Sports Injury Specialist in Singapore

Understanding the onset, nature, and severity of symptoms is important. Discussing these aspects helps to build a clear picture of the injury and its impact. Reviewing the sports and activities involved, including any recent changes in training intensity or technique, can identify potential causes and contributing factors.

• Inspection: A visual assessment is performed to look for signs of swelling, bruising, and deformities. These visible indicators provide initial clues about the injury’s severity and affected area.
• Palpation Evaluation: Feeling the injured area helps to assess tenderness, warmth, and anatomical abnormalities. This evaluation provides deeper insights into the injury and identifies specific points of pain or discomfort.
• Range of Motion Tests: Evaluating the movement of the affected joint is essential. Range of motion tests can help identify any restrictions or pain, offering important information about the injury’s impact on joint functionality.
• Strength Tests: Assessing muscle strength and comparing it to the uninjured side can reveal any weakness or imbalance. Strength tests are important for understanding the extent of muscle or tendon involvement in the injury.

• X-rays: X-rays are used to detect bone fractures and dislocations. They provide a clear view of the skeletal structure, helping to rule out or confirm any bone-related injuries.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. This imaging technique is recommended for identifying tears and other injuries that might not be visible on X-rays.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound is useful for evaluating soft tissue injuries, such as tendon tears and muscle injuries. It offers a real-time assessment, allowing for better evaluation of the injured area.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans provide detailed images of both bone and soft tissues. Often used when MRI is not available or suitable, CT scans ensure a comprehensive evaluation and a clearer understanding of complex injuries.

Non-surgical treatments are often considered as an initial approach for managing sports injuries, depending on the specific injury and patient condition.

• Rest and Immobilisation: Reducing activity levels allows the injured area to heal naturally. Using braces, splints, or casts helps immobilise the injured part, preventing further damage and promoting recovery.
• Medications: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can help reduce pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are effective in reducing pain and swelling. For severe inflammation and pain, corticosteroid injections may be administered to provide relief.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets to promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints.

Surgical interventions may be required for severe injuries that do not respond to non-surgical treatments. The type of surgery depends on the specific injury and its severity.

Arthroscopy

• Knee: Arthroscopic surgery is used for ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair. This minimally invasive procedure allows the surgeon to view and repair joint damage through small incisions.
• Shoulder: Arthroscopy is commonly used for rotator cuff repair and labral tear surgery. It involves using a camera and instruments to repair damaged tissues.
• Ankle: Ankle arthroscopy helps treat ligament repairs, cartilage lesions, and impingement issues. Small incisions and specialised tools allow for precise treatment.

Open Surgery

• Knee: Fracture fixation involves surgical repair of broken bones using metal plates, screws, or rods to maintain proper alignment during healing.
• Shoulder: Open surgery for shoulder injuries may include procedures like shoulder replacement or extensive rotator cuff repair when arthroscopy is insufficient.
• Elbow: Tendon repair surgery addresses torn tendons, such as those in tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, ensuring proper healing and function.
• Ankle: Open surgery for severe ankle fractures may involve the use of plates, screws, or rods to stabilise the bones and promote healing.

Joint Replacement

• Knee: Partial or total knee replacement involves replacing damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components, often used in severe cases of joint damage or arthritis.
• Shoulder: Shoulder replacement surgery is performed to replace the damaged shoulder joint with artificial components, particularly in cases of severe arthritis or complex fractures.