What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Known as knee arthroplasty, a knee replacement surgery involves removing the damaged or diseased bone and cartilage and replacing them with metal implants that act as artificial joints. The procedure aims to resurface damaged portions of the knee joint and improve knee function and relieve chronic knee pain that cannot be treated in any other way. The procedure may involve a total knee replacement, which involves replacing the entire knee joint, or a partial knee replacement, which consists in replacing only the damaged part of the joint.
When is Knee Replacement Surgery Needed?
Knee replacement surgery is typically needed when other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections, have failed to relieve chronic knee pain and improve knee function. It may also be recommended for patients who have various types of arthritis that can result in knee pain. Older adults are more likely to experience osteoarthritis where flexible tissue at the end of bones wears down over time, resulting in chronic pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the synovial membrane, can also be another reason for pain and stiffness in knee joints.
From the above, it is clear to see that common symptoms that may indicate the need for knee replacement surgery include severe knee pain, stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing everyday activities.
Depending on the extent of damage, your doctor may suggest a knee replacement surgery.
Who Usually Needs to Get a Knee Replacement Surgery?
Apart from elderly patients with osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery may be an option for athletes in Singapore to recover from traumatic arthritis which causes damage to the cartilage of the knee due to injury and resume sports activities.
When Will a Total Knee Replacement be Recommended?
A total knee replacement surgery is recommended when other treatments have failed to relieve knee pain or improve knee function. The decision to recommend the surgery is made by an orthopaedic surgeon based on factors such as the severity of knee pain, limitations in activities of daily living, and other medical conditions. For example, suppose an individual's knee is severely damaged by an injury, making it hard to perform simple daily activities like climbing the stairs. In that case, a total knee replacement might be an option. However, non-surgical, conservative treatments may be recommended first, and knee replacement surgery is not always necessary.
What to Consider Before Knee Replacement in Singapore
Before undergoing knee replacement surgery in Singapore, there are a few things patients should keep in mind. For one, choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon and hospital or clinic where the surgery will be performed is crucial. Patients should also discuss potential risks or complications with their doctor and understand the rehabilitation process after the surgery.
In addition, patients should prepare for the surgery by following their doctor's instructions. This may include not eating or drinking anything for a certain amount of time before the surgery.
What Happens During a Knee Replacement Surgery?
Prior to the surgery, general anaesthesia may be administered to put you to sleep during the procedure. Alternatively, you may opt for spinal or epidural anaesthesia to block any sensation in the lower half of the body. However, bear in mind that you will remain awake while undergoing knee replacement surgery.
Once the anaesthesia takes effect, your doctor will make a cut down your knee to access the joint. They will then remove the damaged parts of the knee before fitting the metal implants in. There may be three implants, in total, to be attached to the femur, tibia, and patella surfaces in your knee. To complete the knee replacement surgery, a plastic articular spacer will be positioned between the metal components to improve implant stability.
Things to Note After Knee Replacement in Singapore
After undergoing knee replacement surgery in Singapore, it is important for patients to carefully follow their doctor's instructions for post-operative care and rehabilitation. This may include taking medications, performing prescribed exercises, and attending physical therapy sessions to regain strength and mobility.
Patients should also prevent infection by keeping the wound clean and dry and avoiding activities that could damage the new knee joint. Attending all follow-up appointments with the doctor is also crucial for monitoring progress and ensuring that the knee is healing properly. Patients should also report any unusual symptoms, such as fever, increased pain, or swelling, to their doctor as soon as possible.
Possible Risks Associated with Knee Replacement Surgery
Like any surgery, knee replacement carries certain risks. These may include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, or allergic reaction to anaesthesia. In some cases, the surgery may not be successful, and patients may experience complications such as stiffness or instability in the joint. As such, it is important to seek the advice of an orthopaedic specialist in Singapore.
Why Choose OrthofootMD for Knee Replacement in Singapore?
- Our surgeon is equipped with a deep understanding of sport-related injuries and their treatments.
- Conveniently located at Mount Elizabeth and Mount Alvernia Hospital
- Assistance with medical claims, including Medisave and Integrated Shield Plans may be applicable, depending on the type of treatment, ensuring a hassle-free experience for patients
About Our Surgeon
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is an orthopaedic surgeon, specialising in lower limb orthopaedic conditions, trauma and fracture surgery of both the upper and lower limbs. He completed his basic surgical training at the Royal Free Hospital, London and higher orthopaedic surgical speciality training in the London North West Thames rotation. Dr Gowreeson pursued subspecialty fellowship training at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. He is committed to improving the delivery of orthopaedic postgraduate education worldwide and has authored over 50 scientific articles.
Get Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore Now
If you find that your knee pain is not getting any better, or you’ve had an injury that deformed your joints, it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery. Book an appointment with Dr Gowreeson today from Orthofoot MD Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic to seek timely and appropriate treatment for your knee pain including common knee injuries such as meniscus injury.
If you are suffering from pain in any other joints such as hips or shoulders, you can consult our qualified orthopaedic surgeon who will thoroughly assess your condition for hip replacement surgery or shoulder tendon pain treatment.
Furthermore, our surgeon can also assist you with other painful conditions related to your foot or ankle through appropriate procedures which may include bunion surgery, treatment for plantar fasciitis and other surgeries.
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 Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore
The most common condition that requires knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a condition that is characterised by the breakdown of joint cartilage. Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis arising from a knee injury, may also result in knee joint degeneration. Hence, younger people who do sports regularly in Singapore may also suffer from knee ailments that may require surgery. In this case, you can consult our sports injury doctor based in Singapore to find a suitable treatment for your condition.
Surgery is usually recommended when non-surgical knee treatments fail to alleviate the pain. Depending on your condition, a partial or total knee replacement may be recommended. You may also need revision surgery 15 to 20 years after the initial surgery to repair worn-out prostheses.
Clinic Location
OrthofootMD@Novena
- Mount Elizabeth Novena
38 Irrawaddy Road #05-42 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563
OrthofootMD@Mount Alvernia Hospital
- (Mount Alvernia Hospital)
820 Thomson Road #01-01/02 Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A Singapore 574623
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.