Guidelines for Assisting Patients with Spinal Fractures and Cancer
Care for Spinal Fractures Hello Doctor, my family member has osteoporosis and fractures in the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae due to cancer, which also affects the thoracic spine and hip joints. The pain has made it impossible for them to get up or lie down independently, requ...
Dr. Wang Jiacheng Reply:
Please cherish our online medical resources. When asking the same question, please specify only one physician or dietitian.[Read More] Guidelines for Assisting Patients with Spinal Fractures and Cancer
Should You Remove Intramedullary Nails After Fracture Surgery?
Is it necessary to remove the intramedullary nail? Hello Doctor: I was involved in a car accident on July 23, 2023, which resulted in a closed fracture of my right tibia with three segments broken and bone fragmentation. I underwent an open reduction and internal fixation surgery...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Intramedullary nails should only be removed after the fracture has healed. If the nail is protruding, it should be extracted. 2. Some physicians may not perform bone grafting, and this may not pose any issues. 3. Leaving the nail in place can cause a foreign body sensation...[Read More] Should You Remove Intramedullary Nails After Fracture Surgery?
Understanding Steel Plate Fractures in Orthopedic Surgery: Risks and Solutions
Steel plate fracture I had my first surgery with steel nails, but my hand ended up misaligned by 2.8 mm, which made it difficult to lift. Later, I underwent treatment with a steel plate, and I was able to lift my hand again. However, the steel plate broke within three months, and...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Is the location of your fracture in the upper arm (humerus)? After two failed surgeries with plate fixation, the use of intramedullary nails is a viable option, but it is crucial to ensure that the fixation is very secure. Additionally, bone grafting is necessary to promote bette...[Read More] Understanding Steel Plate Fractures in Orthopedic Surgery: Risks and Solutions
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
12 Years Post-Meniscus Repair: Should I Strengthen My Leg or Get an MRI First?
Twelve years after meniscus repair surgery? Hello Doctor: I had a meniscus repair surgery 12 years ago due to a car accident. Since then, I have experienced several instances where my knee suddenly gave out, causing me to kneel down. I immediately arranged follow-up visits in Tai...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
It is recommended that you discuss with your current physician whether additional treatment interventions or rehabilitation maintenance are necessary. Thank you.[Read More] 12 Years Post-Meniscus Repair: Should I Strengthen My Leg or Get an MRI First?
Can Rib Injuries Worsen After Activity? Understanding Your Symptoms
Rib fracture after three weeks of activity following a collision? On February 8th, I was elbowed forcefully from behind by a stranger at the market, impacting the last one or two ribs on my right side. The impact was quite deep and extremely painful. However, I felt that seeking ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
The self-healing capacity of the ribs is quite good, and the likelihood of fractures from typical impacts is low, unless there is a severe blow from a car accident or hard objects (such as iron bars, steel plates, or baseball bats). Osteoporosis in the elderly is a different cons...[Read More] Can Rib Injuries Worsen After Activity? Understanding Your Symptoms
Do I Need to Remove Titanium Pins After Scaphoid Fracture Surgery?
Is it necessary to remove the screws after fixation of a scaphoid fracture? Due to a car accident, I sustained a fracture of the scaphoid bone in my right hand. The physician determined that it requires fixation with a metal screw, initially mentioned to be titanium alloy, but it...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There is no need for removal unless there are uncomfortable symptoms. Typically, the intramedullary nail is embedded within the bone, so removal is not necessary.[Read More] Do I Need to Remove Titanium Pins After Scaphoid Fracture Surgery?
Does Hair Loss Medication Affect Bone Healing and Osteoporosis Risk?
Does taking anti-hair loss medication affect fracture healing? Hello, Doctor You. I have been experiencing severe hair loss and have been taking Rogaine for almost a year. About six months ago, I accidentally fractured the ulnar bone in my left wrist. After treatment, during my m...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
We recommend that you refer to the medication insert, and if you have any concerns, please discuss them with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Does Hair Loss Medication Affect Bone Healing and Osteoporosis Risk?
How Long Does It Take to Walk Normally After Ankle Fracture Surgery?
The average time to walk normally after an ankle fracture surgery is typically around 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual's healing process? Hello: I underwent surgery for a right ankle fracture on October 2nd of last year (with a plat...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. Walking will not worsen your scoliosis. 2. 4-6 weeks. 3. Walk more for rehabilitation, perform ankle pump exercises, and do lower limb stretches.[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Walk Normally After Ankle Fracture Surgery?
Understanding Pain After Vertebroplasty: Causes and Solutions
Vertebroplasty with bone cement? 1. Yes, it is possible for bone cement to not fully coalesce and remain in separate pieces. This can occur due to various factors, including the technique used during the procedure, the quality of the bone, or the presence of osteoporosis, which m...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1. The bone cement should be a single mass; it is rarely divided into two pieces. 2. The cause of the pain should be identified, such as through palpation; it should not rely solely on X-ray examination. If the pain is due to inflammation of the muscles adjacent to the spi...[Read More] Understanding Pain After Vertebroplasty: Causes and Solutions
Managing Metatarsal Fractures: Surgical vs. Conservative Treatment Options
Metatarsal fracture of the foot? Hello Doctor, my mother was in a car accident today. The doctor diagnosed her with fractures of the second, third, and fourth metatarsals (the bones are separated) through an X-ray. The orthopedic surgeon in the emergency room recommended surgery ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, whether a metatarsal fracture requires surgery depends on several factors, including the location of the fracture (near the joint surface or in the diaphysis), the degree of comminution, and the separation of the fracture fragments. If the fracture is near the joint surfac...[Read More] Managing Metatarsal Fractures: Surgical vs. Conservative Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Discomfort After Vertebroplasty: Causes and Solutions
Persistent soreness after bone cement surgery? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask about my mother, who recently had an accident. She was diagnosed with osteoporosis at -2.5% and underwent vertebroplasty and hip surgery. Initially, she experienced severe pain, panic, and depressio...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, bone cement itself does not cause acidity, but there are many injured joints, muscles, and ligaments that cannot be treated with bone cement. These injuries generally require a combination of rehabilitation, brisk walking exercises, and hot compress therapy, along with the...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Discomfort After Vertebroplasty: Causes and Solutions
Post-Surgery Concerns After Steel Nail Removal: Healing and Pain Management
Post-operative issues after hardware removal? Hello Dr. Chen! Last year, I had a femoral neck fracture in my right leg and had three steel pins implanted for stabilization. After a year of recovery, my doctor assessed that the bone had healed well, and on August 25 of this year, ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, there won't be any rejection issues with the BMP. I recommend having an X-ray follow-up in two months.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Steel Nail Removal: Healing and Pain Management
Post-Surgery Concerns After Steel Nail Removal: What to Expect
Post-operative issues after nail removal surgery? Hello Dr. Chen! Last year, I had a femoral neck fracture in my right leg and had three steel pins implanted for stabilization. After a year of recovery, my doctor assessed that the bone had healed well, and on August 25 of this ye...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, there won't be any rejection issues with the BMP. I recommend getting an X-ray follow-up in two months.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Steel Nail Removal: What to Expect
Does Osteoporosis Slow Bone Healing After Fractures?
Regarding the issue of fractures caused by osteoporosis? Hello Dr. Chen: Currently, due to osteoporosis, I have experienced a fall resulting in a femoral head fracture. Could you please tell me if osteoporosis is related to the speed of bone healing? Compared to individuals with ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, the healing speed in osteoporosis is not necessarily slower, but due to poor bone quality, it requires more time and growth to achieve the same level of stability as individuals without osteoporosis. Therefore, recovery in people with osteoporosis tends to be slower.[Read More] Does Osteoporosis Slow Bone Healing After Fractures?
Post-Surgery Concerns After Steel Nail Removal in Orthopedic Patients
Post-operative issues following the removal of metal screws? Hello, Dr. Shi! 1. I had three steel pins removed from my right femur fracture on August 24, 2023. Due to my osteoporosis, I was concerned about incomplete bone healing, so I asked my attending physician to use BMP ma...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. You can get an X-ray in about six months. 2. Normal. 3. It will take about six months.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Steel Nail Removal in Orthopedic Patients
Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?
Does the titanium alloy screw for the fifth metatarsal fracture need to be removed? The recommendation for removal is based on the fact that the patient would have to live with the bone screws and plates for the next 50-60 years, which could introduce additional uncertainties. Si...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is possible. 2. There is no increased risk of fractures because continued walking makes it less likely to develop osteoporosis. There may be temporary cavities, but over time, the bone will regenerate and fill in. 3. Removing it requires another surgery, which carries its o...[Read More] Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?
Ankle Fusion vs. Artificial Joint: Which Surgery is Right for You?
Ankle fusion or ankle joint replacement? Hello Dr. Wang! I have rheumatoid arthritis, and the cartilage in my ankle is severely worn down, leading to deformity and osteoporosis. I have undergone PRP treatment once without any effect. I have a few questions: 1. Should I consider...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, with a fusion of the ankle joint, the range of motion is 0, which will definitely affect gait. A prosthetic ankle joint offers a better range of motion; however, if osteoporosis is severe, there is indeed a higher risk of dislocation. Additionally, patients with rheumatic ...[Read More] Ankle Fusion vs. Artificial Joint: Which Surgery is Right for You?
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Bone Cement in Spinal Fractures
Is bone cement covered by health insurance? Due to a family member being diagnosed with a compression fracture of the 12th vertebra, which has resulted in that vertebra being shorter and also having osteoporosis, the doctor did not inform us whether health insurance would cover t...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, the vertebral body jack procedure is not covered by health insurance. Generally, bone cement mainly serves to stabilize the fracture site, and to achieve pain relief, it may be necessary to correct the shape, which might still require elevating the fracture site. Changhua ...[Read More] Understanding Insurance Coverage for Bone Cement in Spinal Fractures
Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Osteoporosis Medications
Regulations for National Health Insurance Coverage of Osteoporosis Medications The mother-in-law has a bone density of -5 and recently suffered a self-funded arm fracture from a fall, for which a steel plate was used. The doctor described her bones as being like eggshells, and it...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A bone density test must show a T-score below zero, and there must be one or more vertebral fractures in order to qualify for insurance coverage.[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Osteoporosis Medications