Fracture Treatment
In Singapore

A bone fracture can be a frightening and painful experience that disrupts your daily life. Whether from a sports injury, fall, or accident, fractures require prompt medical attention and proper treatment to ensure healing. At our orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, we understand the urgency and concern that comes with bone injuries. Our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon provides comprehensive fracture care using established diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatment approaches to help you recover and return to your normal activities.

Dr Zackary Chua

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Adult & Paeds)

MBBS (Aus)MMed (SG)MRCS (Glasgow)FRCSEd (Orth)

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Types Causes & Risks Symptoms When to see a Doctor Diagnosis Treatment Complications Prevention FAQ Conclusion

What is a Fracture?

A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone, ranging from tiny cracks to complete breaks. The term “fracture” and “broken bone” mean the same thing medically. Fractures occur when force applied to a bone exceeds its strength, causing it to crack or break. In Singapore, fractures are among the most common orthopaedic injuries, with thousands of cases treated annually across all age groups. While bones are strong and can withstand significant force, trauma, repetitive stress, or underlying bone conditions can lead to fractures.

Types of Fractures

Closed (Simple) Fractures

These are breaks where the bone doesn’t pierce through the skin. The fracture remains contained within the body, reducing infection risk but still requiring proper medical attention for alignment and healing.

Open (Compound) Fractures

In these serious fractures, the broken bone penetrates through the skin, creating an open wound. This type carries a higher risk of infection and may need prompt clinical management to address the injury and surrounding tissues.

Stress Fractures

Small cracks in bones caused by repetitive force or overuse, commonly seen in athletes and runners. These develop gradually and may initially present as mild pain that worsens with activity.

Greenstick Fractures

Incomplete fractures where the bone bends and cracks but doesn’t break completely, similar to a green twig. These are more common in children whose bones are still flexible.

Comminuted Fractures

The bone breaks into three or more pieces, often resulting from high-impact trauma. These complex fractures typically require surgical intervention for proper reconstruction.

Compression Fractures

Common in the spine, these occur when bones are crushed or collapse, often due to osteoporosis or trauma. They can cause significant pain and potential height loss.

Causes

Trauma: Falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or direct blows to bones
Overuse: Repetitive motions causing stress fractures in athletes or active individuals
Medical conditions: Osteoporosis, bone cancer, or infections weakening bone structure
Pathological factors: Tumours or cysts creating weak spots in bones

Risk Factors

Age: Children with developing bones and elderly with decreased bone density
Osteoporosis: Reduced bone density increasing fracture susceptibility
Gender: Post-menopausal women at higher risk due to hormonal changes
Nutritional deficiencies: Low calcium and vitamin D affecting bone strength
Certain medications: Long-term corticosteroid use weakening bones
High-impact activities: Contact sports or activities with fall risk
Previous fractures: History of fractures indicating potential bone weakness
Smoking and excessive alcohol: Both are associated with reduced bone strength

Signs & Symptoms

Immediate Symptoms

Sudden, severe pain at the injury site
Inability to move or bear weight on the affected area
Visible deformity or abnormal positioning
Swelling beginning within minutes of injury
Bruising developing around the fracture site

Progressive Symptoms

Increasing pain with any movement attempt
Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected
Skin colour changes indicating circulation problems
Muscle spasms around the fracture
Limited range of motion in nearby joints

Severe Symptoms

Bone protruding through skin (open fracture)
Complete loss of function in the limb
Signs of shock (pale skin, rapid pulse, dizziness)
Severe bleeding from open wounds
Loss of pulse below the fracture site

Most fracture symptoms appear immediately after injury, though stress fractures may develop gradually with increasing pain over days or weeks. The severity of symptoms often correlates with the extent of the fracture and surrounding tissue damage.

Experiencing these symptoms?

Schedule a consultation with our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon can provide an assessment and personalised treatment plan.

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When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a fracture, especially with visible deformity, inability to move the affected area, or severe pain. Emergency care is crucial for open fractures where bone pierces the skin, as infection risk is high. Don’t attempt to realign bones yourself or delay treatment hoping the pain will subside.

During your consultation, our orthopaedic surgeon will perform a thorough examination, reviewing the injury mechanism and your symptoms. X-rays or other imaging will confirm the fracture type and guide treatment planning. Early intervention prevents complications like improper healing, chronic pain, or permanent dysfunction. Even suspected minor fractures warrant professional evaluation, as untreated fractures can lead to long-term problems.

Diagnosis & Testing Methods

Accurate diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Our orthopaedic surgeon will assess the injury site for swelling, deformity, and tenderness while checking circulation and nerve function.

X-rays remain the primary diagnostic tool, providing clear images of bone structure and fracture patterns. Multiple views are typically taken to fully visualise the break. For complex fractures or those not clearly visible on X-rays, CT scans offer detailed cross-sectional images, particularly useful for joint fractures or surgical planning.

MRI scans may be ordered to evaluate soft tissue damage, stress fractures, or when X-rays appear normal despite persistent symptoms. Bone scans can detect stress fractures or multiple fracture sites, especially useful in cases of suspected pathological fractures.

X-ray results are usually available within a short period, while CT, MRI, or bone scan results may take longer. These imaging studies provide important information to guide treatment planning.

Treatment Options Overview

Conservative Management

This approach involves immobilisation and protection while the body’s natural healing processes repair the fracture. If needed, bones may be aligned using standard reduction techniques before applying a cast, splint, or brace. Regular monitoring ensures proper healing alignment. Most simple, stable fractures heal well with conservative treatment over 6-12 weeks, depending on the bone involved and patient factors.

Injection Therapies

For certain fractures, particularly compression fractures in the spine, specialised injection procedures can provide relief. Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty involves injecting bone cement to stabilise compressed vertebrae. Local anaesthetic injections may manage pain during the healing process. These minimally invasive procedures aim to stabilise the fracture and may help manage pain and support function.

External Fixation

This technique uses pins or screws placed through the skin into the bone, connected to an external frame. It’s particularly useful for open fractures, severe soft tissue damage, or as temporary stabilisation before definitive surgery. The external fixator maintains alignment while allowing access for wound care and gradual adjustments.

Internal Fixation Surgery

Surgical repair using metal implants (plates, screws, rods, or nails) to hold bones in proper position during healing. Our orthopaedic surgeon makes an incision to access the fracture, reduces the fragments, and secures them with appropriate hardware. This approach provides stable fixation and supports the gradual return of movement and rehabilitation. Modern techniques often use minimally invasive approaches when possible.

Bone Grafting

For fractures with bone loss or poor healing potential, bone grafting may be necessary. This involves transplanting bone tissue from another part of your body (autograft) or using donor bone (allograft) to fill gaps and stimulate healing. Synthetic bone substitutes are also available for certain situations.

Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

Essential for all fracture treatments, rehabilitation begins as soon as safely possible. Our team designs personalised exercise programmes to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Early mobilisation of unaffected joints prevents stiffness, while gradual loading helps bone remodelling. Physiotherapy continues throughout healing and beyond to ensure complete recovery.

Every patient’s condition is unique.

Our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon will assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable treatment approach for you.

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Complications if Left Untreated

Fractures that do not receive timely or appropriate management can result in complications. Without proper alignment and immobilisation, bones may heal incorrectly (malunion) causing deformity, chronic pain, and functional limitations. Some fractures may fail to heal entirely (nonunion), which could necessitate more complex treatment later.

Surrounding tissues suffer when fractures aren’t properly managed. Damaged blood vessels can compromise circulation, potentially leading to tissue death. Nerve injuries might experience long-term changes without prompt treatment. Joint stiffness and muscle atrophy develop quickly with prolonged immobilisation or improper healing.

Long-term consequences include arthritis in nearby joints, especially with fractures extending into joint surfaces. Chronic pain syndromes can develop, significantly impacting quality of life. Limb length discrepancies in children can occur if growth plates are damaged. Timely evaluation and management by a qualified orthopaedic specialist help reduce the likelihood of these outcomes and support recovery.

Prevention

While not all fractures are preventable, many strategies can help reduce fracture risk. Maintaining strong bones through adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, combined with regular weight-bearing exercise, builds bone density. Balance and strength training may reduce fall risk, particularly for older adults.

Home safety modifications help reduce the risk of fractures. Remove trip hazards, install grab bars in bathrooms, ensure adequate lighting, and use non-slip mats. Wear appropriate protective gear during sports and high-risk activities. Proper technique and gradual training progression can help prevent stress fractures in athletes.

Address osteoporosis through lifestyle measures and, if advised by a qualified healthcare professional, treatment options. Regular bone density screening identifies at-risk individuals. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, both of which may weaken bones and impair healing. Fall prevention programmes combining exercise, education, and home assessment can significantly reduce fracture risk in elderly populations.

Fractures

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does fracture healing typically take?

Healing time varies based on the fracture type, location, and individual factors. Simple fractures in healthy adults generally heal within 6-8 weeks, while complex fractures may require 3-6 months. Children often heal faster than adults. Factors like age, nutrition, smoking, and underlying health conditions affect healing speed. A regular medical review can help to track recovery progress.

Can I still exercise with a fracture?

Exercise recommendations depend on your fracture location and treatment. While the fractured area needs protection, maintaining fitness in unaffected body parts is important. Exercise may be possible in unaffected areas, depending on the fracture location and treatment. Modified activity helps maintain general fitness while protecting the fracture site Upper body exercises may be appropriate for lower limb fractures, while water-based activities might suit certain situations. Modified exercise prevents muscle loss and maintains cardiovascular fitness. Always follow medical advice to avoid compromising fracture healing.

What’s the difference between a cast and a splint?

Casts completely encircle the limb with hard material (plaster or fibreglass), providing maximum immobilisation for definitive fracture treatment. They’re custom-moulded and typically worn for several weeks. Splints partially immobilise using rigid supports and soft wrapping, allowing for swelling and easy removal. Splints often serve as initial treatment or for minor injuries. The choice between cast and splint depends on fracture type, stability, and swelling considerations.

Will I need surgery for my fracture?

Not all fractures require surgery. Many heal well with conservative treatment like casting or splinting. Surgery is typically recommended for displaced fractures, fractures involving joints, open fractures, or when conservative treatment fails. Our orthopaedic surgeon considers factors including fracture pattern, your activity level, age, and overall health when recommending treatment. Surgical decisions are based on fracture characteristics and patient factors, with treatment options discussed during consultation.

How do I know if my fracture is healing properly?

Regular follow-up appointments with X-rays monitor healing progress. Signs of proper healing include decreasing pain, reduced swelling, and gradual return of function. New bone formation appears on X-rays over time. Warning signs requiring immediate attention include increasing pain, numbness, colour changes, or fever. Follow-up imaging and clinical review help monitor healing and detect any complications early.

When can I return to sports after a fracture?

Return to sports timing varies depending on the fracture location, sport type, and healing progress. Most fractures require complete healing before resuming high-impact activities, typically 3-6 months. Return to sports depends on fracture location, sport type, and healing progress. Adequate healing should be confirmed through medical review before resuming high-impact activities, and gradual progression is recommended to reduce re-injury risk.

Conclusion

Fractures require prompt professional attention to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications. From simple cracks to complex breaks, each fracture needs individualised assessment and treatment. Modern orthopaedic care offers various treatment options, from conservative management to current surgical techniques, all aimed at restoring function and quality of life. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, most fracture patients achieve positive outcomes and return to their normal activities.

Take the First Step Towards Better Health

Living with a fracture can be challenging. Our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon provides assessment and treatment using evidence-based approaches to help support recovery.

Book Your Consultation Today

Dr Zackary Chua (蔡克祥医生)

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Adult & Paeds)

MBBS (AUS)|MMed (Singapore)|MRCS (Glasgow)|FRCSEd (Orth)

A senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with dual specialisations in Foot & Ankle Surgery and Paediatric Orthopaedics. Backed by his extensive years of training and experience, Dr Chua brings the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure a smooth recovery journey.

Rooted firmly by two fundamental philosophies: “When one’s feet hurt, one hurts all over” and “Children are not little adults”, Dr Chua’s approach to patient care reflects his compassionate care for adults and children.

Singhealth Quality Excellence Award – Silver (2011)
Service From the Heart Award (2021)
Singapore Health Quality Service Award – Gold (2023)
NUS Medicine Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2023)

His active participation in the medical community extends to mentoring, research supervision, and contributions to key professional forums and symposiums, both locally and internationally.