Bone Fracture Treatment in Singapore
A bone fracture (broken bone) is a common injury that can cause significant pain, distress, and disruption to daily life. These injuries typically require urgent and appropriate treatment to ensure proper healing and restore function.
A fracture can be treated in surgical or non-surgical ways, depending on the severity of the injury. Each fracture treatment method also has its pros and cons for patients to consider.
Centurion Orthopaedic Centre provides comprehensive care for all types of fractures, helping patients in Singapore regain their mobility and quality of life. Read on to find out more about bone fractures and the treatment options available.
What is a Fracture?
A fracture is defined as a break in the continuity of a bone. This break can range in severity from a thin crack (hairline fracture) to a complete break with multiple fragments (comminuted fracture).
Common causes of fractures include:
- Trauma: This encompasses a wide range of incidents such as falls, sports injuries, and motor vehicle accidents.
- Overuse or stress: Repetitive physical activities can lead to a type of fracture called stress fractures, commonly seen in athletes and runners.
- Underlying conditions: Conditions like osteoporosis, bone cancer, or advanced age can weaken bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Elderly individuals, for example, may require hip fracture treatment from a simple fall.
Types of Bone Fractures
Bone fractures are classified into different types based on their characteristics:
Hairline fractures
Hairline fractures are small cracks in the bone that may not be easily visible on X-rays. They often occur due to repetitive stress or minor trauma.
Displaced fractures
In displaced fractures, the broken ends of the bone are separated and misaligned. Surgical intervention is typically required to restore proper alignment and ensure optimal recovery.
Comminuted fractures
Comminuted fractures occur when the bone is broken into multiple pieces. These are often complex injuries that require surgical bone fracture repair.
Intra-articular fractures
Intra-articular bone fractures extend into the joint surface, potentially affecting cartilage and long-term joint health. They often require precise surgical treatment to restore proper joint function and movement, and to reduce the risk of developing joint arthritis.
Special Types of Fractures
In addition to the common types mentioned above, there are other less common types of fractures:
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures often occur in athletes, adolescents, or adults as a result of repetitive physical activity or a sudden increase in activity levels. Common examples include long-distance runners or individuals transitioning from a sedentary lifestyle to intense exercise. Recovery typically requires several months of rest to allow the bone to heal fully.
Spinal Fractures
The most common spinal fracture in the elderly is a Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF), often caused by weakened bones and a fall. Treatment options for spinal fractures include vertebroplasty, a procedure that involves injecting cement into the fractured vertebra to support the bone structure, providing immediate pain relief and facilitating faster recovery. Alternatively, conservative treatments such as rest and bracing may be recommended, typically requiring several months for recovery.
The left image shows a VCF of the T12 vertebra in the back (the white-coloured, bowtie-like bone). The right image shows this T12 fracture treated with cement injection (Vertebroplasty), restoring the rectangular shape of the bone and reducing pain immediately.
Fractures from Disease
When bones are weakened by conditions like cancer or osteoporosis, they become more prone to fractures. Treatment for these fractures needs to address both the fracture itself and the underlying disease.
Symptoms of a Bone Fracture
Recognising the symptoms of a bone fracture is crucial for seeking timely medical attention. Common symptoms include:
- Intense pain at the site of the injury
- Swelling, bruising, or deformity
- Difficulty moving or bearing weight on the affected area
- Crepitus (a grinding sensation) or visible bone protrusion in severe cases
If you suspect a bone fracture, seek out medical care immediately. Delay in fracture treatment may impact mobility and movement in the long-term.
Diagnosing Bone Fractures
When Orthopaedic Specialists consider how to treat a fracture, we consider several things, for example:
- How old is the patient, what is his/her activity level?
- How many pieces did the bone break into?
- Has the bone moved out of normal position?
- Is the fracture near a joint area?
- Is there associated joint injury?
- Can the fracture be immobilised externally?
Taking these factors into consideration, we then use a combination of physical examination and imaging tests to diagnose the fracture:
- Initial Examination: The doctor will physically assess the injury site, checking for deformity, tenderness, and limitations in movement.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays are the standard imaging tool for diagnosing fractures. MRI or CT scans may be used for complex fractures or stress fractures that are not clearly visible on X-rays.
Non-Surgical Treatment of Bone Fractures
While bone fractures are a serious injury, not all fractures require surgery. Non-surgical treatment options are suitable for certain types of fractures, such as:
- Clean, non-displaced fractures
- Single forearm bone fracture without displacement
- Ankle bone fracture with minor displacement
- Hairline fractures
Common non-surgical methods of bone fracture treatment include:
- Casts or splints: These immobilise the fractured bone to promote healing. For example, a clean break of a single forearm bone, without the bone moving out of position, may be treated with a cast. (Pic 1)
- Aircast boots: These are often used for ankle fractures to provide support and stability. A break of the ankle bone on the outside of the ankle, with minimal displacement, may be treated with a cast or boot. (Pic 2)
- Open casts: These may be used in specific cases where the swelling has already reduced.
Recovery with non-surgical treatment involves regular follow-up appointments and monitoring to ensure proper bone healing.
Surgical Treatment of Bone Fractures
Surgical intervention is often necessary for more complex or unstable bone fractures.
When bone fracture surgery is necessary:
Comminuted (multi-piece) fractures where the bone has broken into several pieces
Finger fracture, out of position
Leg fracture, out of position
- Displaced fractures where the bone has moved out of normal position (Images below)
- Intra-articular fractures involving damage to joints
Thigh bone fracture, completely out of position
- Weight-bearing bone fractures (e.g., thigh bone, leg bone – Image below)
- Severe pain from bone misalignment
Surgical techniques for bone fracture treatment
Bone fracture surgery involves realigning the bone fragments and stabilising them using implants like plates, screws, or rods made of titanium or stainless steel. For spinal fractures, procedures like vertebroplasty may be performed.
Recovery After Bone Fracture Treatment
Whether treated surgically or non-surgically, recovery from a bone fracture involves a period of post-treatment care and physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Post-treatment care after bone fracture treatment:
- Immobilisation and rest: This is essential to allow the bone to heal properly.
- Pain management: Medications may be prescribed to manage pain and discomfort.
- Walking aids: Crutches or other walking aids may be necessary to support mobility.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation:
- Rehabilitation Timeline: The duration of physiotherapy and rehabilitation depends on the type of fracture and treatment. Simple exercises are essential to restore strength, mobility, and function, with a gradual transition to weight-bearing activities as healing progresses.
- Importance of Early Movement: Surgical stabilisation of fractures enables immediate movement of the injured limb, promoting faster recovery and reducing the risk of stiffness or joint contracture. Early rehabilitative exercises are crucial for optimal recovery.
Urgency in Treating Fractures
Early intervention for bone fractures is crucial to:
Shoulder fracture (Proximal Humerus fracture) with open of the fracture gap and small bone pieces on the medial side (right side) of the fracture. Treated with surgery to restore bone position and fix with plate and screws.
- Reduce pain and swelling: Fractures cause significant pain and damage the surrounding tissues if the bone pieces are out of position, causing more swelling and pain that lengthens or complicates recovery.
Collarbone (clavicle) fracture with bone piece sticking out and causing significant pain. Treated with surgery, immediately reducing patient’s pain and allowing fast recovery of arm function.
- Prevent further tissue damage: Early surgical treatment realigns and stabilises the fractured bone. This allows the fracture pattern and surrounding tissue to heal up much faster, supports faster patient recovery, and significantly reduces patient pain.
Ankle fractures on both the inside and outside of the ankle, with bone moved out of position. Treated with surgery, and patient was able to start walking 1-2 weeks after surgery.
- Enable faster recovery and avoid long-term disabilities: Urgent treatment, especially in cases where surgery is necessary, enables patients to recover fully and prevent permanent disabilities.
At Centurion Orthopaedic Centre, we understand the urgency of fracture treatment. We strive to arrange urgent assessments and bone fracture surgery within a day whenever possible. Typically, surgery treatment for such cases may be arranged either on the same day itself or the following day.
Cost of Bone Fracture Repair Surgery in Singapore
The cost of bone fracture repair surgery in Singapore varies significantly depending on several factors:
- Type and severity of the fracture
- Surgical method and materials used (e.g. implants like plates and screws)
- Hospital stay and post-surgical care
It’s best to consult with our bone fracture surgical specialist to get a detailed cost estimate for your specific situation. Reach out to our team at Centurion Orthopaedic Centre for more information.
Prevention of Bone Fractures
While most fractures occur due to sudden and unexpected injuries, certain measures can help reduce the risk:
- Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake: These nutrients are vital for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity improves muscle strength and balance, reducing the likelihood of falls and related injuries.
- Protective gear: Wearing appropriate protective equipment during sports and physical activities helps prevent injuries, including fractures.
If you suspect that your bones may be weaker due to factors such as illness, genetics, or other conditions, a bone density test can provide valuable insights into your bone strength and help you take proactive measures.
See a Bone Fracture Specialist Today
If you suspect you have a bone fracture, it’s important to consult with a bone fracture specialist as soon as possible. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for optimal bone fracture recovery.
At Centurion Orthopaedic Centre, we understand the urgency and distress of fractures and we believe that expeditious treatment helps relieve our patients’ pain and helps them get back to normal life as soon as possible.
Our team of experienced bone fracture specialists can provide comprehensive care for all types of bone fractures. Urgent cases can be accepted and assessed on the day itself, depending on availability.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Fractures
How long does it take for a bone fracture to heal?
The healing time for a bone fracture varies depending on several factors, including the type and severity of the fracture, the individual’s age and overall health, and the treatment received. In general, it takes about 6-8 weeks for a bone fracture to heal in the upper limbs and 8-12 weeks in the lower limbs. However, complete recovery and return to normal activities may take longer, especially for complex fractures or those requiring surgery. Regular follow-up with your doctor and adherence to the recommended treatment plan are essential for optimal healing.
When is surgery necessary for a bone fracture?
Surgery is often necessary for bone fractures that are unstable, displaced, or involve the joint surface. This includes comminuted fractures (broken into multiple pieces), displaced fractures (where the bone ends are misaligned), and intra-articular fractures (extending into the joint). Additionally, fractures of weight-bearing bones like the femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone) may require surgery to ensure proper healing and weight-bearing capacity. In some cases, surgery may also be recommended for fractures that cause severe pain or are not healing well with non-surgical treatment.
What is the cost of bone fracture repair surgery in Singapore?
The cost of bone fracture repair surgery in Singapore can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the fracture, the type of surgery required, the type of implants used (if any), the hospital stay, and post-surgical care. It’s important to consult with your bone fracture specialist to get a personalised cost estimate based on your specific situation and injury severity. They can discuss the different treatment options available and help you make an informed decision to optimise treatment outcomes.
Can bone fractures heal without surgery?
Yes, many fractures can heal without surgery. Non-surgical treatment is often suitable for simple, non-displaced fractures, where the bone ends are well-aligned. This typically involves immobilising the fractured bone with a cast, splint, or brace to allow it to heal naturally. However, regular follow-up with your doctor and adherence to the recommended treatment plan are crucial to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. If you have any concerns about your fracture or its healing progress, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor.