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?
Long-Term Effects of Non-Surgical Treatment for Grade 2 Shoulder Dislocation
Is there any long-term consequence of a grade 2 acromioclavicular joint dislocation if it is not surgically treated? Hello, Doctor. I fell while running on March 27, 2024, and impacted my left shoulder, resulting in a Grade 2 acromioclavicular joint dislocation. I am currently wi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Changes in twenty years are difficult to predict; even an uninjured shoulder joint may undergo degeneration. 2. Grade II injuries may not require surgery. 3. Choosing surgery does not guarantee complete recovery.[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Non-Surgical Treatment for Grade 2 Shoulder Dislocation
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Recent knee discomfort? Recently, I suddenly noticed that after sitting and studying in the morning, when I stood up and started walking, I felt a sudden pain above the outer side of my left knee. However, if I paused for a moment and then walked again, the pain would subside. In...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, please proceed to the orthopedic outpatient clinic for further physical examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding the Need for Hardware Removal After Arm Fracture Surgery
Removal of metal screws issue Hello Doctor, I had surgery on October 27th of last year following a car accident, primarily for a right distal humeral fracture. The current condition, as shown in the photos [link], has improved with ongoing rehabilitation, but I still experience s...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Each person's recovery varies. Whether or when to remove it should be discussed with your attending physician. Generally, a hospital stay of about 3 to 4 days is required post-surgery, and it is advisable to avoid vigorous exercise for at least 3 months. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Need for Hardware Removal After Arm Fracture Surgery
Understanding Coccyx Numbness: When to See a Specialist
Intermittent numbness in the coccyx? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent numbness in my coccyx area recently (without any pain), but I haven't had any injuries in the past few months. Initially, I felt this numbness after bending over to wash my hair. A while...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You can visit an orthopedic specialist because the numbness may be due to nerve compression, and further imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI may be necessary.[Read More] Understanding Coccyx Numbness: When to See a Specialist
Misdiagnosis in Orthopedics: From Hip Avascular Necrosis to Unnecessary Spinal Fusion
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head, yet underwent total lumbar fusion? In October 2022, I experienced sudden pain in my left lower limb and groin, along with a sensation of leg length discrepancy and limping. I went to the neurosurgery department at Tainan Medical Center, whe...
Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
There are many possible causes of discomfort and pain in the lower limbs, including muscle pain, joint inflammation, and lumbar nerve compression commonly known as sciatica. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is also a possibility. Sometimes, these conditions can occur simult...[Read More] Misdiagnosis in Orthopedics: From Hip Avascular Necrosis to Unnecessary Spinal Fusion
Managing Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Prevention and Treatment Insights
Metatarsal fracture Thank you, doctor, for answering my questions. I would like to ask if the reasons for the bone displacement in questions 1 and 2 could be due to the inability to bear weight even while wearing the protective footwear? What can be done to prevent displacement? ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Your X-ray shows a noticeable crack at the base of the fifth metatarsal, but there is no displacement. We will continue to monitor it. If it remains the same, it may heal, but if you twist it again, there is a possibility of displacement. It would be better to wear a brace.[Read More] Managing Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Prevention and Treatment Insights
Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation for Right Foot Navicular Fracture
Closed fracture of the right navicular bone in the foot? I had a fall on the stairs on February 6, resulting in a fracture. I had my cast removed on March 8, but an X-ray still shows a small piece of bone missing. My foot is still very painful, and it starts to swell and hurt aft...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is possible to walk with an ankle brace, and typically, a fracture requires a recovery period of three months.[Read More] Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation for Right Foot Navicular Fracture
Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: To Operate or Not?
Fifth metatarsal fracture Hello Dr. Shi, last month I had a misstep and fractured my fourth and fifth metatarsals. When I went to the emergency room, the doctor said surgery was optional and that not having surgery wouldn't affect my ability to walk. However, during my outpa...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The doctor's statement is correct; continuous monitoring is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: To Operate or Not?
Impact of X-Ray Positioning on Flatfoot Arch Angle Assessment
Flatfoot X-ray imaging issues? A few days ago, I went to the hospital to get an X-ray of my foot to confirm a flatfoot issue. The radiologist placed a wooden box for me to stand on and asked me to keep the side of my little toe pressed against a side panel while standing on one f...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
This still needs to be evaluated based on the actual imaging results and the physician's judgment. Thank you.[Read More] Impact of X-Ray Positioning on Flatfoot Arch Angle Assessment
Can Self-Directed Exercises Help Alleviate Scoliosis Symptoms?
Can scoliosis be alleviated through self-corrective exercises? Hello Doctor: Recently, I visited the hospital due to concerns about having leg length discrepancy. After an X-ray examination, it was found that I have a spinal curvature of approximately 11 degrees. The doctor advis...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Corrective exercises can alleviate discomfort caused by scoliosis and may slightly reduce the angle of spinal curvature (as some scoliosis is postural rather than structural). Structural scoliosis cannot be altered by means other than surgery.[Read More] Can Self-Directed Exercises Help Alleviate Scoliosis Symptoms?
Understanding Sharp Pain After Toe Fracture Healing: Causes and Solutions
Shooting pain after fracture healing? Hello, my little toe suffered a fracture due to an impact last January. Even after a long time, I still feel a sharp pain when walking, and it feels numb when touched. I had an X-ray, and the doctor said there was nothing wrong. I would like ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
A toe fracture typically heals in 3 to 4 months. If you continue to experience pain or other discomfort, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Sharp Pain After Toe Fracture Healing: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Heel Pain: Risks and Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Heel pain Hello Dr. Wang, I would like to ask if my aunt has rheumatoid arthritis, do I have a risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis? Thank you 🙏 I was preparing for graduate school and spent almost every day studying at home, which involved prolonged sitting and a lack of ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for a check-up.[Read More] Understanding Heel Pain: Risks and Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Understanding the Observation Period for Subtle Bone Fractures
Fracture observation period Hello Dr. Chen, I was in a car accident on February 21, and at that time, X-rays taken in the emergency room showed no issues with my bones. Is there an observation period for subtle bone cracks or fractures? If a bone were to crack or break, wouldn&...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
The general observation period is two weeks. Some fractures may not be visible immediately after the injury. If there is no improvement after two weeks, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist for a follow-up X-ray or CT scan.[Read More] Understanding the Observation Period for Subtle Bone Fractures
Can Rib Injuries Worsen After Activity? Understanding Your Symptoms
Rib fracture after three weeks of activity following a collision? On February 8th, I was elbowed forcefully from behind by a stranger at the market, impacting the last one or two ribs on my right side. The impact was quite deep and extremely painful. However, I felt that seeking ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
The self-healing capacity of the ribs is quite good, and the likelihood of fractures from typical impacts is low, unless there is a severe blow from a car accident or hard objects (such as iron bars, steel plates, or baseball bats). Osteoporosis in the elderly is a different cons...[Read More] Can Rib Injuries Worsen After Activity? Understanding Your Symptoms
Can I Dance with a Finger Fracture? Risks of Temporary Splint Removal
Finger fracture After a finger fracture, the doctor advised to keep it immobilized. However, it has been almost a week since it was immobilized, and I have a dance class coming up. Can I temporarily remove the splint to attend the class and then reapply it afterward? Would this w...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Generally, a finger fracture should be immobilized for 3 weeks, but it is important to check with an X-ray for accuracy. Some stable fractures may only require immobilization for one week, after which, once the swelling has subsided, further immobilization may not be necessary.[Read More] Can I Dance with a Finger Fracture? Risks of Temporary Splint Removal
Should Facial and Foot Fracture Hardware Be Removed After Surgery?
Do facial and foot fractures need to be removed? Hello, doctor. Recently, I was involved in a car accident and suffered fractures in my right face and right thigh, which were treated with screws and plates by different doctors. The doctor who treated my foot mentioned that since ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, metal nails and plates are considered foreign objects. In principle, they should be removed after the completion of staged tasks (bone healing). The reason is that several years later, if the body's resistance is low (such as in cases of dialysis or diabetes), there i...[Read More] Should Facial and Foot Fracture Hardware Be Removed After Surgery?
Understanding Calcaneal Fractures: When to Remove Surgical Pins?
Calcaneal fracture Hello doctor, my boyfriend had an accident on December 9th while working, where he jumped backward from a crane and sustained a comminuted fracture of the right heel. He was stabilized with a removable semi-rigid cast and underwent surgery on December 13th for ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Each person's condition and recovery process is different. I recommend discussing your concerns with your boyfriend's attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Calcaneal Fractures: When to Remove Surgical Pins?
Post-Fracture Exercise: Pool Walking vs. Ground Running for Recovery
Post-fracture exercise issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about exercising after a fracture. In January 2023, I had a car accident resulting in fractures of the second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals in my right foot, as well as a comminuted fracture of the talus and...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, after a fracture surgery, it is necessary to have a period of rest to promote healing, which usually takes about two to three months. During this time, it is best to avoid weight-bearing activities. Regarding the types of exercise mentioned in your letter, swimming is cert...[Read More] Post-Fracture Exercise: Pool Walking vs. Ground Running for Recovery
Understanding Vertebral Fractures and Laminar Dislocation: Pain and Diagnosis
The issues of vertebral fractures and laminar dissociation? Background: I have been experiencing spinal fasciitis due to sitting for over 13 hours a day. However, after a car accident three years ago, I have felt more pain in my spine than usual. I consulted a doctor who diagnose...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Symptoms may improve, but the underlying condition still exists. Surgery is only necessary if the symptoms are severe. 2. No, it will not happen.[Read More] Understanding Vertebral Fractures and Laminar Dislocation: Pain and Diagnosis