Fractures & Sports-Related Trauma in Dubai
Acute fractures and sports stress fractures (ankle, foot, clavicle, knee, hand)
A fracture can happen in seconds, during sport, a fall, a twist, or an everyday accident. Sometimes the injury is obvious. Other times, especially with stress fractures, pain builds gradually and is often mistaken for “shin splints” or a simple strain.
I’m Dr Tomislav Cerovecki (“Tomislav”), an orthopaedic surgeon with a strong focus on sports injuries and trauma-related orthopaedics at Tadawi Hospital, Al Garhoud, Dubai.
When to seek urgent assessment?
(Don’t wait)
You should be assessed quickly if you have:
• a visible deformity or bone “out of place”
• severe pain after a fall/impact
• inability to bear weight or use the limb normally
• rapid swelling, significant bruising, or increasing tightness
• numbness/tingling, cold fingers/toes, or worsening circulation signs
• an open wound near the injury
If in doubt, treat it as urgent—early diagnosis reduces complications.
Who this page is for?
This service is relevant if you:
• sustained a sports injury and suspect a fracture
• have persistent pain that worsens with activity (possible stress fracture)
• have ankle/foot pain after running or jumping
• injured your shoulder/collarbone, knee, hand, or wrist during sport or a fall
• want a second opinion on fracture management or return-to-sport planning
• need a clear plan after imaging (X-ray/CT/MRI)
Types of fractures we manage (sports + everyday trauma)
Stress fractures (overuse injuries)
Stress fractures are small bone injuries caused by repetitive load, common in runners and active people. They can occur in areas like the tibia (shin), foot bones, or ankle region.
These injuries require the right diagnosis and load management; pushing through can worsen the fracture.
Acute fractures (sudden injury)
Acute fractures happen after trauma such as a fall, collision, twist, or impact. Common areas include:
• Clavicle (collarbone) fractures
• Knee-related fractures (depending on injury pattern)
• Ankle fractures
• Foot fractures
• Hand and finger fractures
• Other everyday trauma-related fractures
Not all fractures need surgery, but all fractures need the right plan.
How we diagnose fractures (simple, practical approach)
Diagnosis typically includes:
• Clinical assessment (how it happened + exam findings)
• Imaging: X-ray is often the first step for acute injury
MRI may be used for suspected stress fractures or hidden injuries
CT can help define fracture anatomy in complex patterns
• Image review + treatment decision
Bring your images if you already have them. Reports are
helpful, but image review is often critical for accuracy
Treatment options (clear and patient-focused)
Your plan depends on the fracture type, location, stability, and your activity goals.
Non-surgical treatment (common)
May include:
• immobilization (boot/splint/cast when needed)
• pain and swelling control
• gradual return to movement and loading
• physiotherapy and strength rebuilding
Surgical treatment (when indicated)
Surgery is considered when a fracture is:
• Displaced (bones not aligned properly)
• Unstable or at risk of poor healing
• Involving a joint surface in a way that threatens function
• Associated with certain sports demands where stability and alignment are critical
If surgery is recommended, you will receive a clear explanation of:
• Why it is necessary
• The expected recovery stages
• Realistic return-to-sport milestones
Who this page is for?
Many active patients ignore a stress fracture because it feels like a training ache. A stress fracture is more likely if:
• Pain is localized to one specific spot
• Pain worsens with impact activity and improves with rest (then returns)
• Pain starts to appear earlier in workouts over time
• Hopping on the affected leg is painful
The right diagnosis prevents prolonged downtime.
Return to sport after fracture
(what patients want to know?)
Return to sport is not based on a calendar alone. It depends on:
- fracture healing and stability
- pain-free function
- strength and movement control
- sport-specific demands (running, contact, jumping)
We set a staged plan so you return safely and reduce re-injury risk.
FAQ
Why patients choose Dr Tomislav in Dubai
Sports-injury perspective: function + safe return-to-activity. - Clear plan and transparent decision-making. - Image review (X-ray/CT/MRI) to reduce uncertainty. - Option for orthopaedical second opinion. -Care delivered within Tadawi Hospital, Dubai
Book an appointment (Dubai / UAE / GCC)
If you suspect a fracture or have persistent pain that may be a stress fracture, book an evaluation for diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Appointment options:
• Acute injury assessment (same day when possible)
• Stress fracture evaluation
• X-ray / CT / MRI review
• Second opinion on fracture treatment or return-to-sport planning