DR. ONG KEE LEONG

Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) Surgery

An Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery is a major and urgent surgery to repair severely damaged bones. Under a professional surgeon, there is a high chance of recovery, and you are likely to be able to resume normal activities swiftly.

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What Is Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) Surgery?

An open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery is a procedure performed by an orthopaedic surgeon to repair severely damaged bones. The term “open reduction” refers to the incision process to re-adjust the bones. “Internal fixation” refers to the usage of hardware such as metal pins, rods, screws and plates to secure the bones and hold them together.

Indications for ORIF Surgery

An ORIF surgery is performed for acute fractures that cannot be fixed with a standard cast or splint, and the damage usually involves the joints.

Generally, ORIF is an emergency surgery and may be recommended if your bone:

  • Breaks in multiple places
  • Displaces from its original position
  • Pierces out of your skin

ORIF may also be performed if your bone was previously re-aligned without an incision (closed reduction) and did not heal properly.

Benefits of ORIF Surgery

  • Alleviate pain
  • Effectively promote proper healing of limbs
  • Restore joint mobility and function
  • Prevent further injuries

How Is the Surgery Performed?

Before the surgery, you might receive a physical examination for your doctor to assess your situation. Following this, several imaging and diagnostic tests such as an x-ray, MRI scan or blood test may be performed to further examine your broken bone.

During the surgery, you will be administered with general anaesthesia (to prevent pain) before your surgeon makes an incision on the skin of your injured site to re-align the affected bone back to its original position.

Afterwards, metal hardware such as a screw, rod or plate will be attached to the bone to secure it. The type of metal hardware used depends on the type and location of the fracture.

Finally, the incision will be closed with stitches or staples and covered with a bandage. A cast or splint may be worn on the limb to promote healing.

Possible Complications

  • Muscle spasms
  • Displacement of the attached hardware
  • Nerve damage that reduces sensation in the arm or leg
  • Difficulty moving the arm or leg

What to Expect After the Procedure?

After the surgery, your blood pressure, breathing and pulse will be monitored. Depending on the severity of the fracture and the extent of the surgery, you may be discharged the day after your surgery or be required to be hospitalised for a few days.

Generally, it will take approximately 3 to 12 months for complete recovery. However, the recovery period differs for each patient, depending on the extent and location of the fracture and whether any complications develop after the surgery.

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
  • Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
  • 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
  • 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)

“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. My team and I are fully committed to returning you to the life and activities you love.”

Dr. Ong Kee Leong

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.
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Billing & Payment

Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation, and start from SGD$150 (within 30 minutes).

Modes of Payment

We accept the following modes of payment:

  • Cash
  • PayNow & PayLah
  • All major Credit Cards

If you are insured and would like to use a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us and our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.

Can I Claim Through My Medisave Account? (For Singaporeans and PR)

Yes, you can. Our Clinic is an accredited day surgery clinic by the Ministry of Health. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents may use their Medisave for eligible orthopaedic inpatient procedures and hospitalizations.

The exact amount would depend on the complexity of the procedure. If you have any enquiries, feel free to speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your Medisave account.

Integrated Shield Plans (Singaporeans and PRs)

Yes, patients who have purchased Integrated Shield plans with riders for co-insurance and deductibles will be able to use them in our clinic for eligible procedures. For more information, contact us to find out if your procedure is claimable.

The 6 Approved Integrated Shield Insurers are:

  • NTUC Income’s IncomeShield and Enhanced IncomeShield
  • American International Assurance International Co’s (AIA) HealthShield Gold
  • Great Eastern Life Assurance Co’s SupremeHealth and SupremeHealth Plus
  • Aviva Ltd’s MyShield
  • Prudential Assurance Co’s PRUShield
  • AXA Shield