Post-Operative Challenges After Knee Replacement Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Postoperative care for total knee arthroplasty? My mother is 65 years old and underwent total knee arthroplasty in July 2015, with the artificial joint being covered by health insurance. She opted to pay out of pocket for high-strength bone cement and a minimally invasive tibial ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After total knee arthroplasty, poor joint mobility may lead to some functional decline, but it should not result in an inability to walk. If the knee flexion is less than 90 degrees for more than three months, it becomes more challenging to achieve further bending. If there is pe...[Read More] Post-Operative Challenges After Knee Replacement Surgery: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Bone Density: Should You Seek Further Testing?
Bone mineral density Hello Doctor: I underwent a bone density test (the ultrasound type on my right ankle) yesterday at a store, and the result was -1.48, which startled me. I usually don't get much sun exposure and often use an umbrella for sun protection. I can't drin...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A T-score of -1.48 is considered normal, so there is no need to be overly concerned. According to medical definitions, a T-score of less than -2.5 is classified as osteoporosis. Currently, there is no need to undergo a DEXA bone density scan for calcium supplementation.[Read More] Understanding Bone Density: Should You Seek Further Testing?
Forteo for Severe Osteoporosis: Insurance Coverage and Optimal Usage Duration
Bone stability Forteo Forteo for severe osteoporosis. Is it covered by health insurance? What is the optimal duration of use for the best effect?
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Health insurance coverage is provided for spinal fractures or hip fractures at two or more sites, with a bone mineral density of less than -2.5, and is expected to be used for one and a half years. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Forteo for Severe Osteoporosis: Insurance Coverage and Optimal Usage Duration
Understanding Long-Term Effects of Bone Fractures in Patients with Osteoporosis
Femoral fracture Hello Doctor: My brother, who is 12 years old, became a vegetative state after a car accident, and it has been 21 years since then. He is currently being cared for in a nursing facility. A year and a half ago, we noticed swelling in his right thigh and took him t...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Patients in a vegetative state who are bedridden can experience severe osteoporosis, which can indeed affect fracture healing. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss with an orthopedic physician whether it is appropriate to administer medications for osteoporosis. There are variou...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Effects of Bone Fractures in Patients with Osteoporosis
Knee Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Seeking Solutions for Chronic Issues
Knee issues and lower back pain? I have a problem with my knee bending. Whether I'm sitting, squatting, or lying down, whenever my knee is bent, I experience muscle pulling pain in my knee and heel when I stand up. The pain is particularly severe in my right leg, and I need ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: A normal X-ray only indicates that there are no major issues with the bones, but the condition of the soft tissues remains unclear. If activity decreases and adjustments in rehabilitation posture do not improve symptoms, further examination of the soft tissues, such as an ...[Read More] Knee Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Seeking Solutions for Chronic Issues
Understanding Knee Osteophytes: Treatment Options for Seniors
Could you please provide more details about the issue with bone spurs in the knee joint? Hello, Doctor. My mother visited the hospital about 20 years ago due to discomfort in her knees. After examination and X-rays, the doctor diagnosed her with bone spurs. Due to the widespread ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Severe degenerative arthritis of the knee may require surgery for complete resolution, as other treatment methods only address the symptoms and not the underlying issue. Conservative treatments include rehabilitation, medications, and intra-articular injections (such as hyaluroni...[Read More] Understanding Knee Osteophytes: Treatment Options for Seniors
Understanding Fibula Fractures: Bone Grafting and Rehabilitation Essentials
Fracture of the fibula on both sides of the right ankle? Hello Doctor: 1. I have sustained comminuted fractures of the fibula on both sides of my right ankle and the sole of my foot due to a fall. The doctor suggested that I receive bone cement injections; could you explain the...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
What is a bone supplement needle? I don't understand if it is a treatment for osteoporosis; at 42 years old, you shouldn't need it. Whether a self-funded plate should be determined by the attending physician based on the condition and X-ray findings. I have not used a r...[Read More] Understanding Fibula Fractures: Bone Grafting and Rehabilitation Essentials
Post-Hip Replacement Complications: Understanding Bone Fractures and Leg Length Discrepancy
Postoperative hip joint fracture? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to consult you. In November of last year, I underwent surgery to replace my left hip joint. Post-operative X-rays during follow-up visits showed everything was normal. On December 17, I used a walker to go up and down...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
If everything was normal immediately after the surgery but later developed a leg length discrepancy, this indicates that the prosthetic joint may be loose or sinking. Generally, a revision surgery is recommended in such cases. This time, the procedure would theoretically involve ...[Read More] Post-Hip Replacement Complications: Understanding Bone Fractures and Leg Length Discrepancy
Understanding Post-Operative Pain After Bone Cement Surgery
Post-operative management of bone cement? Thank you, Dr. Shih, for your enthusiastic response. I would like to ask why there was improvement for the first month after the bone cement procedure, but now the symptoms have recurred. My mother mentioned that she reached up to grab a ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is possible that the patient has strained their back or experienced another vertebral fracture, especially if they already have severe osteoporosis. In the future, they may need to take medication or receive injections to improve their osteoporosis condition.[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Pain After Bone Cement Surgery
Recovering from Knee Surgery: Tips for Optimal Rehabilitation
Knee surgery due to a car accident? Hello Dr. Yeh. I previously inquired about rehabilitation for my knee. It has been over five months since my surgery in mid-December, but I am still unable to walk normally. I don't know if it's due to my age or improper posture. I ca...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Five months after knee surgery, I need to understand the condition of the fracture and the post-operative situation, so I will need to review X-rays to provide accurate rehabilitation recommendations. There is ankle pain, and I am unsure if there was an initial injury. If there w...[Read More] Recovering from Knee Surgery: Tips for Optimal Rehabilitation
Understanding Bone Cement Injections for Spinal Compression Fractures
Bone marrow injection Hello Doctor: My mother has had sciatica for some time. On Monday, while riding her scooter to the market, she was suddenly knocked down by a person running out, who fell on her along with their vehicle. She was in so much pain that she couldn't get up....
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Vertebral body fracture augmentation is one of the methods that can be considered for elderly patients with osteoporosis who have a poor expected fracture healing rate or severe symptoms. The benefit is that it is very effective for symptom relief. However, if the patient ...[Read More] Understanding Bone Cement Injections for Spinal Compression Fractures
Understanding Osteoporosis: Treatment Options and Long-Term Management
Osteoporosis Hello, after a year and a half of health check-ups, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) testing, with values ranging from -2.4 to -3.3 in various areas. I have not experienced any height loss or back pain. Currently, I rec...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A bone mineral density (BMD) of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis, which requires ongoing treatment and calcium supplementation. After a period of supplementation, a follow-up BMD test should be conducted to assess any improvements.[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis: Treatment Options and Long-Term Management
Understanding Bone Cement Surgery and the Need for Bone Stabilization Injections
Regarding the bone cement procedure, the physician prescribed "Bone Stabilization Injection." Hello Dr. Chen, My grandmother has osteoporosis and has been experiencing severe pain due to her long-term kyphosis. After undergoing vertebroplasty, the doctor mentioned on t...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
1. Bone stabilization and bone cement injection surgeries are commonly used for patients with compression fractures; the former serves a preventive purpose, while the latter is therapeutic. 2. The occurrence of osteosarcoma has been observed in mice, but when converted to human...[Read More] Understanding Bone Cement Surgery and the Need for Bone Stabilization Injections
Understanding Knee Sounds: Is It Osteoporosis or Normal?
Osteoporosis I don't know how to describe this feeling. I know that the knee makes sounds when it's fully extended, but when I relax and swing it (not moving back and forth, just casually swinging), it makes sounds. Could this be osteoporosis?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This is not osteoporosis; it typically occurs in middle-aged and older adults, starting around the age of fifty. If you are concerned about having such a problem, you can go to the hospital for a bone density test. Osteoporosis is diagnosed when the T-score is -2.5 or lower.[Read More] Understanding Knee Sounds: Is It Osteoporosis or Normal?
Improving Bone Density: Should I Use Bone Stabilizers During Early Menopause?
Bone density medications Hello Doctor: Four years ago, I underwent a bone density test and found that my bone density was -2.2 (in the hip). I quickly started taking calcium and exercising, and my recent test showed -1.6 (in the hip), which seems to indicate improvement. However,...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A bone density of -1.6 is classified as osteopenia rather than osteoporosis. Therefore, it is recommended that you engage in more physical activity (such as walking) and increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D.[Read More] Improving Bone Density: Should I Use Bone Stabilizers During Early Menopause?
Can Yoga Help with Spondylolisthesis and Spinal Pain?
Spondylolisthesis I was diagnosed by a physician at our local hospital with scoliosis, compression, and spondylolisthesis in my spine. However, I've been experiencing persistent pain. Besides undergoing some rehabilitation, can I also practice yoga? Or will the slippage of t...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Scoliosis and spondylolisthesis can lead to lower back pain. It is crucial to avoid lifting heavy objects, carrying water, or holding children. Calcium supplementation is necessary, especially since women over 50 are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. As for practicing yoga, you ...[Read More] Can Yoga Help with Spondylolisthesis and Spinal Pain?
Recovery of Hand Function and Weight Bearing After Distal Radius and Ulnar Fractures
Can the range of motion and weight-bearing ability of the hand be restored after a distal radius and ulnar styloid fracture? Dear Director Shih, My mother fell on Monday morning, landing on her right hand, which resulted in a diagnosis of "distal radius and ulnar styloid fr...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is normal to experience throbbing pain at the surgical site or fracture area after surgery. Approximately six weeks later, the stitches can be removed, and the cast can be taken off. Generally, recovery can reach a certain level during this time. Taking pain relievers in moder...[Read More] Recovery of Hand Function and Weight Bearing After Distal Radius and Ulnar Fractures
Understanding Bone Age Advancement: Causes and Implications for Teens
Bone age aging Hello, I am 12 years old, and the doctor said my bone age is approximately that of a 17-year-old. What could be the possible reasons for this?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This is not aging; it is a faster growth of bones. Bone aging refers only to degenerative phenomena or osteoporosis. At the age of 13, you should not be experiencing the aforementioned conditions.[Read More] Understanding Bone Age Advancement: Causes and Implications for Teens
Understanding Osteoporosis: Medication Side Effects and New Treatment Options
Osteoporosis Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. My mother underwent a density test, and the doctor said she is at level three. Previously, she was prescribed "Fosamax" (Alendronate), but after taking the medication in the morning, she experienced body pain in the ...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Fosamax (alendronate) should not cause systemic pain, but be cautious as it may lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw and osteoporosis. Both oral and injectable bisphosphonates can potentially cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, so it is best to have a thorough discussion with your treati...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis: Medication Side Effects and New Treatment Options
Understanding Avascular Necrosis: Risks and Concerns with Fosamax Use
Avascular necrosis of bone? Hello Dr. Wang, I do not have osteoporosis, but I have ischemic necrosis in both my upper arm and hip, so I am currently using Fosamax. Could the use of Fosamax cause other healthy joints to develop necrosis? I have recently experienced similar symptom...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Fosamax is used to inhibit osteoclast activity to prevent bone destruction. Generally speaking, the use of Fosamax to suppress the symptoms of osteonecrosis has not been established and should still be considered in the context of treating the underlying causes of ischemic...[Read More] Understanding Avascular Necrosis: Risks and Concerns with Fosamax Use