General Fractures

Dr Yu treats all fractures that occur in the upper limb (shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand) and the lower limb (hip, knee, ankle and foot).

Dr Yu may order the following types of scans if you've had a fracture to determine the extent of your injury.

For simple, well-aligned fractures you may not need surgery at all. You may be given a splint or cast to immobilise the joint and and promote natural healing.

If you do need surgery, in most cases, you will undergo internal fixation. In this type of procedure, Dr Yu uses plates, screws and intramedullary nails to realign and stabilise displaced fragments. In most cases, these implants will be left in and do not need to be removed.

In significant injuries, you may require external fixation where the pins going into the bones are also attached to a framework that sits around your limb. These are removed once the bone has healed.

Healing from a fracture is a gradual process that involves more than just waiting for the bone to knit together. A successful recovery depends on proper care during each phase of healing, including pain control, movement restoration, and muscle strengthening.

Initial Healing (0–2 weeks):
During the first few days to weeks after the fracture, rest and immobilisation are essential. Swelling and pain are managed with elevation, cold therapy, and medications. Depending on the type of fracture, you may be fitted with a cast, splint, or brace to stabilise the bone.

Early Mobilisation (2–6 weeks):
As pain and swelling reduce, gentle movement may be introduced to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness. During this time, you may remain non-weight bearing or partially weight bearing, depending on your surgeon’s advice.

Bone Consolidation (6–12 weeks):
Once early healing is confirmed through imaging, weight-bearing is gradually increased. Physiotherapy typically intensifies during this stage to rebuild strength, restore balance, and regain functional movement.

Remodelling & Return to Activity (3–12 months):
Full bone strength and function can take several months. This phase focuses on returning to work, sports, or daily activities. Some patients, particularly older adults or those with complex fractures, may experience lingering stiffness or weakness that improves slowly with guided rehabilitation.