Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore

What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

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 will 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 our doctor in Singapore if you have conditions that cause damage to the hip joint, such as the following: 

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: A type of inflammation that can erode cartilage and underlying bone, resulting in joint damage and deformities. 
  • Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis that damages the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones and allows smooth movement of the joints. 
  • Osteonecrosis: A condition caused by disease or severe trauma that affects the blood supply to the bone. It can also occur without trauma or disease. 

You may also need hip replacement surgery if you have 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.

Who Usually Needs Hip Replacement Surgery?

As mentioned above, hip replacement surgery is usually recommended for people who have severe hip pain or disability that limits their daily activities and affects their daily life.

Total hip replacement is generally recommended for our patients in Singapore who are experiencing pain due to progressively worsening arthritis in the hip joint area. One of the most common forms of arthritis that eventually requires hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis. It’s a type of arthritis that is seen with prior hip joint trauma, congenital hip joint abnormality, or ageing, and there is wear and tear of joining cartilage over time. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis and bone tumours. Patients with these conditions may also experience symptoms such as pain, stiffness, weakness, and reduced mobility. 

However, it is important to note that hip replacement surgery is usually considered a last resort after non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications have failed to provide adequate relief.

How is a Hip Replacement Recommended?

Undergoing hip replacement surgery should not be taken lightly and is made after careful consideration of several factors.

As such, consulting with an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip replacement surgery is crucial. During the consultation, the surgeon will conduct a thorough physical examination of the range of motion in your joint and review the patient's medical history and imaging studies, such as X-rays. They may also recommend blood tests and other diagnostic tests to assess the patient's health and fitness for surgery.

Based on the findings, the surgeon will determine if the patient is a good candidate for hip replacement surgery. Factors that may affect the decision include the severity of the hip condition, the patient's age and overall health, and the pain level and functional limitations they are experiencing.

If surgery is recommended, the surgeon will discuss the procedure in detail with the patient, including the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. They will also provide instructions on how to prepare for surgery.

Sometimes, the surgeon may recommend other treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, before considering surgery. 

How Hip Replacement Surgery is Performed

In Singapore and around the world, 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 to block pain. During the hip replacement procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in your hip area and proceed to remove the damaged joint surfaces. The new artificial joint will be positioned in place and then secured with screws or other medical fasteners. The procedure will usually take one or two hours.

What Happens After a Hip Replacement Surgery?

After the procedure, you may be prescribed blood-thinning medication and given compression stockings to prevent blood clot formation in your legs. Avoiding certain movements can help with your recovery, too. Some movements you should refrain from doing include bending your waist for more than 90 degrees. This includes bending down to tie your shoes or sitting on a low chair. You need to refrain from crossing your legs and pivoting or twisting your hips. You also need to avoid driving for a while until your doctor gives you the medical clearance. Your doctor will provide you with a complete list of things you should avoid and a physiotherapist will recommend the right exercises to help you regain your strength and mobility.

Most hip prostheses are designed to last for 15 years or more. However, they may loosen over time, wear down, or damage due to dislocation or injury. Hip revision surgery may be required 10 to 15 years after the initial surgery due to loosening or wearing out of the prostheses. Keeping up with your doctor’s recommended follow-up checkups can help assess whether hip revision surgery is needed.

What Are the Possible Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery?

Possible risks of hip replacement surgery include infection, blood clots in the legs or lungs, bleeding, dislocation, nerve and blood vessel damage, joint stiffening, and loosening of the prosthesis. However, these risks can be mitigated with proper preoperative evaluation, surgical technique, and post-operative care.

Why Choose OrthofootMD for Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore?

  • Our surgeon provides care for sports-related injuries. 
  • Our clinic is conveniently situated at Mount Elizabeth and Mount Alvernia Hospitals for easy accessibility. 
  • We also offer support for medical claims, including Medisave and Integrated Shield Plans, to ensure a smooth experience for our patients, based on their treatment needs.

About Our Surgeon

Dr. Gowreeson Thevendran, an orthopaedic surgeon with Island Orthopaedic, specialises in lower limb orthopaedic conditions, as well as trauma and fracture surgery for both upper and lower limbs. He received his medical education from the University of Bristol and completed his surgical training in the UK and Canada. Prior to establishing his private practice, he served as Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Department of Orthopaedics. Additionally, he is committed to improving postgraduate education worldwide and currently chairs the Education Academy of SICOT. Dr. Gowreeson has authored over 50 scientific articles and serves as international faculty for various orthopaedic courses.

Get Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore 

Finding a trusted surgeon to perform your hip replacement surgery in Singapore is crucial to the success of your operation and recovery. You need to consult with a surgeon with qualified credentials and medical experience in hip replacement procedures to ensure your safety. OrthofootMD is committed to providing patients with the right treatments for their conditions through thorough assessment and safe medical practices. Consult with Dr. Gowreeson Thevendran at our Singapore clinic today, and we can help you find an appropriate treatment for your condition.

If your chronic hip joint pain impairs your daily functions such as walking, running, climbing the stairs, or even getting up from a sitting position, you may be a candidate for getting hip replacement surgery. We recommend booking an appointment with our orthopaedic specialist, Dr. Gowreeson Thevendran, at Orthofoot MD who will assess your condition and re

Dr Gowreeson Thevendran

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

Specialty

  • Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery

Languages Spoken

  • English, Malay, Tamil

Qualifications

  • 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

Awards

  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore

1Is a 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 produce relief or improvement in your condition.
2How long is the recovery time for hip replacement surgery?
On average, patients take about two to four weeks to heal from a hip replacement surgery. However, every individual is different and recovery times may vary depending on age, pre-existing conditions and other health and lifestyle factors.
3At what age should you get a hip replacement?
There is no set age for hip replacement surgery but typically recommended to adults between the ages of 60 and 80, It is also generally recommended for people who experience severe hip pain and mobility issues due to arthritis, injury or other conditions and who have not found relief from other treatments. Again, surgery may be considered at any age, depending on individual circumstances.

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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