Should You Remove Intramedullary Nails After Fracture Surgery?
Is it necessary to remove the intramedullary nail? Hello Doctor: I was involved in a car accident on July 23, 2023, which resulted in a closed fracture of my right tibia with three segments broken and bone fragmentation. I underwent an open reduction and internal fixation surgery...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Intramedullary nails should only be removed after the fracture has healed. If the nail is protruding, it should be extracted. 2. Some physicians may not perform bone grafting, and this may not pose any issues. 3. Leaving the nail in place can cause a foreign body sensation...[Read More] Should You Remove Intramedullary Nails After Fracture Surgery?
Understanding Tibial Fracture Recovery: To Remove Hardware or Not?
Tibial fracture Hello Doctor, my son is 23 years old and previously suffered a tibial shaft fracture in a car accident. He had titanium alloy implants with four screws for fixation, and it has been 1 year and 2 months since the surgery. During his follow-up visit, the physician m...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Bone screws and plates are considered foreign objects in the body. Whether or not to surgically remove them depends on whether the patient experiences discomfort. If there is discomfort that affects daily life and work, it is recommended to follow up with the attending physician ...[Read More] Understanding Tibial Fracture Recovery: To Remove Hardware or Not?
Post-Surgery Guidelines: When to Stop Wearing a Brace After Fracture
Inquire about issues related to post-fracture orthopedic braces and casts? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask how long after surgery for a left tibial fracture and radial dislocation can I ride a motorcycle without wearing a protective brace? (The steel pins have not been removed...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, the need for follow-up visits depends on the initial severity of the fracture or dislocation as well as your recovery progress. It is recommended to consult your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Guidelines: When to Stop Wearing a Brace After Fracture
Risks of Leaving Bone Screws and Plates in After Fracture Surgery
Risks of leaving bone screws and plates in place? Hello Doctor, I had a tibial plateau fracture in my left leg due to a car accident in 2019. At that time, I had a titanium alloy plate and screws inserted at my own expense, with plans to remove them after a year. However, I becam...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1. In the future, if osteoporosis occurs with age, will it have an impact? No. 2. If a severe injury leads to a fracture, will the existing bone screws affect the fracture surgery? This is possible. Additionally, implants do not provide benefits when placed in the body...[Read More] Risks of Leaving Bone Screws and Plates in After Fracture Surgery
Understanding PCL Avulsion Fractures: Healing Status After Six Months
PCL avulsion fracture (six months duration) Hello Doctor: I had a car accident last November and was diagnosed with a PCL avulsion fracture. At that time, I did not undergo surgery and was only immobilized for two months. It has now been six months, and my orthopedic doctor arran...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, according to the MRI report you provided, the posterior cruciate ligament has not yet healed (which is actually to be expected). As for the treatment you should pursue, it depends on your daily activities: if you are an active person who enjoys sports, especially those tha...[Read More] Understanding PCL Avulsion Fractures: Healing Status After Six Months
Understanding Multiple Comminuted Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Multiple comminuted fractures Hello, doctor. 🙇🏻♀️ I was in a car accident on the night of February 3rd, lost consciousness at the scene, and was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment. I was in a coma for three days and sustained multiple comminuted fractures, including i...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Rehabilitation is necessary to gradually improve joint mobility. 2. It will take approximately six months or more.[Read More] Understanding Multiple Comminuted Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Recovery from Tibial Comminuted Fractures After an Accident
Tibial comminuted fracture Hello, doctor. I had a car accident on February 3rd and suffered a comminuted fracture in my lower leg. Could you please tell me when I will be able to fully bear weight on my leg? It still feels numb and tingly. Thank you very much.
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, the degree of fracture healing must be assessed to determine when it is safe to bear weight. Therefore, follow-up X-rays are required, which may take at least three to six months.[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Tibial Comminuted Fractures After an Accident
Post-Tibial Osteotomy: Managing Infection and Surgical Concerns
Post-Tibial Osteotomy Surgery Hello: I underwent corrective surgery on my right leg on September 14, 2023 (using allograft bone and titanium alloy plate fixation). On January 25, February 7, and March 7, 2024, I experienced post-surgical wound infections and underwent wound debri...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Infections are a frustrating complication, and if an infection occurs, the healing process of the bone will slow down. In principle, if the plate can be removed, controlling the infection after debridement will be easier. However, the section of the bone that needs correction wil...[Read More] Post-Tibial Osteotomy: Managing Infection and Surgical Concerns
Post-Hip Replacement Surgery: Understanding Left Calf Numbness and Nerve Damage
Loss of sensation in the left calf following hip replacement surgery? I underwent left hip joint replacement surgery on November 14th of last year. After the surgery, I noticed that the back of my left calf, from below the knee to the ankle, had no sensation. Touching it feels li...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, according to the letter, the electromyography findings indicate: (1) left sciatic neuropathy, (2) coexisting chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy, and (3) an underlying sensorimotor polyneuropathy may also be considered. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Hip Replacement Surgery: Understanding Left Calf Numbness and Nerve Damage
Recovery After ACL and Tibial Plateau Fracture: When Can You Ride a Motorcycle?
Diagnosis: Tear of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments with associated fracture? I had a car accident on January 3rd this year, resulting in a tibial plateau fracture and tears of both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. I underwent surgery where plates and s...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, riding a motorcycle is generally fine, but in case of an emergency situation, your affected limb may not be able to react in time. It is advisable not to attempt it before you are able to exercise properly. Thank you.[Read More] Recovery After ACL and Tibial Plateau Fracture: When Can You Ride a Motorcycle?
Post-Tibia Fracture Surgery: When to Ditch the Crutches?
Post-operative care for tibial fractures? Hello, doctor. I sustained a traction fracture of the right tibia in a car accident on January 19 and underwent surgery on February 7. It has been about seven weeks since then, and I am currently walking with crutches, putting half weight...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. To determine if a fracture has healed on an X-ray, it is generally safer to wait about three months. 2. It is normal.[Read More] Post-Tibia Fracture Surgery: When to Ditch the Crutches?
Post-Fracture Joint Issues: Understanding Complications After Surgery
Postoperative joint issues following fractures of the tibia, fibula, and clavicle? 1. The occasional numbness and burning sensation in the ankle, foot, and toe joints two months after the fracture surgery may be due to nerve irritation or compression, possibly related to swelling...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After a lower limb fracture and surgery, it is normal for swelling to persist if blood circulation has not yet returned, which may take more than three months to recover. For a clavicle fracture, do not elevate the arm as it may cause the metal pins to shift. It is normal to feel...[Read More] Post-Fracture Joint Issues: Understanding Complications After Surgery
Managing Post-Surgery Knee Pain: Effective Strategies and Next Steps
How should postoperative knee pain be managed? On August 15, 2023, the patient underwent arthroscopic surgery on the left knee, including chondroplasty, drilling, and high tibial osteotomy with internal fixation using a plate. Postoperatively, the patient has experienced persiste...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Cold compress, elevation, elastic bandage, and analgesics.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Knee Pain: Effective Strategies and Next Steps
Understanding Muscle Numbness After Leg Injury: Causes and Recovery Time
Contusion of the lower leg (without external injury), muscle numbness? Hello Doctor: I was involved in an accident while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, where another motorcycle directly struck my calf. There are no fractures or open wounds, but I have significant bruising...
Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, due to a car accident, you have a hematoma in your calf. If the swelling is severe enough to compress the distal circulation, which is known as compartment syndrome, orthopedic or plastic surgeons typically recommend a fasciotomy for decompression. If the physician determi...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Numbness After Leg Injury: Causes and Recovery Time
Cost of High Tibial Osteotomy for O-Shape Legs: What to Expect
Cost of high tibial osteotomy? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my severe bow legs, which have caused discomfort in my knees in recent years. I have researched online and learned that high tibial osteotomy can help improve alignment. I would like to know, if I opt for a se...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
You can come to the outpatient clinic for a detailed evaluation.[Read More] Cost of High Tibial Osteotomy for O-Shape Legs: What to Expect
Recovery Timeline After Tibial Plate Removal for Heavy Lifting
Tibial screw removal I had a tibial plateau fracture from a car accident a year and a half ago, and I am considering having the fixation plate removed (self-funded plate). How long after the removal can I lift heavy objects, as my job often requires me to lift around 30 kg? Thank...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
You can return to the outpatient clinic for an evaluation by the physician.[Read More] Recovery Timeline After Tibial Plate Removal for Heavy Lifting
Understanding Tibial Fractures and Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children
Tibial fracture/Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) Hello, Doctor: My child, who is 8 years old, suffered an injury in a car accident resulting in a spiral fracture of the left tibial shaft. The doctor used a telescopic intramedullary nail with two fixation screws. I would like to ask t...
Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: 1. The effectiveness of rehabilitation therapy varies from person to person, especially in children where the differences can be significant. Please be patient and cooperate with the rehabilitation therapy for six months. 2. Normal removal of internal fixation devices requ...[Read More] Understanding Tibial Fractures and Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children
Understanding Tibial Plateau Fractures: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Tibial plateau fracture Hello, I had a car accident recently that caused swelling in my right foot. I had an X-ray taken in the emergency department, and the emergency physician said there was no fracture. A week later, I followed up with an orthopedic doctor, who reviewed the X-...
Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, sometimes X-rays may not capture a fracture due to the angle or if there was no displacement at the time of the initial imaging, which can lead to ongoing pain. In such cases, a follow-up appointment may require another X-ray or additional imaging studies. I am unable to a...[Read More] Understanding Tibial Plateau Fractures: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Post-Surgery Concerns After Tibial Fracture: Pain and Limitations Explained
Post-operative questions regarding tibial fracture? Hello, doctor! I suffered a distal tibial fracture due to a car accident, and the surgery involved minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation. A steel rod was inserted from the tibial plateau and secured with four s...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, based on your letter, your fracture should be at the proximal tibia rather than the distal tibia. 1. Proximal tibial fractures can range from very minor to highly comminuted, and the surgical approach and recovery can vary significantly. However, since the injury has alr...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Tibial Fracture: Pain and Limitations Explained
Understanding Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Symptoms and Recovery
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear? Recently, I had a motorcycle accident and my knee and calf are swollen and painful. I went to an orthopedic doctor and had an MRI done. Doctor, could you tell me if this is serious? Here are the findings: Examination: Non-contrast MRI of ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear occurs when the ligament is torn along with the bone at the back of the tibia, resulting in a type of avulsion fracture. This can be treated surgically using bone screws to reattach the ligament. It is advisable to consult with a physician...[Read More] Understanding Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Symptoms and Recovery