DR. ONG KEE LEONG
Clavicle / Collarbone Fractures and Injuries
A clavicle fracture occurs when there is a break in the collarbone, one of the main bones in your shoulder. A broken collarbone is a common injury among people of all ages, but particularly in young and middle aged adults.
Book AppointmentClavicle Fractures and Injuries
Sometimes, the injury occurs at one end of the collarbone, known as the acromio-clavicular joint. Injuries to this joint can be mild or severe, leading to a complete disruption.
The clavicle is located between your ribcage and the shoulder blade, connecting the arm to the body. Clavicle fractures commonly occur when you fall on your outstretched hands, or fall directly on your shoulder such that the pressure causes the bone to break. The broken bone limits your range of motion in your shoulder and arm.
If you feel pain or swelling in your collarbone or shoulder area, it is advised that you seek prompt medical attention. Commonly, clavicle fractures heal well with ice, arm slings and physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the bone.
Accompanying Symptoms of Clavicle Fractures and Injuries
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder
- Stiffness in the shoulder
- Swelling and tenderness near the collarbone
- A grinding sound when moving your shoulder
Since the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, it helps to raise and rotate your arm. It also gives strength and range of motion to the arm and allows for scapular protraction, retraction, elevation, and depression. If your collarbone/shoulder pain is severe, visiting an Orthopaedic specialist is the best way forward to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Medisave & Insurance Shield Plan Approved
For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents
Common Causes of Clavicle Fractures and Injuries
Clavicle fractures and injuries often occur when you break a fall on your outstretched hands, or when you fall on your shoulder. These injuries can occur in sports, road accidents or any other form of trauma.
If your collarbone/shoulder pain is severe, visiting an Orthopaedic specialist is the best way forward to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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)
Treatments for Clavicle Fractures and Injuries
Pain Relievers
Icing the painful swelling may temporarily reduce the pain and swelling associated with your broken collarbone. Medications and pain relievers will also help reduce inflammation and ease your discomfort.
Arm Sling
Typically, you will need to wear an arm sling to restrict the movement of your broken bone to aid in healing. The duration you will be required to wear the arm sling for is dependent on the severity of your fracture.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the treatment of injury and disease using non-invasive techniques. It focuses on improving your ability to move and function without pain, boosting your quality of life.
Depending on the pattern of the collarbone injury, you may be starting on a very light range of motion physiotherapy. The orthopaedic specialist will suggest physiotherapy instructions specific to the type of injury.
Exercises performed during a physiotherapy session aids in the strengthening of your shoulder muscles to minimize stiffness and improve the mobility of your shoulder. The goal is to improve strength, increase endurance and to improve range of motion. It also helps to reduce the likelihood of future injuries.
Surgical Treatment
In some cases, a collarbone fracture or acromio-clavicular joint disruption may be severely injured. In such cases, surgery may offer the best chance of healing and recovery. The orthopaedic specialist should be able to provide information on the risks and benefits of the surgery, and help you in your decision making.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Pain Serious Enough For A Visit To A Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon?
In most cases of a collarbone fracture or acromio-clavicular joint injury, it will be fairly obvious that the injury is serious. There will be significant pain over the area, with possible bone deformity or malalignment. In very serious cases, there may also be an open wound with bleeding around the fracture site.
It is recommended that a visit to a specialist orthopaedic surgeon be made as early as possible so that appropriate examination and investigations such as X-rays can be performed to determine the diagnosis.
What Can I Expect At My First Visit With An Orthopaedic Surgeon?
At your first appointment with Dr. Ong, he will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing.
Depending on the symptoms you have, he will likely perform some form of diagnostic imaging (e.g. X-Rays or MRI scans) to assess your condition accurately. X-rays and CT scans are useful to rule out bony problems, whilst an MRI scan is excellent at looking at soft tissue (e.g. tendons, ligaments, cartilage) problems.
After assessing your condition, Dr. Ong will recommend a personalised treatment plan, according to your specific needs. This may include surgical or non-surgical treatment options.
Will I Need Surgery To Treat My Clavicle Injury?
After diagnosis, Dr. Ong will advise an individualised treatment plan that is customized to your specific needs. The treatment plan varies from patient to patient, and the condition you have.
Not every clavicle fracture/injury requires surgery. The fracture characteristics as well as the functional demand of the patient are important factors that will determine if surgery is recommended.
If surgery is the recommended option, your decision making will best be made after a thorough discussion with Dr Ong, who will provide the necessary information to help you decide.
What Modes Of Payments Do You Accept?
Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation, and start from SGD$150 (within 30 minutes).
We accept the following modes of payment:
- Cash
- NETS
- PayNow and Paylah!
- All major Credit Cards
If you are insured and would like to use E-Filing or A Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us, our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.
Why Choose Us
Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Ong is fellowship trained with 15 years of experience in orthopaedic conditions, with a subspecialty in the management of sports injuries and degenerative conditions of the shoulder and knee joints. Dr. Ong uses a personal and professional approach to deliver high-quality care, based on the most up-to-date medical literature.
Passionate About Sports Medicine
Dr. Ong Is Passionate In Sports, Giving Him A Deep Understanding Of Sports-Related Injuries And How They Can Be Treated
Advanced Treatments
Our treatment plans are problem-oriented, well organised and personalised, catering to each of your specific needs. We are also committed to seeing you through to recovery, where individualized aftercare plans are designed to ensure a smooth and long-term recovery.
Fast Recovery
Our individualized treatment plans are designed to treat the cause of your injury quickly. 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.
“At our clinic, we generally try to explore non-surgical treatment such as activities modification, physiotherapy and orthotics before recommending invasive intervention options.”
Dr. Ong Kee Leong
Your Treatment Roadmap With Dr. Ong Kee Leong
Registration
Our friendly clinical staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you.
Specialist Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Ong will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing. You may also ask Dr. Ong any questions you may have about your condition.
Diagnosis Of Your Condition
Dr. Ong will likely perform some form of diagnostic imaging (e.g. X-Rays or MRI scans) to assess your condition accurately.
Treatment For Your Condition
After imaging, Dr. Ong will review the results of your scans thoroughly with you, and advise an individualized treatment plan just for you.
Follow Up Visits With Dr Ong
As you go through your treatment plan, Dr. Ong will follow up with you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the dedicated care you deserve.
“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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Condition Serious Enough For A Visit To A Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon?
When specific conditions become more chronic and persistent, the treatment options may be beyond your GP’s expertise.
If you experience severe pain, or if your pain is affecting your quality of life such that you cannot perform everyday activities normally (e.g. walking, standing or wearing clothes), visiting an Orthopaedic Surgeon for a detailed assessment and diagnosis is the best course of action.
What Can I Expect At My First Visit With An Orthopaedic Surgeon?
At your first appointment with Dr. Ong, he will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing.
Depending on the symptoms you have, he will likely perform some form of diagnostic imaging (e.g. X-Rays or MRI scans) to assess your condition accurately. X-rays and CT scans are useful to rule out bony problems, whilst an MRI scan is excellent at looking at soft tissue (e.g. tendons, ligaments, cartilage) problems.
After assessing your condition, Dr. Ong will recommend a personalised treatment plan, according to your specific needs. This may include surgical or non-surgical treatment options.
Can I Continue My Sporting Activities If I Am Experiencing Pain (e.g. Shoulder, Knee or Hip Pain)?
Dr. Ong always advises patients to listen to their bodies and not push through the pain barrier, especially if your pain is a direct result of sports injuries.
If your pain does not subside with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) and over-the-counter painkillers, it is highly advisable that you seek professional medical advice. Continuing with sporting activities will place additional strain on your body and worsen the condition.
Will I Need Surgery To Treat My Pain?
After diagnosis, Dr. Ong will advise an individualized treatment plan that is customized to your specific needs. The treatment plan varies from patient to patient, and the condition you have.
For less severe problems, Dr. Ong may recommend a non-surgical management plan (such as painkillers and physiotherapy) to treat your condition initially. If your symptoms do not improve or even worsen over the course of this treatment, Dr. Ong will review the treatment protocol and may advise surgery.
Dr. Ong will only recommend surgical options when all other conventional non-surgical interventions have failed, or if non-surgical options will not work for your condition. For example, if you have a broken bone which is extremely painful and debilitating, you may benefit from immediate surgery.
What Modes Of Payments Do You Accept?
Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation, and start from SGD$150 (within 30 minutes).
We accept the following modes of payment:
- Cash
- PAYNOW & PAYLAH
- All major Credit Cards
If you are insured and would like to use E-Filing or A Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us, 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 hospitalization at our clinic.
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.
