether the bone graft is growing (it is advisable to avoid weight-bearing activities, and abstaining from alcohol and sm...

Understanding Toe Pain: Is It Gout or Something Else?

Toe pain—could it be gout? A few days ago, I suddenly woke up in the middle of the night due to severe pain in the middle and ring toes of my right foot. Initially, I thought it was because my toenails needed trimming, so I quickly cut them. However, to my surprise, the pain pers...

Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Based on your description, the following conditions should be considered (more likely 2 or 3): 1. Gout: Typically has warning signs, but most commonly presents with swelling and pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint, followed by the ankle joint, and potentially the knee an...

Understanding Toe Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help

Toe pain Hello Dr. Wang, my left foot's ring toe has been uncomfortable for about two to three years. It doesn't usually hurt or show any particular abnormalities, but the toenail is a bit darker than the others. I checked for fungal nail infection, but it doesn't ...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
It seems that only your toes are uncomfortable, and you are not experiencing any significant pain. Issues related to local nerves or the area beneath the nail bed could be possible. It is recommended to visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for an examination. Wishing you a speed...

Comparing Intramedullary Nails and Fitbone for Tibial Fractures

Regarding intramedullary nailing for tibial fractures? Dear Director Hong, If there is a discrepancy in the length of the tibia in the lower limb, is the Ilizarov external fixation system for limb lengthening the only option? I have heard that in Germany, some doctors use the Fi...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Thank you for your question, which is very professional. Limb lengthening is generally performed using external fixation, and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as certain limitations, especially in adults or children. As for the intramedullary nail imp...

Ankle Injury: Is Surgery the Right Solution for Chronic Pain?

Ankle joint injury About 18 years ago, I suffered an open fracture of the ankle due to a car accident. The injured area has been frequently painful, and I have previously sought treatment and taken pain medication. I have not sought treatment or taken pain medication for the past...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is best for you to seek an evaluation from an orthopedic physician as soon as possible. During the consultation, the physician will perform an X-ray examination and a physical examination. Considering your age and occupational needs, the or...

Dealing with Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

The toenail has grown into the flesh? Hello, I have been wearing shoes that seem to be too small for me during my development, which has caused my big toenail to grow inward into the flesh due to prolonged pressure. As a result, I often experience pain when it gets bumped, and it...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This condition may be paronychia; it is advisable to consult a surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

Post-Surgery Pin Removal: Recovery Tips and Mobility Guidance

Issues related to fracture fixation removal? Hello Doctor: In June 2006, I sustained my first closed fracture of the right tibia and fibula, for which I underwent internal fixation surgery with bone screws and plates. In late November 2006, I experienced a second closed, comminut...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, you have a fracture of the right ankle and tibial shaft, which has been stabilized with a plate, screws, and intramedullary nails. After a year of good healing post-surgery, you can undergo a procedure to remove the internal fixation. Postoper...

Understanding the Differences Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joint pain Hello, Doctor! Since mid-August, I have been experiencing joint and bone pain that started with pharyngitis, and it has been over two months now. I have consulted the immunology department at the Veterans General Hospital, and on October 13, I had blood and urine tests...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Degenerative arthritis typically occurs in middle-aged and older individuals, primarily affecting the large joints such as the knees, hips, and shoulders. Additionally, the distal joints of the fingers may also be involved. It generally presents with pain and deformity that devel...

Understanding Poor Healing in Femoral Fractures: Key Questions Answered

Poor healing of femoral fractures? Hello Doctor, my mother is 61 years old. She had a femoral fracture due to a car accident a year and a half ago. The fracture was caused by impact and is a non-comminuted fracture. She underwent surgical fixation with a plate and two screws at b...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. You are truly filial, and with your devotion, your mother’s condition will surely improve! From a medical perspective, your mother has a femoral fracture that has been stabilized with intramedullary nailing. After a year and a half, it has sti...

Previous｜Page ｜Next