Risks of Leaving Bone Screws and Plates in After Fracture Surgery
Risks of leaving bone screws and plates in place? Hello Doctor, I had a tibial plateau fracture in my left leg due to a car accident in 2019. At that time, I had a titanium alloy plate and screws inserted at my own expense, with plans to remove them after a year. However, I becam...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1. In the future, if osteoporosis occurs with age, will it have an impact? No. 2. If a severe injury leads to a fracture, will the existing bone screws affect the fracture surgery? This is possible. Additionally, implants do not provide benefits when placed in the body...[Read More] Risks of Leaving Bone Screws and Plates in After Fracture Surgery
Post-Surgery Wrist Infection: Symptoms, Concerns, and Recovery Time
Postoperative infection of the wrist? Hello Doctor, I had surgery for a wrist fracture on October 4th, and titanium alloy was used. I was hospitalized for three days. I returned for a follow-up on October 16th, and my recovery was good. The doctor said I could shower and use adhe...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Timely intervention may prevent osteomyelitis. 2. It is unrelated to adhesive tape. 3. The wound can only be exposed to water after it has healed. 4. The wound usually improves after drainage.[Read More] Post-Surgery Wrist Infection: Symptoms, Concerns, and Recovery Time
Post-Surgery Complications: Pus and Bleeding from Fracture Scar
Post-surgical wound discharge from a fracture repair site? Hello Doctor, I had a closed femoral fracture from a car accident on December 28 last year. I underwent surgery the next day, and on January 12, the doctor removed the stitches and said the wound was healing well. However...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if the area is small and there is no significant wound pain, it may not necessarily be an infection. However, if the wound is warm and painful, and you experience symptoms such as fever and chills, you should seek medical attention immediately. It is advisable to visit a s...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Pus and Bleeding from Fracture Scar
Understanding Osteomyelitis: Latency Period and Healing Concerns
Infection issues? Does osteomyelitis have a latent period? How long after a wound heals can one stop worrying about it?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Osteomyelitis is caused by bacterial invasion of the bone. If the bacteria penetrate the bone, the onset of the condition can occur rapidly; therefore, a latent period is typically nonexistent. Even after a wound has healed, if there was an initial infection in the bone, there is...[Read More] Understanding Osteomyelitis: Latency Period and Healing Concerns
Understanding the Differences Between Osteomyelitis and Cellulitis After Fracture Surgery
Postoperative inflammation symptoms were observed following tibia and fibula fracture surgery? Hello Doctor: In early July, I sustained a closed fracture of the lower fibula in my right leg due to a car accident. I underwent internal fixation surgery on the same day, and all the ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Osteomyelitis is an infection and inflammation of the bone itself, while cellulitis refers to the inflammation of the soft tissues of the limbs, where the bone itself is not infected.[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Osteomyelitis and Cellulitis After Fracture Surgery
Understanding the Need for Antibiotic Bone Cement Removal in Osteomyelitis
The issue of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement in osteomyelitis? Hello Doctor, I had a car accident in my youth that required surgery, which later led to the development of osteomyelitis. After multiple surgeries for debridement, it has recurred. In May of this year, I underwent...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, it is not absolutely necessary to remove it, but if the infection is well controlled, removal can reduce the chance of reinfection (by minimizing foreign material). If there is a recurrent purulent infection, it should also be removed.[Read More] Understanding the Need for Antibiotic Bone Cement Removal in Osteomyelitis
Impact of Not Using Drainage Tubes on Complications After Tibia-Fibula Fracture Surgery
Tibiofibular comminuted fracture On June 10, 2020, an open reduction and internal fixation surgery was performed. No drainage tube was placed postoperatively. The patient was discharged on June 22, 2020. On July 12, 2020, the patient developed a fever. Hospital examination result...
Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Dear Mr. Zeng, Post-operative infections following fracture surgery are not related to the absence of a drainage tube. In some cases, placing a drainage tube during a clean surgical procedure can actually increase the risk of infection; therefore, it is not always necessary to u...[Read More] Impact of Not Using Drainage Tubes on Complications After Tibia-Fibula Fracture Surgery
Understanding Femur Fractures and Chronic Osteomyelitis Treatment
Left femur fracture? Four years ago, I was in a car accident that caused multiple fractures in both legs, leading to chronic osteomyelitis (Staphylococcus aureus infection). I had been receiving treatment at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, but the femur had not healed, and m...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, according to your letter, you have been suffering. The fibula in the human body, except for the distal five centimeters, is not essential and can be removed without significant impact. This is also a reserve of bones provided by nature for humans, which can be utilized whe...[Read More] Understanding Femur Fractures and Chronic Osteomyelitis Treatment
Understanding the Risks of Removing Plates and Screws in Osteomyelitis
Removal of bone plates and screws in osteomyelitis? Hello Doctor, in November 2017, I fractured my right humerus, and in March 2018, I was diagnosed with osteomyelitis. I received antibiotic treatment and was hospitalized until the end of April. In October, I underwent debridemen...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the steel plate is affecting your elbow, please have the doctor carefully remove it during surgery, paying close attention to the position of the nerves.[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Removing Plates and Screws in Osteomyelitis
Understanding Discharge from Surgical Pins: Signs of Infection?
Discharge from the pin site? Due to a car accident, my right thumb is slightly protruding, so I underwent surgery where three metal pins were inserted. Three weeks post-surgery, I noticed pus coming from the pin site, and sometimes I experience mild pain. I am very concerned that...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello, if there is pus at the site of the nail, please return to the outpatient clinic as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Discharge from Surgical Pins: Signs of Infection?
Post-Surgery Complications: Managing Infections After Tibia and Fibula Fractures
Postoperative care for tibia and fibula fractures? Hello Dr. Chen, three months ago I fell and fractured my tibia and fibula. I had surgery on both sides of my ankle, with two screws inserted on each side. One side is healing well, but the other side's wound has not yet heal...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Find a hospital for a blood test + consult with a surgeon (orthopedic specialist) to determine if there is an infection. If an infection is present, debridement treatment is necessary, as delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Managing Infections After Tibia and Fibula Fractures
Managing Bone Thickening and Skin Issues After Tibia Fracture
Wound after a fracture? I have a question about my right tibia. It was fractured in a car accident over a decade ago, and now that area of the bone has become very thick. Is there any way to restore the bone to its original thickness? Additionally, the surgical scar has become ve...
Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello, A-Ting. Based on your description, it is necessary to conduct relevant examinations such as physical therapy and imaging studies to rule out issues related to osteomyelitis or bone protrusions causing the wound problem. Please visit the orthopedic outpatient clinic![Read More] Managing Bone Thickening and Skin Issues After Tibia Fracture
Understanding Tibial Fractures: Complications and Treatment Options
Tibial fracture Hello Doctor: My brother is a patient with a closed fracture of the upper end of the right tibia and has undergone internal fixation surgery with bone screws. One and a half months after discharge, he was diagnosed with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the tibi...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
1. Is it more suitable for the original surgeon who initially placed the artificial plates and screws to perform the removal and debridement surgery, or is it acceptable for a surgeon from another hospital to do it? What are the pros and cons of each? Having the original surgeon ...[Read More] Understanding Tibial Fractures: Complications and Treatment Options
Managing Osteomyelitis: Antibiotic Use and Follow-Up Care
Antibiotic Use in Osteomyelitis After experiencing an open fracture of the left calf that led to osteomyelitis, there have been no issues for three years. Recently, the area of the previous injury has developed a skin abrasion, with swelling and mild tingling sensations, possibly...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
CRP and ESR can be checked; the former is C-reactive protein and the latter is erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Both of these indicators are used to assess inflammation or bacterial infection. Antibiotics should be administered according to specific guidelines for medication use. ...[Read More] Managing Osteomyelitis: Antibiotic Use and Follow-Up Care
Managing Chronic Osteomyelitis and Open Wounds: A Patient's Guide
Chronic osteomyelitis and open wounds? Hello, Doctor. My father is 58 years old and has a history of high uric acid and gout. Several years ago, he underwent a procedure to remove bone screws from his calf, which left a wound approximately 1.5 cm in diameter (deep enough to expos...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If osteomyelitis is confirmed, surgical intervention to remove necrotic bone and perform bone grafting may improve the condition. Additionally, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used for treatment, and antibiotic therapy is also necessary.[Read More] Managing Chronic Osteomyelitis and Open Wounds: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Fracture Severity and Healing Time After Injury
How to assess the severity of a fracture and the healing time for fractures? Hello Dr. Chen: I was involved in a car accident on January 17, 2019, resulting in a comminuted fracture of my thigh, a comminuted and open fracture of my lower leg, and a torn posterior cruciate ligamen...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have sustained a severe injury with a comminuted fracture of the femur and an open fracture of the tibia, along with a torn posterior cruciate ligament. Comminuted fractures are generally worse than simple linear fractures, and open fractures are more ser...[Read More] Understanding Fracture Severity and Healing Time After Injury
Understanding Post-Fracture Pain: Signs of Chronic Osteomyelitis?
After a fibula fracture has healed, there may occasionally be a sudden sharp pain? In mid-October 2017, I had the steel pins removed from a previous fibula closed fracture. At the end of October, the staples used to secure the wound were removed. On November 2, the wound was red,...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is possible that you have a superficial wound infection with a stitch abscess. Generally speaking, if the wound has healed, it indicates that the infection is under control. The likelihood of chronic osteomyelitis is low, and a nuclear medicine o...[Read More] Understanding Post-Fracture Pain: Signs of Chronic Osteomyelitis?
Can Walking Be Possible Without a Hip Joint After Removal?
Is it possible to walk after completely removing an artificial hip joint without replacing it with a new one? Hello Dr. Shih, my father is 78 years old and is on dialysis. A couple of years ago, after suffering from inflammation of a prosthetic hip joint that he had for over twen...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. You are correct, but walking is still possible with the use of assistive devices (this surgical method is called the Girdlestone operation). 2. This approach is available; if an infection occurs and the artificial joint cannot be healed or preserved, it can be managed this wa...[Read More] Can Walking Be Possible Without a Hip Joint After Removal?
Understanding Bone Infection Risks After Fracture Surgery: Key Insights
I would like to ask the doctor about issues related to bone infections! Hello Doctor, I suffered a comminuted fracture of my heel at the end of last year. After treatment, I had a titanium plate installed, and my condition has gradually improved. However, after acupuncture (which...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there is a possibility of infection near the wound affecting the bone, it could lead to osteomyelitis, which is difficult to treat and antibiotics may not be effective.[Read More] Understanding Bone Infection Risks After Fracture Surgery: Key Insights
Managing Chronic Osteomyelitis in Elderly Patients with Joint Replacements
Please consult a physician in Kaohsiung who specializes in the treatment of osteomyelitis? Hello, Director. My father is 78 years old. About two years ago, he experienced pain and acute inflammation due to wear and tear from a long-term artificial joint. He underwent debridement ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Once an artificial joint becomes infected, it turns into a nightmare. Debridement surgery, along with intravenous or oral antibiotics, may only help to control the infection but not cure it. To achieve a cure, the artificial joint should be removed, and antibiotic-impregnated bon...[Read More] Managing Chronic Osteomyelitis in Elderly Patients with Joint Replacements