Spine, Orthopedics FAQ

Understanding Growth Plate Closure and Cartilage Development in Orthopedics

Developmental issues Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your patience. I have a few questions to ask you. The first question is: If the growth plates of the bones have closed, can we also conclude that the cartilage between the joints (such as the cartilage in the knee and spine) wil...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, cartilage is an elastic structure that does not have a significant impact on height; the length of the bones is the primary factor affecting height. The thickest part of the articular cartilage is less than 0.5 cm, which has little effect on height. Changhua Hospital cares...

Can You Squat with Herniated Discs or Scoliosis? Expert Insights

Herniated disc? Questions about exercise? Seventeen years ago, after a car accident, I felt weakness in my left leg. I later sought medical attention, but the doctor did not perform an X-ray and only assessed my ability to walk, concluding that everything was normal. Most of the ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Scoliosis can perform deep squat movements, while herniated discs are not recommended for such activities. Herniated discs may cause neurological pain. If a definitive diagnosis is needed, it is advisable to consult a physician for an examination.

Understanding Osteoporosis Treatment Options for Young Diabetic Patients

The lowest T-score for bone mineral density in the spine is -1.8, while the lowest T-score for both femurs is -2.2? Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone density examination shows a worst T-score of -1.8 for the spine and -2.2 for both femurs. This examination was conducte...

Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
1. Based on your age, DXA should be assessed using Z-scores. Additionally, the National Health Insurance provides coverage for osteoporosis medications under specific conditions (such as fractures in certain sites combined with osteoporosis). 2. I am not aware of your Z-score. 3....

Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy and Sciatica in Elderly Patients

Peripheral neuropathy, sciatica? Doctor, my father is in his eighties and has prostate cancer. He experiences pain on both sides of his buttocks, and his legs feel sore and numb, making it difficult for him to walk. He also has urinary and fecal incontinence. He has seen a neurol...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
As people age, it is common for the spine to undergo degenerative changes. Some individuals may develop spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis, which can lead to mobility issues (intermittent claudication) or bowel and bladder incontinence. It is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon...

Should You Worry About Neck Cracking After a Fall?

After a fall, there is often a cracking sound in the cervical spine? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I fell while rock climbing, landing on my buttocks (the fall was about 2-3 meters high, and there was a thick soft mat below). My neck absorbed a significant amount of the impact, a...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, cervical strain often results in stiffness and pain in the neck, and there may occasionally be unusual sounds. However, if the sounds occur without accompanying pain, they are usually not a concern. If there is abnormal pain in the neck or numbness and tingling in the hand...

Understanding Osteoporosis Treatment: DXA Results and Vitamin D Needs

DXA spine shows the lowest T-score of -1.8, and both femurs have a T-score of -2.2 (report from December 2012)? DXA results show a lumbar spine T-score of -1.8 and a bilateral femur T-score of -2.2 (report from December 2012). Dr. Chen Yong-hsueh's recommendations are as fol...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
If you have any questions, please visit the outpatient clinic for a blood test. Thank you.

Am I at Risk of Fractures Due to Osteoporosis and Medication?

Am I at risk of fracturing my bones at any time? Currently, I am taking the following medications: LEEYO (Escitalopram) 10mg, Doxepin 25mg twice daily, Lyrica 75mg twice daily, Metformin 500mg, Tamsulosin 0.2mg, Ativan 0.5mg four times daily, and Zolpidem twice at bedtime (all of...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, osteoporosis indicates that the risk of fractures due to trauma is higher than that of normal individuals, but it does not mean that spontaneous fractures will occur. Supplementing with calcium and vitamin D3, along with regular exercise, can help maintain bone density. Re...

Understanding Osteoporosis Treatment and Calcium Needs After DEXA Scan Results

DEXA bone mineral density: spinal T-score -1.8, bilateral femoral T-score -2.2? Your questions: Currently taking medications include LEEYO (Escitalopram) 10mg, Doxepin 25mg *2, LYRICA 75mg *2, Metformin 500mg, Tamsulosin 0.2mg, Ativan 0.5mg *4, Zolpidem *2 at bedtime (all taken l...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
It is still advisable to get moderate sun exposure. If there are other circumstances that prevent the normal synthesis of vitamin D, please consider getting a blood test to check vitamin D levels and adjust accordingly. Generally, a daily intake of about 600 IU is recommended.

Understanding DEXA Results: Osteoporosis Treatment Options and Supplements

The DEXA scan shows a worst T-score of -1.8 for the spine and a worst T-score of -2.2 for both femurs? Currently, I am taking the following medications: LEEYO (Escitalopram) 10mg, Doxepin 25mg twice daily, Lyrica 75mg twice daily, Metformin 500mg, Tamsulosin 0.2mg, Ativan 0.5mg f...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
1. If I have never had a fracture, does that mean that health insurance will not cover osteoporosis medication? Yes, health insurance cannot provide unlimited coverage. Currently, coverage is available only for individuals who are at least 60 years old, have a bone mineral densit...

Understanding DEXA Results: Osteoporosis Treatment and Vitamin D Needs

DEXA (DXA) bone mineral density results show a T-score of -1.8 for the spine and a T-score of -2.2 for both femurs? Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone mineral density examination results show a T-score of -1.8 for the spine and -2.2 for both femurs. This examination was...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Your bone mineral density has not yet reached below -2.5, so you do not have osteoporosis. Those medications must be purchased out of pocket. Vitamin D3 should be taken at a dosage of 1000-2000 IU per day.

Can You Play the Violin After Scoliosis Surgery? Expert Insights

Post-spinal surgery Hello, four and a half years ago, I underwent surgery to correct scoliosis (with a thoracic curve of over 100 degrees and a lumbar curve of over 40 degrees). Currently, my thoracic curve is around 30 degrees. The surgery extended from the thoracic spine to the...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, playing the violin will not affect scoliosis on the opposite side. Thank you.

Can You Play the Violin After Scoliosis Surgery? Expert Insights

Post-spinal surgery Hello, I had surgery to correct scoliosis four and a half years ago (with a thoracic curvature of over 100 degrees and a lumbar curvature of over 40 degrees). Currently, my thoracic curvature is down to over 30 degrees, and the surgery extended from the thorac...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, playing the violin will not affect scoliosis on the opposite side. Thank you.

Post-Traction Care for Neck Injuries: What You Need to Know

Cervical traction rehabilitation? Hello, doctor. When I was 6 years old, I suffered a displacement of the first and second cervical vertebrae due to a fall. I was hospitalized several times for traction and eventually recovered. I would like to know if I am more prone to neck wea...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You can consult a physician for an examination and get an X-ray to check for any instability in the cervical spine. If there is no instability, you can proceed with the activities you mentioned.

Understanding Human Cartilage Development and Its Changes After Puberty

Development of Human Cartilage Hello, Doctor. I have two questions to ask. 1. At what age does the development of human cartilage typically stop? 2. I understand that once the growth plates close, the development of hard bone ceases. Does this mean that after the completion of...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
1. Cartilage can be classified into three main types: hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage. The cartilage found in the joints of the limbs is hyaline cartilage, which generally ceases to grow after adulthood. 2. Yes.

Is Your Spine Injured? Understanding Back Pain After a Pull

Is there a spinal injury in the lumbar region? Hello, doctor. One day at school, something happened that caused me to experience soreness in my lower back whenever I try to stand up straight. At that time, I was pulled forcefully and leaned back, feeling two cracking sounds in my...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, young individuals have a low chance of experiencing fractures without significant external force; most injuries are related to muscle and soft tissue damage, which typically heal naturally. The pain caused by fractures is often very severe and usually intolerable. Changhua...

Understanding Slow Healing After L5S1 Fusion Surgery: Concerns and Solutions

L5-S1 vertebral arch fracture has been surgically treated? Hello Doctor, I underwent L5-S1 spinal fusion and internal fixation surgery due to a vertebral fracture at the end of last year. It has been three months since the surgery, and during my follow-up X-ray, it was found that...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if healing is not complete, continuous monitoring is necessary. With the current surgical techniques, the likelihood of completely removing intervertebral tissue is quite high. However, spinal fusion surgery can lead to early degeneration of adjacent joints, which is diffi...

Neck Pain After Cervical Impact: Seeking Solutions for Recovery

Cervical spine impact pain issues? Hello, Doctor. In mid-December 2019, I performed a backflip catch during a cheerleading competition, and my cervical spine directly hit the ground. At that moment, I experienced symptoms such as chest tightness and nausea. Due to the neck pain, ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Injuries to the cervical spine may not involve fractures of the bones, but there is a possibility of damage to the surrounding soft tissues, which typically requires more than three months to heal. Continued rehabilitation is necessary and may lead to improvement.

Understanding Hunchback Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Hunchback issue Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, when I sit, my slouching is very noticeable. Whenever I relax, I tend to hunch forward, and if I try to sit up straight, I feel a sense of breathlessness. Both sides of my neck and shoulders become very stiff, extending to the ce...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Do you have a habit of exercising? If possible, please strengthen your back muscles through exercise, as this can lead to a significant improvement. Thank you.

Managing Pain from Degenerative Lumbar Osteophytes in Seniors

Pain caused by degenerative bone spurs in the lumbar spine? My mother is 86 years old and has recently been experiencing pain in her lower back and hips. After consulting an orthopedic doctor and undergoing X-rays, it was found that she has degenerative changes in her lumbar spin...

Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello: Regarding degenerative issues, it is important to first assess the severity before deciding on a treatment method. There are various treatment options available, including medication, rehabilitation therapy, injections, and surgery. The choice should be based on the severi...

Is My Pain Sciatica? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief

I would like to ask the doctor if my symptoms are indicative of sciatica? On the evening of January 20th, after singing, I suddenly felt pain in my lower back while walking home, thinking I had strained my back. When I got up on January 21st, the pain in my lower back was so seve...

Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic. After a diagnosis by the physician, please have the attending physician provide an explanation.

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