- Physical examination: A thorough assessment of the leg, including checking for pain, swelling, deformity, and range of movement, helps identify the likely presence and location of a fracture.
- X-rays: Standard radiographic images provide clear pictures of the bone structure and can reveal most femur fractures, showing the exact location and pattern of the break.
- CT scans: More detailed cross-sectional images may be obtained when X-rays don’t provide sufficient information or when complex fracture patterns need closer examination.
DR. ONG KEE LEONG
Thigh Fracture Singapore
Thigh fractures are serious injuries that can severely impact mobility and quality of life. Whether caused by high-impact trauma or weakened bones, a broken femur often results in sudden pain and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to reduce complications and support a full recovery, especially when the injury involves joints near the hip or knee.
Book AppointmentWhat is Thigh Fracture?
A thigh fracture, or femur fracture, is a break in the femur, the body’s longest and strongest bone. These fractures can occur anywhere from just below the hip to just above the knee and typically result in severe pain and immobility. They often require urgent medical treatment to ensure the bone heals correctly and function is restored to the leg.
Thigh Fractures Treatment Singapore
Non-Surgical Treatment
Conservative management may be appropriate for certain types of thigh fractures:
- Immobilisation: Some stable fractures may be treated with external support devices or limited weight-bearing to allow natural bone healing.
- Pain management: Medications to control discomfort, along with modified activities, may be sufficient for minor stress fractures or incomplete breaks.
Surgical Treatment
Most thigh fractures require surgery to realign and stabilise the bone for proper healing.
- Intramedullary nailing: A metal rod is inserted into the centre of the femur to hold the bone fragments in place. This technique is commonly used for femoral shaft and distal femur fractures, offering strong internal support and allowing for early mobilisation.
- External fixation: In cases of open fractures or when soft tissue damage prevents immediate internal fixation, an external fixator may be used. This involves stabilising the fracture with metal pins and a frame outside the body, allowing the bone and surrounding tissues to heal safely.
- Plate and screw fixation: For fractures that are closer to the hip or knee joint, metal plates and screws may be used to secure bone fragments and restore joint alignment and function.
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Types of Thigh Fractures
Thigh fractures are classified based on their location along the femur:
Proximal femur fractures
These occur near the hip joint and include hip fractures, which are particularly common in elderly patients and often result from falls.
Femoral shaft fractures
These breaks happen in the middle portion of the thighbone and are typically caused by high-energy trauma such as car accidents or falls.
Distal femur fractures
These fractures occur near the knee joint and can involve the joint surface, potentially affecting knee function and mobility.
Stress fractures
These are small cracks that develop gradually over time, often in athletes or individuals who engage in repetitive activities that place strain on the thighbone.
Why Do Patients Choose Dr Ong Kee Leong?
- Dr. Ong Is Passionate In Sports, Giving Him A Deep Understanding Of Sports-Related Injuries And How They Can Be Treated
- Personalised And Professional Approach To Deliver High-Quality Orthopaedic Care Based On The Most Up-To-Date Literature
- Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure Smooth, Long-Term Recovery
- Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
- Problem-Oriented, Well-Organised and Individualized Treatment Plans Catered To Your Specific Needs
- Specialist In The Management Of Sports Injuries And Degenerative Conditions Of The Shoulder And Knee Joints
- Knowledgeable And Pleasant Clinical Staff To Assist You With Your Every Need Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure
- Our Care Is Conveniently Accessible At Mount Elizabeth Novena and Farrer Park Hospital
- Minimal Waiting Time For Initial Consultation
- Assistance With Medical Claims (e.g. Medisave & Integrated Shield Plans)
About Dr. Ong Kee Leong
Senior Consultant, MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Dr. Ong Kee Leong is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon. He subspecializes in shoulder and knee, foot and ankle, hand wrist and elbow surgeries, arthroscopic sports surgery, and the management of sports-related injuries.
He has been registered with the Singapore Medical Council as a specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery since 2011.
- MBBS, National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Medicine 2001
- Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 2007
- Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery (NUS) 2007
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Orthopaedic Surgery 2011
- Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Scholarship, Ministry of Health 2012-2013:
- Sports Surgery and Arthroscopy in Germany (Hannover)
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Lee Kong Chian School Of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University
- Senior Clinical Lecturer, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS
Awards & Teaching
- Dr. Ong had received numerous awards such as Best Service and Eastern Health Alliance Caring (Gold) Awards.
- He also has an interest in clinical research and has written papers in multiple peer-review journals. As a Core Faculty of Singhealth Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, he oversees the training of junior orthopaedic surgeons.
- Regularly invited to teach local and regional surgeons in Shoulder and Knee Surgery Courses.
- He is a recipient of multiple teaching awards including the Singhealth Residency Outstanding Faculty Awards from 2014-2016 and Changi General Hospital Outstanding Educator Awards 2015-2016.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does recovery take after a thigh fracture?
Healing time varies depending on the fracture type and treatment method, but most femur fractures take 3-6 months to heal sufficiently for normal activities, with some complex cases requiring longer recovery periods.
Will I need physiotherapy after thigh fracture treatment in Singapore?
Most patients benefit from physiotherapy to restore strength, flexibility, and normal walking patterns, typically beginning once the bone has started to heal and weight-bearing is permitted.
Can I prevent future fractures after having one?
Following bone health recommendations, including calcium and vitamin D supplementation, regular exercise, and fall prevention measures can help reduce the risk of future fractures.
When should I contact an orthopaedic surgeon during recovery?
Contact your orthopaedic specialist if you experience increasing pain, new swelling, signs of infection such as fever or warmth around the fracture site, or if you’re unable to progress with activities as expected.
Have an enquiry about your condition or a certain treatment?
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Make An Enquiry
Prefer to talk? Call our clinic directly to make an enquiry at (65) 6884 6788
(Please ask for Dr Ong Kee Leong)
our clinics
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Mt Elizabeth Novena
- 38 Irrawaddy Road #06-59/60/61 Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563
- klong@sog.sg
- (65) 6884 6788
- (Ask for Dr Ong)
- (65) 9652 5022
-
Mon – Fri : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat : 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
other practice locations
Farrer Park Hospital
- 1 Farrer Park Station Road #14-06 Connexion Singapore 217562
- klong@sog.sg
- (65) 6884 6788
- (Ask for Dr Ong)
- (65) 9652 5022
-
Mon – Fri : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat : 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Mt Alvernia Medical Centre
- 820 Thomson Road #07-53 Mt Alvernia Medical Centre D Singapore 574623
- klong@sog.sg
- (65) 6884 6788
- (Ask for Dr Ong)
- (65) 9652 5022
-
Mon – Fri : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat : 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
"Moving your body the way nature intended is a freedom not well appreciated until it is lost. We are passionate about getting you back in the game, and staying in the game. Our team is fully committed to returning you to the life and activities you love."
Dr. Ong Kee Leong
Diagnostic Methods
When to See an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Singapore
Thigh fractures are medical emergencies and require immediate evaluation. Early diagnosis and specialist treatment are essential to reduce the risk of complications such as malunion, delayed healing, or long-term mobility issues. An orthopaedic knee doctor in Singapore can assess the type of fracture, recommend the appropriate surgical or non-surgical approach, and coordinate follow-up care including physiotherapy and bone health management.
Causes and Risk Factors of Thigh Fractures
Several factors can lead to thigh fractures or increase the likelihood of experiencing one:
High-energy trauma
Motor vehicle accidents, falls from height, and sports injuries involving direct impact to the thigh are common causes in younger, healthy individuals.
Osteoporosis
Weakened bones due to reduced bone density make fractures more likely from relatively minor falls or impacts, particularly in older adults.
Previous bone conditions
Existing bone diseases, previous fractures, or conditions that affect bone strength can make the femur more susceptible to breaks.
Symptoms of Thigh Fractures
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Severe pain in the thigh or hip area
This pain is typically immediate and intense, often described as sharp or throbbing, and worsens with any attempt to move the leg.
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Inability to bear weight
You may find it impossible to put weight on the affected leg or walk without experiencing severe discomfort.
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Visible deformity
The thigh may appear shortened, bent at an unusual angle, or the leg may turn outward abnormally.
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Swelling and bruising
The thigh and surrounding areas often develop swelling within hours, followed by bruising that may spread down the leg.
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Numbness or tingling
You might experience unusual sensations, loss of feeling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the thigh, knee, or foot.
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Muscle spasms
The muscles around the fracture may contract involuntarily, causing additional pain and making the leg feel stiff.
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