Author Archives: Dr. Li

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About Dr. Li

I am a professional surgeon based in Beijing, China.

What Are the Symptoms of Neck Trauma?

Neck trauma ranges from minor soft-tissue sprain to life-threatening vascular or airway injury. Clinical findings vary by mechanism (blunt vs. penetrating) and the structures involved, but the following features are characteristic. Local pain and tendernessPain is almost universal, usually originating in the nuchal muscles or paraspinal region; palpation reveals focal tenderness and voluntary guarding. In whiplash-associated disorders, discomfort often begins hours after the impact and is accompanied by stiffness. Restricted motionPatients instinctively hold the head in a neutral or slightly flexed position; active rotation or extension increases pain and may be limited by muscle spasm. Neurological deficitsRadiculopathy produces unilateral arm... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Refractory Wounds?

A refractory (hard-to-heal) wound is defined as any break in skin or mucosa that fails to move through an orderly reparative sequence and remains open beyond 4–6 weeks despite standard care. The wound itself and the surrounding tissues display a characteristic set of changes. Persistent open wound bedGranulation tissue is pale, flat or “pocket-like” instead of beefy red and raised; epithelial margins fail to advance and may become rolled or calloused . Excessive moisture or oozingContinuous serous or purulent discharge macerates perilesional skin, increases odour and demands frequent dressing changes . Pain and malodourDeep, throbbing pain is common; an unpleasant... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It usually begins at a site of minor trauma and spreads rapidly; systemic involvement may follow if treatment is delayed. Local skin changesErythema expands with irregular, slightly raised borders. The area feels warm and tight, and surrounding skin may take on a glossy, stretched appearance. Pain and tendernessA steady, throbbing ache begins soon after redness appears. Even light touch or clothing pressure becomes uncomfortable; tenderness often extends slightly beyond the visible erythema. Swelling and indurationOedema develops as capillary permeability... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Diaphragmatic Hernia?

Diaphragmatic hernia—congenital or acquired—occurs when abdominal organs herniate through a defect in the diaphragm into the chest. Clinical expression depends on patient age, defect size, and the amount of herniated viscera. Respiratory distressTachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, and reduced or absent breath sounds on the affected side are the cardinal neonatal signs. Mediastinal shift may produce a barrel-shaped chest and displaced heart sounds . Feeding-related eventsInfants often exhibit feed refusal, drooling, or vomiting because the herniated stomach or bowel is compressed; older children or adults may report post-prandial shortness of breath that improves on standing or walking . Chest or epigastric discomfortAdults... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Abdominal Trauma?

Abdominal trauma can sneak up on anyone, from a bicycle spill to a steering-wheel punch. The signs range from a simple bruise to hidden bleeding that can turn life-threatening within hours. Knowing what to watch for helps you decide when to rest with an ice pack and when to call for lights and sirens. The first whisper Right after the hit, the belly may feel sore yet look normal. A dull ache starts low and spreads across the mid-section. Some people feel winded, as if they ran too fast, even though they were standing still. Others notice a wave of... Learn more