Fractures and Injuries

A fracture occurs when a bone cracks or breaks. Fractures can be partial or complete and can vary considerably in severity, depending on the location of the injury, how it occurred and the patient’s overall health.

Orthopaedic injuries, sometimes referred to as orthopaedic trauma, can affect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. They may occur following a fall, sporting incident, car accident or another form of impact.

Mr Soong Chua treats a range of fractures and acute injuries affecting the shoulder, knee and elbow. Urgent appointments may be available for patients requiring timely assessment and treatment.

$X-ray of bone fracture treatment at Dr Soong Chua orthopaedic surgery in Melbourne$

Fractures and injuries treated

Mr Chua treats a range of traumatic shoulder injuries, including:

Clavicle fractures
Glenoid fractures
Scapula fractures
Proximal humerus fractures
Acromioclavicular joint injuries
Sternoclavicular joint injuries
Shoulder dislocations

Knee fractures and injuries

Knee fractures and injuries treated include:

Quadriceps tendon ruptures
Patellar tendon ruptures
Patella fractures
Distal femur fractures
Proximal tibia fractures
Tibial plateau fractures

Elbow fractures and injuries

Mr Chua also treats traumatic elbow injuries, including:

Distal humerus fractures
Capitellum fractures
Radial head fractures
Olecranon fractures
Elbow dislocations

What are the signs and symptoms of Fractures and Injuries?

Signs and symptoms can differ, depending on the specific circumstances of the fracture or injury. However, patients should seek medical attention if they have a combination of the following:

Pain

Swelling

Tenderness

Bruising, redness or an open wound

In joints – a ‘pop’ noise at the time of the injury may indicate a dislocation

Visible deformity

Decreased use or function

Reduced range of movement

Weakness

Inability to straighten joint

How are Fractures and Injuries diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination and a discussion about how the injury occurred. An X-ray is commonly used to identify fractures and assess the position of the affected bones.

Depending on the nature of the injury, additional imaging such as a CT scan, MRI or ultrasound may be required. Mr Chua will review the imaging, examine the affected area and consider the patient’s general health before recommending treatment.

How Can You Prevent Fractures and Injuries?

Fractures and injuries are often caused by falling, car accidents or impact during sport. However, they can also be caused by overuse, or ‘wear and tear’. Therefore, there are small things you can do to reduce risk, including wearing a seat belt, and taking regular breaks in repetitive work.

Patients over 60 years old are often at higher risk of fractures and injuries, because their bones can be weakened due to osteoporosis. In order to reduce the risk of fractures and injuries in elderly patients, they can make sure to consume enough calcium and Vitamin D, exercise regularly and always use a walker or a cane where it is required.

Treatment for fractures and injuries

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the injury, whether the bones or joints have moved out of position and the patient’s individual circumstances.

The goal of treatment is to support healing, restore alignment and help the affected area regain as much movement and function as possible.

Non-surgical treatment

Some fractures and injuries can be treated without surgery. Treatment may include:

A plaster cast
A brace or sling
Activity modification
Pain relief
Physiotherapy or hand therapy
Follow-up imaging to monitor healing

Surgical treatment

Surgery may be recommended when a fracture is displaced, unstable, involves a joint or is unlikely to heal correctly without intervention.

Depending on the injury, surgical treatment may involve:

Repositioning the bone or joint
Internal fixation using plates, screws, pins or other devices
External fixation using a frame positioned outside the body
Repairing damaged tendons or soft tissues
Joint replacement for certain severe fractures

Mr Chua will explain the available treatment options and recommend an approach based on the injury, imaging findings and the patient’s individual needs.

Urgent fracture and injury appointments

Some fractures and injuries require treatment within a particular timeframe. Urgent appointments may be available for patients with acute shoulder, knee or elbow injuries.

Please contact the rooms on (03) 9038 5200 to discuss your injury and arrange an appointment.