Understanding Scoliosis: Treatment Options and Growth Concerns
Scoliosis Hello Dr. Wang, I would like to inquire about scoliosis. I have a curvature of 30 to 40 degrees in my spine. I have been undergoing rehabilitation, but if the growth plates have closed and I continue with rehabilitation, will it prevent further straightening of my spine...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: When the Cobb's angle of scoliosis exceeds 30 to 40 degrees, conservative treatment is ineffective after adulthood. A small number of patients may continue to experience an increase in the angle, at which point surgical correction should be considered.[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Treatment Options and Growth Concerns
Understanding Cartilage Development at Age 27: What You Need to Know
Height issues Doctor, I apologize for asking one more question, but I just want to be sure. May I ask, at the age of 27, with all growth plates closed, is it safe to say that cartilage development is complete? This includes the spine and knee joints. Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Yes.[Read More] Understanding Cartilage Development at Age 27: What You Need to Know
Understanding Spinal Alignment: Seeking Medical Documentation for Military Service
Straight spine? I would like to ask the doctor, three years ago I had an X-ray at the hospital, and the doctor said that my spine appeared very straight with almost no curvature. I also find it difficult to stand for long periods; if I stand too long, my spine starts to ache, and...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Based on your symptoms, you may need to visit an orthopedic department at a public hospital that conducts military service physical examinations to diagnose conditions such as a herniated disc or ankylosing spondylitis. Once a diagnosis is established, you can request your physic...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Alignment: Seeking Medical Documentation for Military Service
Understanding Your Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Orthopedic Issues
What is wrong with me? Hello: In the past one to two years, I have been experiencing an increasing frequency of lower back pain and discomfort. Initially, about three to four years ago, I started having occasional sharp pain in the lower back and hip, particularly when walking; t...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There may be degenerative changes in the spine, so it is necessary to visit an orthopedic clinic to identify the specific issue, as it cannot be clearly explained through description alone.[Read More] Understanding Your Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Orthopedic Issues
Lower Spine Pain and Weakness in Left Leg: Possible Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain leading to weakness in the left leg? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing lower back pain and weakness in her left leg. When the pain occurs, she has difficulty breathing and sometimes feels faint due to the pain. This situation has been ongoing for a whi...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it may be a case of sciatic nerve compression, but we cannot rule out the possibility of a spinal tumor. I recommend that you take your mother to the hospital for an X-ray examination, and if necessary, further MRI (Magnetic Resonance I...[Read More] Lower Spine Pain and Weakness in Left Leg: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Rib Cartilage Protrusion: Posture vs. Structural Issues
Rib issues consultation If the condition of costochondral protrusion (and the compression and depression of the lower costal cartilage) is caused by a long-standing slouched sitting posture (assuming there are no other or unknown factors), would it be considered a fixed developme...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Given your condition, the chances of recovery are not high (as growth has already stabilized), but it is important to monitor the curvature angle of the spine and check for any signs of pectus carinatum.[Read More] Understanding Rib Cartilage Protrusion: Posture vs. Structural Issues
Understanding Severe Redness and Inflammation After Spine Cement Surgery
Severe redness and inflammation of the bone cement wound? My grandmother underwent vertebroplasty with balloon augmentation last week, but in the past few days, the wound has shown significant redness, swelling, and inflammation, and it feels warm to the touch. What could be caus...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It may be a wound infection that requires aggressive treatment with antibiotics and proper wound care.[Read More] Understanding Severe Redness and Inflammation After Spine Cement Surgery
Understanding Disc Herniation from Improper Weightlifting Techniques
Herniated disc due to improper weightlifting posture (speculated by orthopedic clinic physician)? About a week ago, I injured myself while doing squats during weight training. It was very painful at the time, and bending over at home was painful as well. I had difficulty putting ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
It's unclear how you would know if there is an issue with the cartilage. If it's just a muscle strain in the back, then rest and rehabilitation should suffice. However, if there is damage to the intervertebral disc cartilage, the treatment will depend on the severity of...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation from Improper Weightlifting Techniques
Is Your Year-Long Dizziness a Sign of Cervical Spine Issues?
Is dizziness for over a year related to cervical spondylosis? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing dizziness for over a year. After undergoing numerous tests, I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and mild fatty liver. Since the onset of dizziness last year until...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, cervical spine issues typically do not cause dizziness in patients. Generally, when dizziness occurs, it is important to investigate the source of the problem, which may require an examination by a neurologist or an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Is Your Year-Long Dizziness a Sign of Cervical Spine Issues?
Understanding Compression Fractures: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Spinal compression fracture caused by a car accident? Two months after the accident, I sustained a compression fracture of the 11th thoracic vertebra (shaped like a horizontally lying trapezoid), resulting in a curvature of the spine similar to scoliosis. However, there is no ner...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. By that time, the bone may have already healed, resulting in a less effective outcome. 2. The surgery will make it straighter to some extent. 3. Both options carry similar risks. 4. Yes.[Read More] Understanding Compression Fractures: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Will Hip Replacement Surgery Lead to Limping? Insights and Prevention
Will there be a limp after a hemiarthroplasty hip replacement surgery? Hello, Doctor! My father (60 years old) underwent a partial hip replacement surgery (right leg, metal material) last month due to a femoral neck fracture from a car accident, and he is currently in recovery. P...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, most patients do not experience this phenomenon after surgery; however, individuals who already have pre-existing issues with their knee joints or spine are more likely to encounter this situation.[Read More] Will Hip Replacement Surgery Lead to Limping? Insights and Prevention
Non-Surgical Solutions for Spine Issues: Can They Help?
Can it be improved without surgery? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you! I would like to ask you about my condition. Two years ago, I had a spinal deformity and visited a doctor at National Taiwan University in Hsinchu, who recommended surgery to prevent the risk of paral...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Lumbar spine surgery does not typically affect the cervical spine, unless there is a significant deformity in the lumbar region that requires evaluation. The assessment of spinal curvature and balance in the lateral view of the spine is necessary for understanding the cond...[Read More] Non-Surgical Solutions for Spine Issues: Can They Help?
Understanding Coccydynia: Surgery Risks and Alternatives for Treatment
Coccygeal protrusion Hello, my mother has been experiencing thigh discomfort while sitting since March; she cannot sit for long and only feels comfortable standing or lying down. Today, she visited a doctor who performed an X-ray and indicated that there is a protrusion near the ...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Coccygeal protrusion typically causes tenderness after prolonged sitting. It is advisable to further examine whether there is any nerve compression in the lumbar spine. If diabetes is well-controlled, it should not affect wound healing.[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: Surgery Risks and Alternatives for Treatment
Understanding Spinal Injuries and Wrist Ligament Issues After Diving
Spinal injury & wrist bones Hello, Doctor. Five days ago, during a swimming lesson, I hit the water surface with my chest and abdomen while diving (similar to a U shape). At that moment, I felt some pain in my chest and spine. Although it has gradually improved over the past ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Your symptoms may require you to see an orthopedic physician for an examination, and an X-ray may be necessary. The wrist issues also need to be evaluated by a doctor.[Read More] Understanding Spinal Injuries and Wrist Ligament Issues After Diving
Can Cracking Sounds in Your Spine Lead to Paralysis?
Does a "crack" sound from the spine lead to paralysis? I have been experiencing chronic back pain, and my doctor informed me that there is degeneration in my spine that cannot be treated. Recently, I discovered that when my back hurts, lying on a hard bed with my knees ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, this sound is something many people experience. In clinical practice, the main concern is the possibility of spondylolisthesis, which can be diagnosed through X-ray examinations in an orthopedic outpatient setting. Generally speaking, spondylolisthesis does not lead to par...[Read More] Can Cracking Sounds in Your Spine Lead to Paralysis?
Struggling with Knee Pain: Seeking Solutions for Weakness and Discomfort
Inability to bear weight on the knee? I have been experiencing knee pain in both legs for two years. I have consulted many doctors (orthopedics, rehabilitation, rheumatology, and neurology) at major hospitals. Some doctors indicated that I have patellar malalignment, while others...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It could be a spinal issue compressing the nerves, leading to weakness in both knees. Typically, if it were degenerative arthritis of the knee, there would usually be pain and some degenerative changes in the knee joint. Medication treatment can also provide improvement. If sympt...[Read More] Struggling with Knee Pain: Seeking Solutions for Weakness and Discomfort
Understanding the Risk of Bone Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Regarding bone cancer metastasis? I would like to inquire: My father has a ten-year history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Recently, he has been experiencing lower back pain, numbness radiating down to his legs, and symptoms related to hyperuricemia. A few days ago, an MRI at Macka...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Cancer metastasis is not uncommon during routine follow-up. From MRI scans, lesions can be initially assessed to determine if they are tumors; however, it cannot be confirmed whether they are metastatic from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This can only be supported by the patie...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Bone Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Understanding Spinal Fractures: When Surgery is Necessary
Vertebral fracture Doctor, I'm sorry to bother you. A few days ago, I had an X-ray at Mackay Memorial Hospital, which revealed a fracture in my spine. I had previously undergone an X-ray at another hospital, but they did not detect the fracture; they only mentioned bone spur...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: If there is a fracture in the vertebrae without trauma, it is necessary to consider whether it is due to congenital joint space deficiency or spina bifida, in which case urgent surgery may not be required. If the acute fracture is caused by trauma and does not affect spina...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Fractures: When Surgery is Necessary
Understanding 8-Degree Scoliosis: Is It Normal and What to Do?
Scoliosis of 8 degrees? Hello, doctor! I have an 8-degree scoliosis. Is that normal? My growth plates have already closed, so will the degree of scoliosis increase? Can I use a pull-up bar to straighten my spine? I am 18 years and 2 months old. Thank you for your response!
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: The growth plates have closed with an 8-degree scoliosis, so the chance of worsening is low. Performing pull-ups for correction is unlikely to be effective. If there are no symptoms, monitoring is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding 8-Degree Scoliosis: Is It Normal and What to Do?
Understanding Coccygeal Dislocation: Steel Pins vs. Spring Implants
Coccygeal dislocation and issues with the steel pins? Hello Doctor: My mother has been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis at the L4-L5 level during her recent check-up. The doctor has determined that she needs surgery to insert four screws. We had originally scheduled the surgery a...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Currently, the mainstay of surgical treatment for spondylolisthesis at the L4-L5 levels is the use of steel screws for fixation. In cases of spondylolisthesis, there is already spinal instability, and spring-type screws may not provide adequate stabilization. Wishing your loved o...[Read More] Understanding Coccygeal Dislocation: Steel Pins vs. Spring Implants