A bone fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone, most often caused by a single traumatic event — a fall, direct blow, awkward landing or high-speed collision. Fractures range from simple, undisplaced cracks through to complex, multi-fragmented injuries that require surgical fixation.
While the initial management of an acute fracture usually takes place in an emergency department, the subsequent journey — diagnosis refinement, return-to-sport planning, rehabilitation coordination — is where a Specialist Sports and Exercise Physician adds significant value.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but a referral from your GP entitles you to a Medicare rebate and enables us to request imaging and specialist follow-up more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Liam West will take a detailed history of the mechanism of injury, review any prior imaging, and perform a focused examination. X-ray is usually the first-line investigation. Where a fracture is subtle or complex, CT or MRI is often required.
If you have sustained a fracture and want expert oversight of your rehabilitation and return to sport, book an appointment with Dr. Liam West, our Specialist Sports and Exercise Physician at Melbourne CBD Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine Clinic. You can also learn more about our complete Sports Medicine service.
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Dr Liam West is a Specialist Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Physician and Head Doctor of Hawthorn Football Club. He brings extensive experience across AFL, Athletics (Track and Field) and Football (Soccer), with specialist expertise in bone, muscle, tendon and joint injuries. Liam served as Sports Doctor for the Australian Athletics Team at the 2018 & 2022 Commonwealth Games, and holds a Masters of Sports and Exercise Medicine and Fellowship of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians.
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Bone Stress Fractures / Injuries | Ligament Injuries | Joint Injuries (Shoulder & Knee) | Adolescent Sports Injuries
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Not necessarily. Many fractures heal well with appropriate immobilisation and rehabilitation alone. Surgery is typically reserved for displaced, unstable, intra-articular or high-risk fractures.
Most fractures heal clinically within 6–12 weeks, but return to full sport often takes longer — sometimes 3–6 months depending on the bone involved and whether surgery was required.
Not necessarily. Many fractures heal well with appropriate immobilisation and rehabilitation alone. Surgery is typically reserved for displaced, unstable, intra-articular or high-risk fractures.
No, but a referral from your GP entitles you to a Medicare rebate and enables us to request imaging and specialist follow-up more efficiently.
