Open fracture, Orthopedics FAQ

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Understanding Ligament Injuries: Choosing Between Allograft and Autograft

Ligament injury Hello Doctor, I had a car accident last June where my knee suffered an open fracture (bone crack). Initially, I had no issues with rehabilitation after the accident, but recently I've been feeling instability in my knee joint, so I scheduled an MRI. After the...


Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello, the options for ligament reconstruction include autografts, allografts, and synthetic ligaments. Generally, most people prefer autografts. However, if you have a need for rapid recovery and a return to the playing field, allografts may be more ideal. Allografts themselves ...

[Read More] Understanding Ligament Injuries: Choosing Between Allograft and Autograft


Understanding Complications After Finger Fracture Surgery: A Patient's Journey

Fracture surgery issues Hello Doctor, on August 29, 2023, I suffered an open fracture of my third and fourth fingers at work and underwent emergency surgery immediately. Two steel pins were inserted into the proximal phalanx of the third finger, and one steel pin was inserted int...


Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, after a finger fracture, rehabilitation typically takes several months. If other physicians have identified additional issues and recommend further surgery, you may consult with another doctor if you have concerns. Some hospitals have specialized hand surgery departments w...

[Read More] Understanding Complications After Finger Fracture Surgery: A Patient's Journey


When Can I Remove My Pins After Ankle Fracture and Dislocation?

Ankle fracture and dislocation? Because I had a nail inserted on November 10th, I'm unsure when I can have it removed. I have an open fracture and dislocation. I would like to ask the doctor when it is typical to remove it in such cases.


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if the steel nail is exposed through the skin, it is usually removed after 6 to 8 weeks. If it is an internal fixation, it is typically removed after 1 to 1.5 years. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.

[Read More] When Can I Remove My Pins After Ankle Fracture and Dislocation?


Concerns About Possible Displacement After Ankle Surgery: A Patient's Inquiry

Left calf fracture has undergone surgery and is suspected to be displaced? Hello, on June 23, I underwent surgery for fractures in both legs, specifically the lower legs and the inner and outer malleoli in Thailand (the right inner malleolus was not operated on but is slightly di...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, the possibility of displacement after a fracture is not negligible. It is essential to rely on pre-operative and post-operative X-rays. Rehabilitation should generally wait for at least two months or until there are signs of healing at the fracture site visible on X-rays b...

[Read More] Concerns About Possible Displacement After Ankle Surgery: A Patient's Inquiry


Understanding Open Finger Fractures: Recovery and Nerve Sensation Issues

Open fracture of the finger? Hello doctor, on August 29, 2023, I had an open fracture of the third and fourth fingers due to work. I underwent emergency surgery where two steel pins were inserted into the proximal phalanx of the third finger and one steel pin into the proximal ph...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Numbness may be due to nerve damage, which could take some time to improve. Additionally, you may ask your doctor to prescribe medication to alleviate the numbness, typically vitamin B12 or similar supplements.

[Read More] Understanding Open Finger Fractures: Recovery and Nerve Sensation Issues


Flying After a Fracture: Risks and Recommendations for Recovery

Regarding flying with a fracture? Hello, Doctor. I was involved in a traffic accident on June 25, resulting in an open fracture of my left clavicle and fractures of my left ribs from the second to the seventh (concentrated in the back and side). I have undergone plate fixation su...


Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
The attending physician is the one who understands your condition and recovery the best. If one of their opinions differs, it is advisable for you to assess and weigh the information yourself, or to return for a follow-up consultation with the physician to discuss it further. Tha...

[Read More] Flying After a Fracture: Risks and Recommendations for Recovery


Post-Surgery Recovery: When Can I Walk Normally After a Leg Fracture?

Postoperative Knowledge On July 4th, I had an open fracture of my right thigh due to a car accident. Around July 20th, I started using a walker to attempt walking on my own, as I felt that my leg wasn't very painful. However, I was very afraid of putting full weight on my ri...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, whether you can bear weight after a femoral fracture surgery greatly depends on the type of fracture and the method of internal fixation used. It is best to consult your attending physician for the safest advice. Thank you.

[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: When Can I Walk Normally After a Leg Fracture?


Understanding Open Fractures: Recovery and Pain Management After a Car Accident

Car accident injuries? Doctor, I was in a car accident last Monday. At the time of the accident, my right leg was injured more severely, and there is a hole near my knee where the bone is visible. I was taken to the emergency room, where the doctor performed X-rays and a CT scan,...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, as mentioned in your letter, it seems to be swelling in the affected limb. Please elevate the affected limb, ideally above the level of the heart, to reduce the swelling as soon as possible.

[Read More] Understanding Open Fractures: Recovery and Pain Management After a Car Accident


Can Compression Socks Help After a Femur Fracture Surgery?

After a femoral fracture surgery, I would like to wear compression stockings? Hello, I suffered a comminuted and open fracture of my thigh on March 12, 2022. Due to delayed healing, I underwent an autologous graft surgery with plate fixation on April 28, 2023. Post-surgery, the a...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, compression garments are typically used to improve blood circulation and to prevent blood pooling during high-intensity exercise. Based on your message, I do not recommend their use. Thank you.

[Read More] Can Compression Socks Help After a Femur Fracture Surgery?


Understanding Finger Amputation: Definitions and Open Fracture Assessment

Definition of Amputation and Criteria for Determining Open Fractures of the Distal Phalanx in Remote Areas Hello Doctor, on February 13th, around 11 AM, due to work, my right hand finger was severely crushed by a heavy iron block. When I removed my work gloves, the tip of my righ...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, in terms of insurance, "amputation" refers to the loss of a digit with a phalangeal defect to be classified as a severed finger. If it is reattached, it is at most considered a reduction and fixation. Therefore, the physician's statement is entirely reasonab...

[Read More] Understanding Finger Amputation: Definitions and Open Fracture Assessment


Understanding Finger Amputation: Definitions and Open Fracture Assessment

Definition of amputation and criteria for determining open fractures of the distal phalanx? Hello Doctor, on February 13th, around 11 AM, due to work, my right hand finger was severely crushed by a metal block. When I removed my work glove, the tip of my right index finger was se...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, in terms of insurance, "amputation" refers to the loss of a digit due to the absence of a phalanx; if it is reattached, it is at most considered reduction and fixation. Therefore, the physician's statement is entirely reasonable from a medical perspective. C...

[Read More] Understanding Finger Amputation: Definitions and Open Fracture Assessment


Recovery After Steel Nail Removal: What to Expect Post-Surgery

Regarding the recovery after the removal of metal pins? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. Last January, I had an open fracture of the tibia and fibula due to a car accident. The attending physician inserted a metal rod at that time, and now, after a year, the doctor ...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If an intramedullary nail is placed in the tibia, normal walking can resume one week after its removal. However, if a plate and screws are used for fixation, protection is required for three months post-removal, and vigorous activities should be avoided during this period.

[Read More] Recovery After Steel Nail Removal: What to Expect Post-Surgery


Impact of Plate Fixation on Growth in Adolescent Forearm Fractures

Postoperative Care for Adolescent Radial and Ulnar Fractures Hello, I would like to ask about a 13-year-old adolescent who had an open fracture of the right radius and ulna on April 11 of this year. Surgery was performed on the same day to fix the fracture with a plate and screws...


Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: Generally, in adolescents with radial and ulnar fractures, fixation with plates and screws avoids the growth plates and does not affect skeletal growth. The plates and screws are typically removed after about a year and a half, depending on the healing condition. It is rec...

[Read More] Impact of Plate Fixation on Growth in Adolescent Forearm Fractures


Challenges in Healing Open Fractures: A Case Study of Tibia and Fibula

Incomplete healing after open reduction and internal fixation of a right distal tibiofibular fracture? Hello Doctor, I had an open fracture of the distal fibula on the right side due to a car accident in January this year, and I underwent surgery with self-funded internal fixatio...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. If there is a defect in the bone, healing can be very slow, and sometimes it may not heal at all. In such cases, surgical bone grafting may be necessary to promote healing. Usually, if a fracture has not healed after one year, surgery can be considered. 2. If the fracture si...

[Read More] Challenges in Healing Open Fractures: A Case Study of Tibia and Fibula


Will My Open Fracture Impact My Job in the Restaurant Industry?

I would like to ask if there will be any impact on work in the future? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I was in a car accident and was thrown out of the vehicle. After seeking medical attention, the doctor diagnosed me with an open fracture and performed surgery. I am currently ho...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The healing time for fractures varies depending on the location of the break. First, it is essential to determine where the fracture is located in order to know how long to rest.

[Read More] Will My Open Fracture Impact My Job in the Restaurant Industry?


Challenges of Removing Long-Term Orthopedic Hardware After 27 Years

Pain while walking due to a fractured steel plate? Hello Doctor: I suffered an open fracture of my right thigh in 1995. A year after the surgery, I intended to have the steel plate and screws removed, but the doctor advised that it was unnecessary and I could live normally withou...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the metal plate has fractured, it is important to check for any associated bone fractures. If there are no fractures, the metal plate can simply be removed. However, if there is a fracture, a second surgery will be necessary to stabilize the bone.

[Read More] Challenges of Removing Long-Term Orthopedic Hardware After 27 Years


Post-Surgery Wound Care: Managing Complications After Orthopedic Procedures

Wound condition after suture removal? Hello, Recently, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in intracranial hemorrhage, a skull base fracture, head trauma, an open fracture of the first metatarsal in my right foot, and lacerations on both sides of my right heel that r...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there are abnormalities in the wound accompanied by fever, it is advised to return for a follow-up appointment immediately. If there are no outpatient services available, please go to the emergency department to confirm whether the issue is related to the wound or cause...

[Read More] Post-Surgery Wound Care: Managing Complications After Orthopedic Procedures


Understanding Open Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation After Severe Injuries

Pelvic fractures and open fractures? Hello, doctor. My boyfriend was involved in a serious car accident, resulting in open fractures of both wrist joints, the left humerus, the pubis, and the sacrum. He is 27 years old. I would like to ask how long he might be bedridden in this s...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, if an open fracture occurs in the pelvis, the mortality rate is very high, so please be cautious. As for the limb fractures you mentioned, they usually require immobilization for a short period after surgery, depending on the surgical site and method, but this does not aff...

[Read More] Understanding Open Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation After Severe Injuries


Understanding Delayed Bone Healing After Open Fracture Surgery

Fracture healing issues? Hello Doctor, I was in a car accident at the end of last year and sustained an open and comminuted fracture of my right thigh, for which I had a steel plate implanted. I underwent three debridement surgeries, and now, five months later, during my last fol...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Complete healing without any gaps is necessary before one can walk with strength. Stable bone support is essential for promoting bone growth. Comminuted fractures are typically more challenging to heal; however, if healing does not occur, one must consider whether to undergo bone...

[Read More] Understanding Delayed Bone Healing After Open Fracture Surgery


Post-Fracture Recovery: Managing Pain and Mobility Challenges

Post-operative issues following a fracture? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my condition. It has been approximately five months since my car accident, during which I sustained an open fracture of the left femur and a closed (displaced) fracture of the left tibia. Sinc...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Heat therapy can usually relieve muscle soreness, and anti-inflammatory pain medications can also be taken for relief. 2. Before a fracture has fully healed, swelling in the lower extremities can occur; elevating the affected limb and performing some muscle contraction exerc...

[Read More] Post-Fracture Recovery: Managing Pain and Mobility Challenges


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