- Physical examination: A thorough assessment of the injured leg, checking for pain, swelling, deformity, and testing sensation and blood flow to the foot.
- X-rays: Standard radiographs taken from multiple angles provide clear images of bone breaks and help determine the fracture pattern and displacement.
- CT scanning: Detailed cross-sectional images may be used for complex fractures to better understand bone fragment positioning and joint involvement.
- MRI imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging can detect stress fractures that may not appear on X-rays and assess soft tissue damage around the fracture.
DR. ONG KEE LEONG
Shin Fracture Singapore
A shin fracture is a common injury to the main weight-bearing bone in your lower leg. These breaks can range from small stress cracks to more severe ones, often making everyday tasks like walking or standing painful and difficult. Knowing what causes shin fractures, how they’re diagnosed, and the treatment choices available in Singapore is crucial for managing symptoms and getting back on your feet.
Book AppointmentWhat are Shin Fractures?
A shin fracture, also known as a tibia fracture, occurs when the tibia, the larger of the two lower leg bones, cracks or breaks. As the main weight-bearing bone in the lower limb, the tibia plays a critical role in walking, running, and standing. Fractures can range from hairline stress cracks to severe injuries where the bone breaks completely or protrudes through the skin.
Shin Fractures Treatment in Singapore
Non-Surgical Treatment
Some tibia fractures can be treated without surgery, particularly when the bone remains in good alignment.
- Immobilisation with casting: A plaster or fibreglass cast holds the bone in the correct position while natural healing occurs, typically worn for 6-12 weeks, depending on fracture severity.
- Functional bracing: Specialised braces that allow some movement while protecting the healing bone may be used in later stages of recovery or for specific fracture types.
- Protected weight-bearing: Gradual progression from non-weight bearing to full weight bearing using crutches or walking aids as the bone heals.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be needed when the bone fragments are displaced or the fracture involves joint surfaces.
- Internal fixation with plates and screws: Metal plates are attached to the bone with screws to hold fracture fragments in proper alignment while healing occurs.
- Intramedullary nailing: A metal rod is inserted through the centre of the tibia to provide internal support and maintain bone length and alignment.
- External fixation: Metal pins or wires placed through the bone connect to an external frame, used for severe open fractures or when internal fixation is not suitable.
- Bone grafting: Additional bone material may be added to areas where bone loss has occurred or healing is compromised to promote proper union.
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Types of Shin Fractures
Shin fractures are classified based on their location and the pattern of the break.
Proximal tibia fractures
These occur near the knee joint and often involve the plateau area where the tibia meets the femur, potentially affecting knee stability.
Mid-shaft fractures
Breaks in the middle portion of the tibia are typically caused by high-energy trauma and may be accompanied by fibula fractures.
Distal tibia fractures
Located near the ankle, these fractures can involve the joint surface and may affect ankle movement and stability.
Stress fractures
Small cracks that develop gradually due to repetitive loading, commonly seen in athletes and military personnel.
Open fractures
Severe breaks where the bone pierces through the skin, requiring immediate medical attention due to infection risk.
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 it take for a tibia fracture to heal completely?
Most tibia fractures take 3-6 months to heal fully, though this varies depending on the fracture type, your age, and overall health. Stress fractures typically heal faster than complete breaks.
Can I drive while recovering from a tibia fracture?
Driving depends on which leg is affected and your treatment method. You should not drive whilst wearing a cast or if you cannot perform an emergency stop safely.
What are the signs that my tibia fracture is not healing properly?
Persistent pain that worsens rather than improves, continued swelling after several weeks, or inability to bear weight when expected may indicate healing problems. Contact a knee specialist in Singapore if you have concerns about your recovery progress.
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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
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Mon – Fri : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
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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
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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
Maintaining strong bones through regular weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake helps prevent fractures. Athletes should follow proper training progressions, use appropriate protective equipment, and allow adequate recovery time to avoid stress fractures. If you have risk factors such as osteoporosis, working with healthcare providers to manage bone health can reduce fracture risk. For those recovering from tibia fractures, following rehabilitation programmes and gradually returning to activities helps prevent re-injury.
Causes and Risk Factors of Shin Fractures
High-impact trauma
Car accidents, falls from height, or direct blows to the shin during contact sports are common causes of tibia fractures.
Sports participation
Activities involving running, jumping, or physical contact increase the risk, particularly in football, rugby, skiing, and athletics.
Osteoporosis or bone weakness
Conditions that reduce bone density make the tibia more susceptible to fractures, even from minor falls or impacts.
Age-related factor
Older adults face higher risk due to decreased bone strength and balance issues that increase fall risk.
Previous leg injuries
Prior fractures or surgeries in the leg area may create weak points that are more prone to re-injury.
Symptoms of Shin Fractures
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Severe pain in the shin area
Intense pain that worsens when you try to put weight on the affected leg or move it.
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Visible swelling and bruising
The area around the fracture typically swells quickly and may develop significant bruising within hours of the injury.
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Inability to bear weight
You may find it impossible or extremely painful to stand or walk on the injured leg.
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Deformity of the leg
The shin may appear bent, twisted, or shorter than the uninjured leg if the bone has shifted out of place.
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Tenderness to touch
Even gentle pressure on the injured area causes significant discomfort.
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Numbness or tingling
You might experience unusual sensations in your foot or toes if nerves are affected.
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