Dr Cameron Cooke specialises in orthopaedic trauma involving the lower limb, such as ankle and hip fractures and tendon ruptures.
Ankle Fractures
A broken ankle is also known as an ankle “fracture”. This means that one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint are separated into pieces. There may be damage to the ligaments within the ankle joint as well. Some ankle fractures may be treated conservatively (that is, do not require an operation) while other fractures will require surgical treatment.
Hip Fractures
A hip fracture is a break near the top of your thighbone (femur) where it angles into your hip socket. They commonly occur from a fall or a direct blow to the side of the hip and most often, affect the elderly patient. Immediate medical attention is required and, in most instances, hospitalisation and surgery will be needed. The surgery may range from fixing the fracture with screws, plates or nails to performing a total hip replacement, depending on the actual damage that has occurred.
Femoral Fractures
The femur (or thighbone) is the longest and strongest bone in your body. Fractures of this bone are often caused by high impact collisions, such as motor vehicle accidents. Surgery is usually required and may involve the use of nails, plates or screws to reposition the femur and hold it in place to allow healing to occur.
Tibial Fractures
The tibia (or shinbone) is the most commonly fractured long bone in the body. Like femoral fractures, it typically takes a major force (such as a motor vehicle accident) to cause this type of broken leg. The smaller bone in the leg (the fibula) is often broken as well. Treatment may or may not involve surgery, depending on a number of factors such as the overall location and position of the break/s, the type of the break and the general activity level of the patient. These fractures typically take a long time to heal.
Achilles Tendon Ruptures
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It is susceptible to injury which can range from a tendonitis (inflammation) to a rupture or tearing and separating of the tendon fibres. Treatment may or may not include surgery.
