Choosing Between Plates and Pins for Colles Fracture Treatment: A Guide
Colles' Fracture (Distal Radius Fracture) Hello Director Chen, I have a closed fracture of the radius due to a car accident, and I have osteoporosis. Currently, my doctor has recommended using a plate for fixation because the bone is somewhat fragmented. If I manage my house...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Readers: Distal radius fractures are commonly seen in postmenopausal women due to falls, resulting in osteoporotic fractures. Treatment options include closed reduction with cast immobilization, closed reduction with percutaneous pinning and cast immobilization, closed reduc...[Read More] Choosing Between Plates and Pins for Colles Fracture Treatment: A Guide
Understanding Radial Bone Tumors: Do You Need Further Evaluation?
Radial Long Tumor I would like to ask a question: My sister has been experiencing wrist pain and weakness for the past two days, so she went to the hospital for an X-ray. The outpatient physician mentioned that there is a tumor on the radius, about the size of a ten-dollar coin, ...
Dr. Tan Zhuowen Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, tumors can be classified as benign or malignant, and it is not possible to distinguish between them based solely on appearance or palpation. To establish a diagnosis, it is advisable to undergo a biopsy for more accurate results. Therefore, I recom...[Read More] Understanding Radial Bone Tumors: Do You Need Further Evaluation?
Understanding Radial Bone Tumors: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Radial long tumor My sister recently visited an orthopedic clinic due to wrist pain. After an X-ray, the doctor mentioned a tumor on the radius measuring about 10 cm, located near the elbow on her right wrist. The doctor said it was not a concern. Should we consider further exami...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
It is recommended that a 10 cm tumor located on the radius undergo further examination to determine whether it is benign or malignant before proceeding with the next steps in treatment.[Read More] Understanding Radial Bone Tumors: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Recovery Timeline for Distal Radius Fracture Surgery: What to Expect
Postoperative care for distal radius fracture? How long after surgery for a distal radius fracture can one expect to return to normal function without any residual symptoms?
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Distal radius fractures need to be assessed based on the severity of the fracture and its impact on joint function. Generally, fractures heal within 8 to 10 weeks, but the presence of any sequelae will depend on subsequent rehabilitation.[Read More] Recovery Timeline for Distal Radius Fracture Surgery: What to Expect
Can I Start Stretching My Arm After Removing Fracture Pins?
Can I start stretching the injured area after the removal of the fracture pins? Hello, Doctor. I had two steel pins removed from my left radius fracture exactly 7 days ago, last Friday. Since I haven't moved my left hand much in the past few days, it feels tighter compared t...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there are no issues with the wound after surgery, you can start soaking and rehabilitating about seven days later. If the fracture has completely healed, you can begin to move it. The occurrence of hypertrophic scars is related to individual constitution and is not associated ...[Read More] Can I Start Stretching My Arm After Removing Fracture Pins?
Understanding Recovery from Arm Fracture Surgery: What to Expect
Arm fracture Hello, Doctor: My mother fell and fractured her left arm on October 5th of this year. She underwent surgery at the hospital to place a titanium alloy plate. It has been over a month since the surgery, and she still experiences tightness at the wound site, with a sens...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: It is normal to experience some pain after a fracture surgery. As long as the symptoms improve day by day, there is no need to worry. Your mother's concerns are best addressed by her attending physician, so it is advisable to ask them directly during follow-up visits....[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Arm Fracture Surgery: What to Expect
Understanding Ulnar and Radial Bone Displacement After a Fall
Dislocation and fracture of the ulnar and radial bones in the hand after a fall? Hello Dr. Li, Today, while riding my motorcycle, I was brushed against by a car making a right turn, causing my right arm to hit the ground directly. When I got up, I noticed that the position of my...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: If you still have questions regarding your condition, the best approach is to communicate face-to-face with your attending physician. If you still have concerns or are unsatisfied, you may seek a second opinion from another orthopedic surgeon. Generally speaking, wrist inj...[Read More] Understanding Ulnar and Radial Bone Displacement After a Fall
Understanding Orthopedic Explanations: A Guide for Patients
I'm sorry? Doctor, I'm sorry, but I'm not quite clear on what you explained.
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the previous question, here are the responses! 1. The skin indentation is due to the presence of steel pins or some adhesions at the fracture site, which is not a concern. 2. Whether the radius has healed can only be determined through follow-up X-rays. 3. You ca...[Read More] Understanding Orthopedic Explanations: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Radial Bone Issues: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Issues related to the radius? Doctor, thank you for always being so attentive in helping me resolve my concerns. Last time you mentioned that my conditions are normal. I understand that having a tight and inflexible wrist is normal. However, I noticed that when I move my thumb up...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Guagua, you are doing great, keep it up! I hope everything goes smoothly! Dr. Li Wen-Lin, Chief of Orthopedics, Keelung Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Radial Bone Issues: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Post-Surgery Wrist Issues: Concerns About the Radius
The radius seems to be abnormal? Doctor, I would like to ask you something. It has been over a week since I had the metal pins removed from my hand. According to the doctor, I should start gradually moving my wrist. My wrist feels very tight, and I’ve noticed that while moving my...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Don't worry, this is just a normal phenomenon. Rehabilitation is essential. Healthy individuals do not typically re-fracture the same area when exercising. Don't be afraid of the pain; actively participate in rehabilitation with your attending physician. If you h...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Wrist Issues: Concerns About the Radius
Understanding Poor Radius Fracture Healing: Timeline and Nutrition Tips
Malunion of the radius? The doctor mentioned that it usually takes about six to nine months to determine if there is a malunion of the radius. However, I had my external fixation removed on May 4th, and my doctor scheduled a follow-up appointment for May 26th (three weeks later) ...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In order to maximize the benefits and effectiveness of treatment for patients, physicians sometimes take proactive measures based on functionality (not solely for fracture healing). Therefore, making an early decision regarding the need for further surgery is intentional! ...[Read More] Understanding Poor Radius Fracture Healing: Timeline and Nutrition Tips
Recovery Timeline After Removing Pins: When to Consider Plates?
Removal of metal screws? How long will it take to know if my hand needs a plate after the removal of the screws? The doctor mentioned that if my radius does not heal properly, I will need to have a plate installed.
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: The definition of nonunion is when there are no signs of bone growth at the fracture site after a period of six to nine months. Since you have just had your external fixation removed, it means that the fracture treatment time has not yet exceeded six months, so it is too e...[Read More] Recovery Timeline After Removing Pins: When to Consider Plates?
Understanding the Need for Plate Installation After Pin Removal in Orthopedics
After the removal of the metal screws from the hand, it may be necessary to install a metal plate? I will have my metal pins removed next Monday. They have been in for over three months. The doctor mentioned that my radius has not healed properly, and I may need to have a plate i...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Poor healing of the radius may require the placement of a steel plate, but that's a concern for the future, so there's no need to be anxious right now. First, the external fixator needs to be removed, and then, following the guidance and instructions of your atte...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Plate Installation After Pin Removal in Orthopedics
Recovery Timeline and Concerns After Wrist Fracture Surgery
excuse me? Hello, I had a car accident in January and suffered an open and comminuted fracture of my left wrist. Both my ulna and radius were broken, and I had six steel pins inserted, which are external pins that are placed on the flesh. It has been over three months now. How lo...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Each person's fracture situation is different, and everyone's needs vary. As a young person who hopes to perform weight-bearing activities in the future, your situation is naturally different from that of an elderly person who primarily seeks pain relief and suff...[Read More] Recovery Timeline and Concerns After Wrist Fracture Surgery
Understanding Recovery from Open Comminuted Wrist Fractures
Open comminuted fracture of the wrist involving the ulnar and radial bones? Hello, I had a car accident in January and suffered an open comminuted fracture of my left wrist. Both my ulna and radius were broken, and I had six steel pins inserted, which are external pins placed on ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The external fixation pins can only be removed after the fracture has healed, which typically takes about three to four months, and no longer than six months at most. Once removed, the wound will usually heal within about a week. After that, rehabilitation is necessary until the ...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Open Comminuted Wrist Fractures
Understanding Ulnar and Radial Bone Length Discrepancies in Wrist Pain
Ulna and Radius Hello, Doctor: About five years ago, I went to Tainan Cheng Kung University Hospital to check on a rare condition. My wrist has always hurt from even slight exertion. The doctors at Cheng Kung Hospital took X-rays from various angles and eventually identified my i...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Xiao Yu: If there was no fracture previously, it is indeed common for the ulnar bone to be slightly longer than the radial bone, which can lead to increased pressure in the wrist and result in discomfort or pain. This is generally considered a normal anatomical variation. The mil...[Read More] Understanding Ulnar and Radial Bone Length Discrepancies in Wrist Pain
Understanding Elbow Fractures in Young Athletes: A Parent's Guide to Recovery
Elbow fracture My son is graduating from junior high school, and on May 16, 2008, he suffered a fracture above his elbow (just above the wrist) during a hurdle race in physical education class. He underwent surgery and had a steel plate fixed in place. However, a month later, the...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Ningshan: Since the child is an athlete, theoretically, there should be no significant issues with bone quality. If the fracture is located in the distal radius or ulna above the wrist, surgical fixation with a plate should provide sufficient stability. However, if the fracture i...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Fractures in Young Athletes: A Parent's Guide to Recovery
Concerns About Pin Site Issues with External Fixators in Orthopedics
Issues related to pin site infections in external fixators? Hello Doctor: My mother has a distal radius fracture and is currently using an external fixator. While changing the dressing at home, we noticed that although there is no redness or swelling (there is some fluid that sli...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
The use of an external fixator for a radius fracture is intended to maintain the stability of the fracture angle. It is normal to observe some pulling on the skin around the wound, which may also be caused by wrist movement. It is advisable to maintain the fixed angle as much as ...[Read More] Concerns About Pin Site Issues with External Fixators in Orthopedics
Understanding Distal Radius Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips
Radial fracture Hello Doctor: I sustained a dislocation of my right hand palm and a closed distal radius fracture due to a car accident on January 2nd. I underwent surgery on the same day for reduction and had a cast and two external fixation pins placed. Four weeks later, the ca...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone healing takes approximately six weeks, after which the joints can move freely. It is advisable to undergo rehabilitation, allowing for movement in various directions. However, one should avoid using excessive force when bending. If riding a motorcycle, it is sufficient for t...[Read More] Understanding Distal Radius Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips
Understanding Stiffness in Fingers After Wrist Fracture Recovery
Stiffness in the middle finger? Hello, I had a car accident a year and a half ago, resulting in a fracture of the radius and ulnar bones (near the wrist). The metal pins were removed a year ago. Recently, within the past month, I have noticed stiffness in my fingers when I wake u...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Reader, Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing trigger finger, which is likely not significantly related to your previous radius and ulnar fracture. The formal medical term for trigger finger is stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor tendon. This conditi...[Read More] Understanding Stiffness in Fingers After Wrist Fracture Recovery