Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Healing Options and Concerns
Clavicle fracture Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident on March 6th, which resulted in a fractured clavicle. The fracture is displaced and not aligned properly. I had an X-ray done again on April 10th, and it still shows no signs of healing. The doctor has recommended surgery, ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the bones do not come into contact, healing will be slower. However, if they are in contact, healing typically occurs within three to six months. You need to continue monitoring the situation, and if healing does not occur, surgery may be necessary.[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Healing Options and Concerns
Understanding Bone Cement Injection: Risks and Alternatives for Elderly Patients
Bone cement injection Hello, Doctor. My grandmother is 93 years old. Recently, she experienced pain near the sacral area on the left side of her buttocks and in her left thigh (with no history of falls) and sought medical attention. She is able to walk independently. The doctor p...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is essential to confirm that the pain is caused by a compression fracture; only then will the injection of bone cement into the fracture site be effective. 2. X-rays or other imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans. 3. Unable to determine.[Read More] Understanding Bone Cement Injection: Risks and Alternatives for Elderly Patients
Understanding Whiplash Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Cervical Whiplash Syndrome Hello Doctor: I was in a motorcycle accident on July 1st of last year. I had to stop suddenly and was rear-ended by another vehicle. That night, I experienced significant neck pain. After applying ice and heat and taking anti-inflammatory pain medicatio...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Your description indicates that there is no injury to the cervical spine nerves, but rather a muscle or tendon injury. It has been over a year without deterioration. Currently, if there are no neurological deficits, further examination is not necessary.[Read More] Understanding Whiplash Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Shoulder issues Hello, Doctor: Last year, while throwing a child up in the air and catching them, I experienced severe pain in my left shoulder that almost made me drop the child. Since then, any similar movements have caused pain. I have been receiving treatment at a rehabilitat...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is possible that there is a soft tissue injury within the shoulder joint. The soft tissues include ligaments, tendons, and the labrum, among others. If rehabilitation does not lead to improvement, further evaluation may be necessary. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a di...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding the Bump on the Outer Midfoot: Is It Normal?
The bones in the middle part of the outer side of the foot are protruding? It seems to be the fifth metatarsal, and both feet are noticeably protruding. There have been no fractures, and it has been this way since childhood. Is this normal? There is no pain or discomfort, but it ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The base of the fifth metatarsal in the foot may typically protrude slightly, which can be a normal congenital variation. If you feel there is an issue, you can get an X-ray to check for any problems. If it needs to be flattened, surgery may be required, but it's important t...[Read More] Understanding the Bump on the Outer Midfoot: Is It Normal?
Walking After Hip Surgery: Tips for Recovery and Strength Training
Walking issues after hip joint surgery? Hello Dr. Shi: I have asked you two questions before, and I appreciate your responses. 1. It has been three months since my hip joint (femoral neck closed fracture) surgery. During my follow-up appointment at the end of March, the doctor ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. The healing time after a femoral neck fracture surgery is approximately 3 to 6 months. If the X-ray shows signs of healing, you can begin practicing walking. Initially, you can use two crutches and gradually transition to one. If the condition improves further, you can keep th...[Read More] Walking After Hip Surgery: Tips for Recovery and Strength Training
Understanding Elbow Dislocation Recovery: Key Questions and Tips
Regarding elbow dislocation within one week? Hello, I dislocated my elbow on April 1st. After reduction at the hospital, I currently have a cast fixed at 90 degrees in front of my chest. During my follow-up visit, I saw the X-ray of the dislocation, which looked similar to the fi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. An elbow dislocation typically involves ligament damage, which should be assessed for any associated fractures. Most ligaments are merely sprained rather than torn. To determine if there is nerve damage, check if the fingers can move and if the wrist can extend. 2. Movement of...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Dislocation Recovery: Key Questions and Tips
Left Elbow Dislocation and Lateral Ligament Tear: Surgical Considerations
Left shoulder dislocation with rupture of the lateral ligament? Hello, doctor! On January 8, I dislocated my left elbow while skiing in Japan. It was reduced on the same day, but it was misaligned, so I returned to Hong Kong and successfully had it realigned at Eastern Hospital o...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Rehabilitation can continue for another three months before reassessing the possibility of regaining some muscle strength. If there is still significant instability and weakness, surgery may be necessary.[Read More] Left Elbow Dislocation and Lateral Ligament Tear: Surgical Considerations
Understanding Bilateral Hip Dysplasia: Surgery, Pregnancy, and Exercise Tips
Bilateral hip joint dysplasia Hello, I am currently 33 years old and I have bilateral hip dysplasia, which is currently in a subluxated state. I would like to know if surgery will affect my future ability to conceive. My doctor did not provide a solution, and a few years ago, whe...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
Hip joint section: If there are currently no difficulties in daily activities, it may not be necessary to undergo joint replacement (this is determined by X-rays and symptoms). As for the relationship between surgery and pregnancy, there should be no significant concerns.[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Hip Dysplasia: Surgery, Pregnancy, and Exercise Tips
Understanding Surgical Options for Slow-Healing Femur Fractures
Inquiry about reoperation for femoral fracture and bone grafting? Hello, Doctor. I had a comminuted fracture in my thigh a year and a half ago. Currently, I am seeing two doctors for follow-up appointments. Both doctors mentioned that my bone is healing, but the progress is slow....
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
In my experience, comminuted fractures typically heal more slowly, sometimes taking two to three years for complete healing. If you currently do not experience any pain and can walk 5-6 kilometers, it is reasonable to continue monitoring the situation. It is possible that bone gr...[Read More] Understanding Surgical Options for Slow-Healing Femur Fractures
Understanding Fibula Fractures: Symptoms and When to Seek Treatment
Fibula fracture In October 2017, I suffered an open comminuted fracture of the mid-shaft of the tibia and fibula in a car accident. The orthopedic surgeon only performed intramedullary nailing on the tibia, while the fibula was left untreated. Last October, I underwent surgery to...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The support of the lower leg primarily relies on the tibia, which accounts for over 80% of the load. Therefore, fractures of the fibula typically do not require intervention unless they occur near the ankle joint, as this could affect joint stability. Pain in the calf is not nece...[Read More] Understanding Fibula Fractures: Symptoms and When to Seek Treatment
Understanding Rib Fractures: Post-Surgery Abdominal Swelling Concerns
Rib issues Hello, doctor. Due to a car accident, I have fractured ribs, and three of them on the right side have been stabilized with a fixation plate. I have a question: after the surgery on the right side, the lower part of my right chest cavity and abdomen has become swollen, ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If it has only been a short time since the surgery, the swelling may be related to the wound. However, if the swelling persists for a long time, it is advisable to consult the original surgeon and get an X-ray to check for any other issues.[Read More] Understanding Rib Fractures: Post-Surgery Abdominal Swelling Concerns
Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Low back pain suspected to be a herniated disc? Hello, at the beginning of the year, I suddenly started experiencing lower back pain, which is accompanied by pain in the right side of my buttock and the back of my thigh. Initially, the pain was most severe in the morning, making ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: There is indeed a herniated disc with nerve compression. If rehabilitation does not yield satisfactory results, it is recommended to consult a spine specialist to discuss options at Changhua Hospital. Wishing you the best.[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Concerns About Exposed Screws in Foot Fracture Recovery
The exposed steel nail is becoming more embedded? Due to a fracture in the foot, the doctor fixed three exposed pins in the sole. While walking, I accidentally stepped on something, causing the exposed pins to penetrate further into the tissue, but there is no pain. Doctor, will ...
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment for the most accurate X-ray results.[Read More] Concerns About Exposed Screws in Foot Fracture Recovery
Should You Be Concerned About a Bruised Rib After a Sports Injury?
Hit in the chest while playing ball? Your son has been experiencing swelling in the left rib area for a week after getting hit in the chest while playing basketball, but he does not have any pain. Is any treatment necessary?
Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment for the most accurate X-ray results.[Read More] Should You Be Concerned About a Bruised Rib After a Sports Injury?
Left-Sided Muscle and Joint Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the muscles and bones on the left side? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing significant discomfort on the left side of my body, including my neck, shoulder, lower back, and knee. When I turn my neck, I only hear a cracking sound on the left side, and the same occ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Your description sounds more like myofascial pain, which is typically caused by overuse or prolonged poor posture in a specific position or movement. Treatment options include physical therapy, heat therapy, and the use of certain medications. Additionally, incorporating some gen...[Read More] Left-Sided Muscle and Joint Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Differences Between Bone Screws and Bone Cement in Orthopedics
What is the difference between bone screws and bone cement? Hello: My mother fell while pulling her scooter when the handlebar came off, and she sat down on the ground. She was taken to the emergency room for an X-ray, where the medical staff advised that she could rest for a whi...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, as mentioned in your letter, it is generally a compression fracture (without neurological damage aside from pain). Conservative treatment (using a Taylor brace) has a success rate of about 80%, but it cannot restore the height of the vertebral body. If the pain persists fo...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Bone Screws and Bone Cement in Orthopedics
How to Address Rib Flare: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Rib issues How should rib flaring be managed? Should I see an orthopedic doctor?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there is no impact on breathing and no pain, it may not be necessary to take any action. However, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist to get an X-ray to check for any potential issues.[Read More] How to Address Rib Flare: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: When to Consider Surgery for Pain Relief
Vertebral arch issues Last November, I experienced lower back pain due to a fall and sought medical attention. The physician and neurosurgeon indicated that there were no significant issues and prescribed pain medication. However, on February 25th of this year, I experienced seve...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, if there is a fracture of the vertebral arch with associated nerve root compression, and symptoms of persistent pain continue despite medication treatment, surgical intervention is recommended. The surgical approach often involves vertebral arch screw fixation combined wit...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: When to Consider Surgery for Pain Relief
Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Spondylolysis and Treatment Options
Vertebral arch issues I apologize for the inconvenience. Here is the translation of your inquiry: "Excuse me, I would like to consult with the doctor regarding my X-ray examination report. The lumbar spine flexion and extension lateral views show a defect at the L5-S1 pars ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. If the surgery is successful, pain is usually alleviated. 2. There is health insurance coverage, but if there are internal fixation devices, there may be some costs involved; for detailed information, it is best to consult the surgeon. 3. Typically, it is better to resolve the...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spine Issues: Spondylolysis and Treatment Options