Is Bone Density Testing Available for Cancer Patients at Keelung Hospital?
Is bone density measurement available at your hospital? I am a cervical cancer patient, and I had a hysterectomy in 1993. Since then, my follow-up examinations have been normal. However, I have noticed that in recent years, I often have unexplained bruises from minor bumps. I wou...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: There is not much correlation between bruising from collisions and osteoporosis. This year, Hsinchu Hospital has introduced a new whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone density scanner, which can accurately measure bone mineral density. If you are interest...[Read More] Is Bone Density Testing Available for Cancer Patients at Keelung Hospital?
Understanding Ankle Fractures: Should Plates and Screws Be Removed?
The doctor said that the steel plate inserted for the ankle fracture from the car accident does not need to be removed? I was in a car accident in the U.S. at the end of April, and it seems I have a comminuted fracture in my ankle. I have already had a steel plate and screws inse...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, previously there was only one type of internal fixation material (stainless steel, with a steel core and a cobalt or copper electroplated surface), so it is not recommended to leave it in the body for a long time, as these metals can be absorb...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Should Plates and Screws Be Removed?
Managing Osteoporosis in Seniors: Tips for Improving Bone Health and Sleep
Osteoporosis Hello Doctor: My mother is 60 years old and recently had a bone density test with a result of -3.8. I would like to ask what should be done. My mother has Sjögren's syndrome and hepatitis C, and in recent years, she has been having trouble sleeping at night, rel...
Dr. Chu Baijun Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: Your mother's bone mineral density test result shows a T-score of -3.8, which meets the criteria for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a systemic condition characterized by a decrease in bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, leading to increased f...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis in Seniors: Tips for Improving Bone Health and Sleep
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Knee pain Hello Doctor: Last time I asked about osteoporosis, and you mentioned that at my age, it shouldn't be a concern. I understand that, but I still have a question. My right knee has never been injured, but recently I've been experiencing some pain while swimming....
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Pain during swimming and when crossing legs is mostly due to tendonitis. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activities, take pain relievers when experiencing pain, and refrain from taking them when pain-free. If there is pain when going up or down stairs, it is necessary to consu...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Calcium Supplements for Osteoporosis: Allergy-Friendly Options
Osteoporosis Hello, I am a patient who is allergic to seafood and shellfish. Over the past few years, I have been drinking coffee and tea frequently, almost replacing water, and during this time, I have felt some discomfort in my bones. It may also be due to my poor sitting postu...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Glucosamine does not contain calcium; it is intended for patients with osteoarthritis and cartilage wear in the knees, and it cannot treat osteoporosis. It is unlikely for a healthy 28-year-old to have osteoporosis. Regular exercise and dietary calcium sources such as milk, small...[Read More] Calcium Supplements for Osteoporosis: Allergy-Friendly Options
Addressing Osteoporosis After Four Months of Leg Fracture Recovery
Four months after the fracture, osteoporosis? Hello Doctor: My husband (30 years old) had a fibula fracture in his left leg due to exercise and had the cast on for four months before it was removed. The doctor mentioned that he shows signs of osteoporosis, as seen in the X-ray, w...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
A 30-year-old male patient with a fibula fracture in the lower extremity, if it is not close to the ankle joint, is mostly treated conservatively with cast immobilization. However, weight-bearing is allowed to prevent osteoporosis. If osteoporosis unfortunately occurs, it is reve...[Read More] Addressing Osteoporosis After Four Months of Leg Fracture Recovery
Navigating Complex Orthopedic Issues After a Car Accident
My ailments torment me so much~~ I was involved in a car accident a year ago, resulting in a fracture and protrusion between my left neck and clavicle, as well as a deviation of the left neck muscles. Approximately a year ago, after the accident, I consulted many doctors at the h...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear netizen: The symptoms you described, such as "aching and tingling sensations in both legs," could indeed be indicative of sciatica caused by lumbar spine issues. However, further physical examination and possibly imaging studies are necessary to confirm the diagnos...[Read More] Navigating Complex Orthopedic Issues After a Car Accident
Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Risks of Surgery and Recovery Tips
Is there any risk associated with surgery for a broken clavicle? I have a typical clavicle fracture. I smoke half a pack a day. I am considering surgery to heal faster, specifically inserting an intramedullary nail. However, are there any risks associated with this procedure? How...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Mr. Lin: Any surgical procedure for fractures carries risks. Surgery for a clavicle fracture does not necessarily lead to faster bone healing; in fact, it may slow down healing due to damage to blood vessels. Surgery is only required if 1. there is compression of blood vessels or...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Risks of Surgery and Recovery Tips
Balancing Calcium Intake to Prevent Kidney Stones After Surgery
Calcium Intake and Kidney Stones? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about my situation. I had a fracture and underwent surgery a year ago, but I still haven't fully recovered. I want to increase my calcium intake, so I went to the pharmacy to buy calcium supplements. How...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Netizen: Bone healing requires nutrients such as calcium and protein. Young adults typically need to consume about 1000 to 1200 milligrams of calcium daily, while patients with fractures may require as much as 1500 milligrams. However, due to dietary habits in our country,...[Read More] Balancing Calcium Intake to Prevent Kidney Stones After Surgery
Managing Scoliosis: Treatment, Exercises, and Nutritional Tips
Scoliosis Hello Dr. Chu, I have developed scoliosis over the past two to three years. I have undergone rehabilitation at the hospital, received general massage therapy, and tried folk remedies. 1. Should I continue rehabilitation and treatment indefinitely? (Due to my work and...
Dr. Chu Baijun Reply:
Hello: The presence of symptoms and the need for treatment of scoliosis are significantly related to the degree of curvature. Strengthening the back muscles is indeed a common recommendation for patients with back pain, and it is not limited to the muscle groups around the curvat...[Read More] Managing Scoliosis: Treatment, Exercises, and Nutritional Tips
Managing Osteoarthritis: Medication, Supplements, and Health Tips
How to take care of degenerative arthritis? Dear Doctor: I am a patient with osteoarthritis, and I also have hallux valgus and cartilage hypertrophy. When my condition is severe, walking becomes inconvenient, so I have been taking medication for a while. It's been three mont...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms of degenerative arthritis have significantly improved, which is a positive sign. It is advisable to engage in moderate exercise for maintenance, such as walking or swimming in water, or taking a leisurely 20-minute walk to maintain good physical fitness. Addi...[Read More] Managing Osteoarthritis: Medication, Supplements, and Health Tips
Understanding the Success Rate of Vertebroplasty in Elderly Patients
Is the bone cement injection procedure guaranteed to be successful? I would like to ask if vertebroplasty surgery is guaranteed to be successful? My 91-year-old grandmother suffered from a compression fracture of the first thoracic vertebra due to osteoporosis, causing her signif...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
No surgical procedure or treatment can guarantee 100% success. For patients with vertebral fractures treated with vertebroplasty, some may experience improvement while others may have limited benefits. Traditionally, vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis are primarily manage...[Read More] Understanding the Success Rate of Vertebroplasty in Elderly Patients
Can Calcium and Glucosamine Help Prevent Joint Degeneration in Seniors?
Elderly degeneration Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, my aunt is over seventy years old and has a tendency for joint degeneration in her lower limbs. Can taking glucosamine and calcium supplements help prevent or treat this degeneration?
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Elderly individuals who have long-term use of their knee joints may experience joint degeneration, which can be treated in various ways depending on the extent of cartilage wear. Generally, those with mild wear may only need to take anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication...[Read More] Can Calcium and Glucosamine Help Prevent Joint Degeneration in Seniors?
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation for Clavicle Fractures: A Guide
Rehabilitation after clavicle fracture surgery? Hello Dr. Lee, I was in a car accident on June 6th of this year, resulting in a comminuted fracture of my right clavicle. I later underwent surgery to fix it with a steel plate, which is scheduled to be removed in a year. It has no...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, a clavicle fracture treated with a plate fixation typically takes about three months to recover to normal function. However, this three-month period is an average and may vary for each individual due to factors such as the degree of fracture c...[Read More] Post-Surgery Rehabilitation for Clavicle Fractures: A Guide
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Strengthening Your Right Arm After Injury
How to perform rehabilitation? I suffered a fracture of the radius in my right forearm and a dislocation of my right wrist at the beginning of January last year. In mid-June of this year, I underwent surgery to remove the plate from my right hand. The doctor informed me that it w...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is indeed important to be cautious for a period of time after the removal of the bone plate. Typically, after the removal of a radial bone plate, one should be careful for at least six to eight weeks. If the patient has thin bones or osteop...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Strengthening Your Right Arm After Injury
Understanding Wrist, Elbow, and Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions
10 fingers / wrist / elbow Dear Dr. Yeh, My left wrist, elbow, and fingers hurt all the time when I cook, crochet, knit, write letters, or clean the house. I always used cold water to wash my hands when I was in Taiwan. I wonder if it is arthritis or osteoporosis! I’m married an...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Pain in the left wrist, elbow, and fingers during work in middle-aged women with multiple joint pain should raise suspicion for rheumatoid arthritis. The primary symptoms include symmetrical involvement of both hands, swelling and pain in the distal finger joints, and stiffness. ...[Read More] Understanding Wrist, Elbow, and Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Spinal Issues in Seniors: Bone Spurs vs. Degeneration
Issues Related to the Spine in the Elderly Hello Doctor: I would like to ask how to determine whether my father (approximately 90 years old) has bone spurs or degenerative changes in the vertebrae. What are the differences in symptoms? (He has already had imaging done, but differ...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Terry: The issue is not with bone spurs or spinal degeneration, but rather with what expectations you have for the spine of a ninety-year-old man. Aside from medication, there are certainly many other methods, but can he tolerate them? Minimally invasive surgery and vertebro...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Issues in Seniors: Bone Spurs vs. Degeneration
Post-Fracture Surgery: Essential Nutrition and Care Tips for Recovery
Post-operative care considerations for fractures? Hello Doctor: My father accidentally fell from an aluminum ladder, resulting in fractures in both of his heels. After surgery, he is now resting at home. However, due to our limited medical knowledge, we would like to ask you abou...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Dear netizens, Calcaneal fractures of both feet are often caused by a direct fall from a height, resulting in deformity. After surgery, several important considerations must be taken into account: 1. Due to the weakness of the soft tissue around the heel (skin over bone), pro...[Read More] Post-Fracture Surgery: Essential Nutrition and Care Tips for Recovery
Post-Surgery Care and Nutrition for Complex Leg Fractures
Complex fractures of the leg! My father recently suffered a complex (comminuted) fracture of the tibia and ankle due to a fall at work. He is currently undergoing treatment, and I would like to understand how to provide proper postoperative care and nutritional support for patien...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, in response to your question about fracture healing, there are several factors to consider: 1. Mechanism of injury: Comminuted, high-energy, periarticular, and open fractures generally have a poorer healing outcome compared to simple fractures. 2. Individual factors: O...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care and Nutrition for Complex Leg Fractures
Is a Bone Density Test Necessary for Osteoporosis Risk?
Is a bone density test necessary? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about osteoporosis and bone density issues. I have heard in television advertisements that bone health should be built from a young age. However, I consume a large amount of tea daily and have a selective diet, ...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear netizens: Milk is not the only source of calcium; other foods such as cheese, yogurt, spinach, and soy milk can also provide calcium. Therefore, there is no need to be overly concerned. Bone density measurements are necessary for specific populations, such as those with comp...[Read More] Is a Bone Density Test Necessary for Osteoporosis Risk?