Post-Surgery Recovery Insights for Tibial Plateau Fractures
Postoperative care for tibial fractures? Hello Doctor, I was involved in a car accident on February 11, which resulted in a comminuted fracture of the left tibial plateau along with a knee dislocation. On February 12, I underwent surgery for the reduction and internal fixation of...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is normal for the condition one month post-surgery to take about three months for swelling to subside. 2. Changes in skin color around the surgical wound are also considered normal and may take several months to improve.[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Insights for Tibial Plateau Fractures
Post-Surgery Concerns: Managing Complications After Knee Surgery
Postoperative issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions regarding post-operative issues concerning my father (59 years old). He suffered a comminuted fracture of the right knee on January 8th of this year and underwent surgery at 804. While recovering at home, h...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello: First of all, I must express my highest admiration for your filial piety; your writing reveals a deep love for your father. Regarding your father's fracture, it is in the knee, but could you provide me with a more precise location? For example: Is it the patella (knee...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Managing Complications After Knee Surgery
Understanding Patellar Dislocation: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
Patellar dislocation issues? Echo: Musculoskeletal System Ultrasound Examination Chief Complaint: Sonar Diagnosis of left knee MPFL complete rupture from patella MRI: Knee MRI without contrast MRI of left knee using a 1.5 Tesla machine with axial section FSE PD with fat sup...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, I have previously responded to some of your questions. Here are my replies one by one: 1. I am allergic to certain NSAIDs, but usually not to all NSAIDs. If I cannot take medication, then I will have to rely on ice packs and rest. 2. If there is no further dislocation, ...[Read More] Understanding Patellar Dislocation: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Tibial Muscle Depressions: Causes and Concerns
Tibial depression Hello Doctor: I have noticed a depression in the muscle of my left tibia, but it is not painful. Could it be something growing there?
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, if it is a tumor, it generally grows rather than indents. For safety reasons, it is advisable to visit an orthopedic clinic for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Tibial Muscle Depressions: Causes and Concerns
Recovery Timeline After Tibial Plateau Screw and Plate Removal
Removal of screws and plates from the tibial plateau? Hello, I suffered a displaced and comminuted fracture of the tibial plateau in a car accident on January 3rd of this year. If I can have the steel pins and plates removed next year, generally speaking, how long will I need to ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After the removal of the bone screws following a fracture healing, it typically takes one to two weeks to return to normal. Crutches may be used for one to two weeks, and riding a motorcycle can usually be resumed in about two weeks.[Read More] Recovery Timeline After Tibial Plateau Screw and Plate Removal
Is Your Knee Pain Linked to ACL Reconstruction Hardware?
Issues with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Screws Hello, Doctor: I sustained an injury to my right knee in a car accident in 1994, resulting in a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage. In 1996, I underwent ACL reconstruction surgery, during which th...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is likely unrelated to the metal screws; the most probable issue remains with the meniscus. Therefore, attempting to remove the screws may not be beneficial for symptom improvement.[Read More] Is Your Knee Pain Linked to ACL Reconstruction Hardware?
Post-Surgery Care: Do You Need Crutches After Removing Metal Plates?
Removal of steel pins? Hello, I sustained a displaced and comminuted fracture of the right tibial plateau due to a car accident and underwent an open reduction and internal fixation surgery with plates and screws. If I decide to have the hardware removed, will I still need to use...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello: Generally, the metal pins and plates are removed only after the fracture has completely healed. Therefore, postoperatively, crutches are usually not needed; or crutches may be used for 2 weeks, until the stitches are removed, after which crutches are no longer necessary.[Read More] Post-Surgery Care: Do You Need Crutches After Removing Metal Plates?
Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery?
Should the titanium alloy screw be removed after a fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello, on November 14, I suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my left foot due to a fall. I visited an orthopedic outpatient clinic nearby, where they advised me to use a brace and undergo reh...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the bone has healed and the bone screws have not shifted, there is no need to remove them. The deterioration of bone quality typically occurs in long bones (such as the femur or tibia), while in the metatarsal bones of the foot, the screws can often be left in place without re...[Read More] Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery?
Understanding Post-ACL Reconstruction Loosening: Causes and Treatment Options
Postoperative laxity of the posterior cruciate ligament? Hello, doctor. I underwent posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and meniscus repair surgery at the end of January this year. It has been almost a year, but my muscle strength has not returned, and my passive flexion i...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is possible that it did not heal properly, and a reoperation may be more appropriate. Regenerative therapy cannot tighten the ligaments.[Read More] Understanding Post-ACL Reconstruction Loosening: Causes and Treatment Options
Weight Bearing After Tibial Fracture: 12 Weeks Post-Injury Guidance
Can a patient with a comminuted tibial fracture bear weight after 12 weeks? Hello Dr. Lee, I sustained a spiral comminuted fracture of the distal third of my tibia on August 31, and it has been over 12 weeks since then. During my follow-up appointment last week, the X-ray showed ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello: 1. The patient has a spiral comminuted fracture of the distal third of the tibia that has exceeded 12 weeks, and no callus formation is observed on the X-ray. Currently, even with the use of a pneumatic ankle brace, it is not advisable to completely avoid using crutches. H...[Read More] Weight Bearing After Tibial Fracture: 12 Weeks Post-Injury Guidance
Understanding Persistent Knee Issues After ACL Reconstruction: What You Need to Know
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) Hello Doctor: Ten years ago, I fell while riding my bicycle and injured my left knee. I noticed significant movement in my left tibia, and after examination at the hospital, I was diagnosed with a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). It took a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After undergoing ligament reconstruction surgery, insufficient muscle strength in the knee joint may lead to a feeling of instability. Additionally, the tension from the reconstruction may not have fully restored, causing slight displacement of the knee joint. If there are no sym...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Knee Issues After ACL Reconstruction: What You Need to Know
Understanding Delayed Bone Healing: Causes and Symptoms of Infection
Bone callus has not formed? Hello, I sustained a comminuted fracture of the distal third of the tibia and fibula on August 31, and I underwent a self-funded surgery involving two steel plates and approximately 21 screws. Now, nearly eight weeks later, I returned for a follow-up X...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
At eight weeks, it is still not possible to determine whether there is healing callus formation. Comminuted fractures typically heal more slowly. If there is a bacterial infection, the skin may show wounds or pus may be present, which requires close monitoring. If there is no cal...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Bone Healing: Causes and Symptoms of Infection
Understanding Left Knee Injuries: Recovery from Tibial Fracture and ACL Tear
Left posterior knee avulsion fracture of the tibial plateau with posterior cruciate ligament tear? Doctor, my daughter suffered a fracture of the posterior tibial plateau and a rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament due to a car accident. Initially, the fracture was stabilize...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, your daughter is unable to kneel and has difficulty squatting, which is likely related to the rehabilitation following her surgery a year ago, and is not related to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) not being reattached or reconstructed. As long as the knee joint is sta...[Read More] Understanding Left Knee Injuries: Recovery from Tibial Fracture and ACL Tear
Post-Surgery Wound Healing Issues After Tibia and Fibula Fracture
Wound dehiscence after surgery? Hello, after my tibia and fibula comminuted fracture surgery on August 31, the doctor mentioned that the wound on my ankle is healing slowly due to the steel plate underneath. For the past month, the doctor has been treating it with burn ointment. ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the wound is not infected, gradually changing the dressings will usually promote the growth of granulation tissue and skin, so it will take some time to heal. If there are any issues, you must return to the original physician for further management.[Read More] Post-Surgery Wound Healing Issues After Tibia and Fibula Fracture
Understanding New Fractures in Pediatric Tibial Injuries: Key Concerns
Tibial shaft fracture with secondary injury? Hello Dr. Lee, My son (6 years old) sustained a tibial fracture on August 13. He returned for a follow-up two weeks later, and the bone was not displaced. On September 28, during another follow-up, the X-ray showed that the fracture l...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
1. It is indeed possible. 2. There should be no impact. 3. There should be no impact. 4. The first item is more serious.[Read More] Understanding New Fractures in Pediatric Tibial Injuries: Key Concerns
High Tibial Osteotomy for O-legs: Can Athletes Return to Intense Sports?
High Tibial Osteotomy for Genu Varum (Bowleggedness) Hello Doctor, I am 19 years old and have over four years of experience in a sports team. I have developed O-shaped legs due to poor posture (often standing with my legs apart or crossing my legs). My tibial external rotation is...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If surgery is necessary, after approximately three to six months of bone healing, it will be similar to normal. However, the need for surgery must be carefully evaluated. Typically, X-ray examinations are required to measure the angle of curvature, and surgery is only indicated i...[Read More] High Tibial Osteotomy for O-legs: Can Athletes Return to Intense Sports?
Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Recovery After Orthopedic Injuries
Postoperative issues? Hello, Doctor. I had a car accident on July 3rd, resulting in a comminuted fracture of my left clavicle and a fracture of my left tibia. It has been two and a half months since then. The fracture in my leg has mostly healed, but the abrasion on my knee has n...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. The skin abrasion will need time to heal. 2. Where is the numbness located? Is it in the left hand? This may be related to nerve compression, so it would be advisable to consult a physician.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Recovery After Orthopedic Injuries
Delayed Healing of Femoral Fracture: When Can I Consider Bone Grafting?
Comminuted displaced femoral fracture, non-union for nearly 6 months? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. I was in a car accident on March 10 of this year and underwent internal fixation surgery on March 12. I sustained fractures to my tibia and tibial plateau (...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Femoral fractures typically heal within six to twelve months. If healing has not occurred after one year, then bone grafting may be necessary. Your attending physician's advice is correct; it is prudent to wait at least nine months before making a decision. Achieving a flexi...[Read More] Delayed Healing of Femoral Fracture: When Can I Consider Bone Grafting?
Recovering from Severe Leg Fractures: Improving Knee Flexibility After Surgery
Severe foot fracture, with the knee able to bend only 90 degrees? Hello Doctor: I sustained a left leg fracture due to a car accident as follows: On February 27, 2018, I underwent surgery for the application of an external fixator on the left tibia and closed reduction with inter...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
It is recommended to have the original surgeon follow up with an X-ray to confirm that rehabilitation can begin, as the bone needs to be stable before starting rehabilitation.[Read More] Recovering from Severe Leg Fractures: Improving Knee Flexibility After Surgery
Understanding Tibial Plateau Fractures: Recovery, Hardware Removal, and Rehabilitation
Tibial fracture Hello, I have a comminuted and displaced fracture of the tibial plateau due to a car accident. I underwent surgery with the placement of 7 screws and 1 plate, and it took nearly 8 months to recover. I have the following questions: (1) I am a 50-year-old male with ...
Dr. Wang Jiacheng Reply:
In the case of a normally healed fracture, the removal of internal fixation hardware does not affect the original function, and there is no need to fill the screw holes with bone graft.[Read More] Understanding Tibial Plateau Fractures: Recovery, Hardware Removal, and Rehabilitation