Restoring Function. Embracing Life.
Foot & Ankle Fracture Specialist in Singapore
Dr Bryan Wang
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Trusted Orthopaedic Surgeon | Fellowship-trained in Canada | With over 20 years of experience
What is Foot & Ankle Fracture?
Foot and ankle fractures encompass a range of injuries involving the bones of the foot and ankle joints. These fractures can result from various causes, including falls, accidents, sports-related impacts, or high-energy trauma. Understanding the type and severity of the fracture is essential for effective treatment and recovery.
Common types of foot and ankle fractures include:
Ankle Fractures: These involve breaks in the bones of the ankle joint, often due to twisting, falls, or direct impact.
Metatarsal Fractures: Fractures of the long bones in the foot, often caused by trauma or repetitive stress.
Phalanx Fractures: Fractures of the smaller bones in the toes, typically due to direct impact or crushing injuries.
Foot and ankle fractures can result from various factors, including:
Falls onto a foot or ankle.
Sports-related injuries or accidents.
Twisting motions during physical activities.
High-impact forces or trauma.
What are the Symptoms
Common symptoms of a foot or ankle fracture include:
Pain at the site of the fracture, often worsened by movement.
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the affected area.
Inability to bear weight on the affected foot or ankle.
Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the foot or ankle.
Limited range of motion and stiffness.
How to diagnose Ankle Cartilage Injury?
A physical examination and order of X-rays will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis, assess the type of fracture, and determine if there are any associated injuries.
Foot & Ankle Fracture Treatment
What are my Treatment options?
Treatment for a foot or ankle fracture depends on factors such as the type of fracture, its location, and the patient's overall health.
If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment.
The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs.
They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
Conservative Treatment
Immobilisation: Mild to moderate fractures may require casting, splinting, or a walking boot for support.
Surgical Treatment
Some fractures, especially those with significant displacement, may require surgical intervention to realign the bones and stabilise them with hardware. Surgery may be necessary to ensure optimal healing and to restore mobility. Your orthopaedic surgeon will assess your case and discuss the available surgical treatment plans that is customised and for optimal recovery.
Factors to consider:
Severity of the fracture: More severe or displaced fractures may require surgery to realign the bones and stabilise the ankle to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Stability of the ankle joint: If the fracture has resulted in an unstable joint, surgery may be necessary to restore stability and prevent future injuries. An unstable ankle joint can lead to chronic pain and an increased risk of re-injury.
Previous treatments and response: If conservative treatments like casts or braces haven't been effective, surgery might be consider as the next treatment plan.
