Can Limb Lengthening Surgery Correct My Leg Discrepancy?
Treatment for leg length discrepancy? Hello Doctor: When I was 2 or 3 years old, I fractured my lower leg, resulting in a slight leg length discrepancy. I have been using shoe inserts, but now at 20 years old, the issue has worsened. When I stand with my legs straight, my pelvis ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Leg length discrepancy can lead to scoliosis and lower back pain. If the length difference reaches 3 centimeters, surgical lengthening should be considered. However, this procedure is time-consuming; if everything goes smoothly, it may take about six months to remove the external...[Read More] Can Limb Lengthening Surgery Correct My Leg Discrepancy?
Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Numbness in the fingers of both hands? Hello, Doctor. I often carry heavy objects with both hands or shoulders. Recently, I woke up one day to find that my left hand fingers were numb. After a few days, the fingers of my right hand also started to feel numb. For the left hand, th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Numbness in the fingers is related to the nerves in the hand. If the median nerve near the wrist is compressed, the second, third, and fourth fingers may experience numbness. Pressing on the palm side of the wrist can elicit numbness (carpal tunnel syndrome). If the compression o...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Growth Plate Closure in Spine and Pelvis Development
Growth plate issues Hello Dr. Lee, thank you for your response! May I ask: 1. At what age do the growth plates of the spine typically close completely? 2. Once the growth plates of the spine are closed, does that mean spinal development is complete and will not grow anymore? 3. I...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
1. The growth plates completely close by around the age of 25. 2. Once the growth plates of the spine close, the spine will no longer grow. 3. The pelvis is the last growth plate to close in the human body; therefore, if the pelvic growth plates have closed, it indicates that ove...[Read More] Understanding Growth Plate Closure in Spine and Pelvis Development
Risks of Heart Surgery in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Surgical Issues in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Dear Doctor, My father is 72 years old and has suffered from ankylosing spondylitis since his teenage years, which is an autoimmune disease. He has previously taken immunomodulators. His cervical spine is completely rigid a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. The risk of spinal fractures is higher, but with careful attention, surgery is still possible. 2. Bone healing is generally satisfactory, and many patients have undergone total hip arthroplasty with good outcomes. 3. Endotracheal intubation for anesthesia can be more compl...[Read More] Risks of Heart Surgery in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Growth Plates: Key Questions About Spinal Development
Issues with growth plates? Hello, Doctor. I have three questions to ask you. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm! 1. Is it true that each cervical vertebra and the proximal thoracic vertebra also have growth plates? 2. I have heard a claim that after the growth plates i...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, 1. Each vertebra (including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae) has a growth plate located near the intervertebral disc. 2. Indeed, there is literature confirming that after the growth plates in the feet close, the spine can still increase by 14 mm. (Howell et al....[Read More] Understanding Growth Plates: Key Questions About Spinal Development
Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Cervical spine issues Hello, Doctor! I have been experiencing pain and numbness in my cervical spine for six months. Initially, I had trouble sleeping and tried several different pillows. Later, I experienced alternating pain in various areas of my neck, usually characterized by ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on the X-ray alone, there are no obvious abnormalities in your cervical spine.[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Spondylolisthesis: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Inquiry about spondylolisthesis? Dear Vice Dean Li, I previously had a minor car accident where I collided with another vehicle. Although it was a simple bump, the other party was later diagnosed with spondylolisthesis (they indicated it was grade II). The individual did not req...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, experiencing such an incident must have caused you significant psychological stress. 1. Spondylolisthesis may result from a car accident collision, or it is possible that the other party had pre-existing spondylolisthesis. If there are X-rays taken before the accident, it ...[Read More] Understanding Spondylolisthesis: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Understanding Joint and Cervical Spine Issues: UC-II and Bone Growth Concerns
Joint and cervical spine issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: I have been experiencing knee discomfort (a tight feeling) due to osteoarthritis and have been taking UC-II (undenatured type II collagen) for about 6 to 7 years to alleviate the discomfort. Although the knee dis...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, taking UC-II (undenatured type II collagen) does not cause bone spurs as a side effect. Poor posture resulting from long-term work (as a watchmaker) is the actual cause of cervical spine bone spurs.[Read More] Understanding Joint and Cervical Spine Issues: UC-II and Bone Growth Concerns
Could My Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Lee, thank you for taking the time to respond despite your busy schedule. Here are my symptoms: 1. In mid-September, I felt a warm and tight sensation under my left rib (upper left abdomen), as if a strap was wrapped around it, which was very u...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Based on the symptoms mentioned, the likelihood of myofascial inflammation is the highest. It does not resemble the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, and a blood test for HLA-B27 can diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. It is recommended that you visit a rheumatology clinic for exa...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Upper back pain Hello, doctor: I experience pain when pressing on the left side of my mid-spine, and when I turn my neck backward, I feel a tight, mild pain in the spinal area. What could this indicate?
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello: The area of tenderness (or tightness) you described in your article is likely located between the midline of the upper back spine and the left scapula, commonly referred to as "gāo huāng tòng" (膏肓痛). There are many potential causes, including muscle imbalances in...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Can Neck Issues Cause Ear Pressure? Understanding the Connection
Cervical spine ear fullness and pressure? I would like to ask the doctor about my discomfort with a feeling of fullness and pressure in my ears. I have already visited an otolaryngologist who performed hearing tests and other examinations, including an endoscopy. They stated that...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The ear issue is unrelated to the cervical spine; you may still need to check for problems in the ear canal.[Read More] Can Neck Issues Cause Ear Pressure? Understanding the Connection
Understanding Spinal Injuries: Why Leg Pain Can Occur Without Back Pain
Spinal injury from a fall? Hello, I would like to ask why, after my X-ray showed a fracture in the first vertebra of my spine, I am experiencing soreness and weakness in both legs that prevents me from walking, while the area where I sustained the injury does not hurt?
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there is an impact on both lower limbs, please pay attention to whether the spinal vertebrae are affecting the nerve areas. It is advisable to go to the hospital for further examination as soon as possible. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Understanding Spinal Injuries: Why Leg Pain Can Occur Without Back Pain
Managing Sports-Related Issues After Neck and Back Injuries
Exercise-related issues? I was involved in a car accident that damaged my cervical spine (C5). For a while, I experienced pain in my left leg, from my calf to my thigh, and I'm uncertain if this is related to a herniated lumbar disc (since I didn't mention this issue du...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello: If it is indeed a case of lumbar disc herniation, you can still perform exercises like half squats. However, the "deadlift" mentioned in the text is not suitable.[Read More] Managing Sports-Related Issues After Neck and Back Injuries
Understanding Growth Plate Issues: Can You Still Grow Taller?
Growth plate issues I am currently 173 cm tall. A few days ago, I went to the hospital for an X-ray of my knee, and the doctor told me that the growth plate at 3764 has a height increase ratio. He then mentioned that the growth plate below the knee is nearly fused and that the sm...
Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: It is no longer possible to significantly increase height; only a little more growth is possible. Thank you! Wishing you good health! Orthopedics, Changhua Hospital, Dr. Li Wen-Hong.[Read More] Understanding Growth Plate Issues: Can You Still Grow Taller?
Post-Car Accident: Managing Lumbar and Cervical Spine Issues
Lumbar and cervical spine after a car accident? Doctor: Hello, I was in a car accident in mid-June where I rolled onto my right side, resulting in a pelvic contusion and bruising, a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder, a dislocated right wrist with radial and ulnar ligament in...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
1. Lower back pain and lower limb weakness, with ultrasound showing a hematoma, symptoms have persisted for 4 months. It is recommended to arrange an MRI at the orthopedic outpatient clinic. 2. If the cervical spine X-ray shows no abnormalities, further observation is advised. ...[Read More] Post-Car Accident: Managing Lumbar and Cervical Spine Issues
Understanding the Connection Between Rib Pain and Lumbar Ligament Issues
Lumbar ligament issues? Hello Doctor, About five years ago, during my high school years, I experienced a tight, warm discomfort under my left rib cage, and I also felt a slight indentation in that area. Since then, I have noticed that the left side of my rib cage appears to be ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Pain under the left rib may be due to inflammation of the abdominal muscles, tendons, or ligaments. The physician mentioned that it is also related to the lumbar region. The abdomen and lower back are surrounded by muscles, tendons, and ligaments, in addition to bones and organs,...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Rib Pain and Lumbar Ligament Issues
Are Yoga Poses Like Half-Squat and Cross-Legged Sitting Harmful?
Questions related to sports injuries? I have heard rumors that yoga can harm the spine, so I would like to ask a physician whether positions such as half-squat and cross-legged sitting could be harmful, especially in cases of herniated discs. Thank you.
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, if you have not previously suffered from a spinal injury or herniated disc, then poses such as yoga half-squat or seated cross-legged should not be harmful. Thank you.[Read More] Are Yoga Poses Like Half-Squat and Cross-Legged Sitting Harmful?
Post-Accident Recovery: Can I Still Train with Spinal Issues?
Continuation #140530 Questions Regarding Exercise I was in a car accident and sustained a C5 injury, which caused muscle atrophy in my left arm, making it almost functionless. I'm uncertain if my spine was injured; some doctors believe I have scoliosis based on visual inspec...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, if there is a C5 brachial plexus injury, the training postures you mentioned for simple squats, kendo, and baseball players can still be continued. However, if there are cervical spine issues, high-intensity training is not recommended. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Accident Recovery: Can I Still Train with Spinal Issues?
Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Cervical spine issues Hello, I would like to inquire about a previous X-ray I had. At that time, one doctor mentioned cervical spine compression, but another physician and a physical therapist said it wasn't severe and that there wasn't much compression. I had numbness ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Based on your symptoms, it is likely caused by cervical spine compression. It is recommended that you visit a neurology or neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation. If necessary, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan should be performed.[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Issues: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding C7 Nerve Compression: Symptoms and Recovery Timeline
Cervical vertebra seven compressing a nerve? Hello, I am 25 years old. One day, I suddenly felt something strange in my eyes, and I started experiencing issues with my ears, which seemed to be one-sided. After seeing a doctor, no clear diagnosis was made. Later, I visited an orth...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, dizziness along with eye and ear symptoms is not a typical indication of cervical spine issues. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit a neurologist for a detailed examination and evaluation to rule out any brain-related problems. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding C7 Nerve Compression: Symptoms and Recovery Timeline