Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore

What is Total Hip Replacement?

In a hip replacement surgery, damaged parts of the hip are replaced with artificial joint components, which are designed to mimic the natural movements of the hip joint. The type of prostheses used may vary according to the patient’s needs, but most prostheses comprise two components: the femoral component, which has a stem that extends into a canal in your thigh bone, and the acetabular component, which is placed within your socket. These artificial joints may help reduce pain and improve your daily function. Materials used in the procedure may include synthetic polymers, metal alloys and ceramics.

When is Hip Replacement Needed?

A hip replacement surgery may be necessary and recommended by the doctor if you have conditions that can cause damage to the hip joint, such as the following:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: This inflammatory condition can erode cartilage and underlying bone, leading to potential joint damage and deformities. 
  • Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis that damages the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones and facilitates smooth joint movement. 
  • Osteonecrosis: A condition caused by disease or severe trauma that affects the blood supply to the bone, potentially leading to bone collapse. It may also occur without trauma or disease.

You may also need hip replacement surgery if you experience pain that persists despite medication, worsens with walking and interferes with your sleep. To know more about your condition and appropriate procedures, you can read about the most common questions about hip replacement surgery to learn about hip replacement and other procedures in Singapore.

Determining If Hip Replacement Surgery Is Needed

Total hip replacement is generally recommended for patients experiencing:

  • Severe hip pain or disability that limits their daily activities
  • Pain due to progressive or degenerative arthritis
  • Stiffness
  • Weakness
  • Reduced mobility

However, it is important to note that hip replacement surgery may be recommended as a last resort after non-surgical approaches such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications have failed to provide optimal relief.

Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgeries usually begin with administering an anaesthetic before the surgery. You will either be given a general anaesthetic, which will put you in a sleep-like state throughout the surgery, or a spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body for optimal comfort.

The surgeon will then make an incision over the hip to access the joint. The damaged femoral head (the upper part of the thigh bone) is then removed, and the acetabulum (hip socket) is prepared to receive the new prosthetic component. The new femoral component, with its stem, is then inserted into the hollow centre of the thigh bone and then secured with screws or other medical fasteners. The procedure will usually take one or two hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the specific methods employed.

After the procedure, you may be prescribed blood-thinning medication and given compression stockings to prevent blood clot formation in your legs.

Recovery Period For Total Hip Replacement

Recovery from hip replacement surgery may vary, with initial hospital stays usually lasting a few days. Post-surgery, the doctor may provide a list of things you should avoid, and the physiotherapist may recommend specific exercises to help you regain your strength and mobility. Full recovery and return to everyday activities may take several weeks to months, depending on your progress and adherence to your rehabilitation plan.

Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore

Dr Gowreeson Thevendran

MBChB (Bristol), MRCS.Ed, Dip. Sports Med.Ed, FRCS.Ed ( Trauma & Ortho. ), FAMS (Singapore)

Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore who specialises in lower limb orthopaedic conditions, trauma, and fracture surgeries of both the upper and lower limbs. He received his medical education from the University of Bristol and completed his surgical training in the UK and Canada. Before establishing his private practice, he served as Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.

Dr Gowreeson Thevendran’s Qualifications and Awards:

  • Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bristol, England
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
  • Diplomate Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh
  • Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
  • SICOT PIONEER Founders Award 2020
  • 2015 European Foot & Ankle Society ‘Best Podium Presentation’ Award
  • 2013 Singapore Orthopaedic Association Junior Travelling Fellowship
  • 2012 NHG Critical Talent Special Recognition Award
  • 1998 Enid Lindt Prize in Clinical Surgery
  • 1995 Public Services Department Full Medical Scholarship

Languages Spoken:

  • English, Malay, Tamil

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore

1Is hip replacement a high-risk surgery?
Yes, it is considered a major operation, but it is not considered to be a risky procedure. Hip replacement surgery is usually not the first option for people who struggle with chronic pain and mobility issues. However, it may be necessary if other treatments, such as physiotherapy, fail to offer relief or improve your condition.
2What are some precautions for total hip replacement?
The potential risks of hip replacement surgery may include infection, blood clots in the legs or lungs, bleeding, dislocation, nerve and blood vessel damage, stiff joints, and loose prosthesis. However, these can be managed with proper pre-operative evaluation, surgical methods, and post-operative care.
3At what age should you get a hip replacement?
There is no set age for hip replacement surgery, but it may be recommended for adults between the ages of 60 and 80. It may also be recommended for people who experience severe hip pain and mobility issues due to arthritis, injury or other conditions and have not found relief from other treatments. Again, surgery may be considered at any age, depending on individual circumstances.
4Does insurance and Medisave cover hip replacement?
Hip replacement costs may be covered partially by insurance and Medisave, depending on your policy and medical savings. It is advisable to consult with your insurer and the clinic’s administrative team for detailed information.

Clinic Location

OrthofootMD@Novena

OrthofootMD@Mount Alvernia Hospital

Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is currently an orthopaedic surgeon with Island Orthopaedic, a one-stop care centre for orthopaedic health under Healthway Medical Group. He specialises in treating lower limb orthopaedic conditions, as well as trauma and fracture surgery of both the upper and lower limbs. Prior to establishing his private practice, Dr Gowreeson was Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Department of Orthopaedics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). Today, he continues to serve the Orthopaedic Department at TTSH as a visiting consultant.

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