Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Treatment
Treatment
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery (also known as knee arthroplasty) involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing them with smooth metal and plastic components. These artificial implants restore joint function, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
It is most commonly performed in patients with advanced osteoarthritis or long-standing joint damage.
There are two main types of knee replacement and the choice depends on how much of the knee joint is affected.
- Total knee replacement
- Partial knee replacement
Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Total Knee Replacement
In a total knee replacement, all three compartments of the knee joint are resurfaced:
- The lower end of the thigh bone (femur)
- The upper end of the shin bone (tibia)
- The underside of the kneecap (patella)
This is the most common form of knee replacement and is typically recommended for patients with advanced arthritis that affects the entire joint.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Partial Knee Replacement
A partial knee replacement involves replacing only the damaged portion of the knee—typically the medial (inner), lateral (outer), or patellofemoral (front) compartment.
Because more of the natural knee is preserved, patients often experience:
- A quicker recovery
- Better range of motion
- A more natural-feeling joint
However, it is only suitable for patients whose arthritis is limited to one part of the knee.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?
You may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery if you have:
- Persistent knee pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or standing
- Knee stiffness, swelling, or deformity (such as bow-legged or knock-kneed appearance)
- Pain that interferes with sleep or rest
- Poor response to medications, injections, or physiotherapy
- X-ray findings that show advanced joint damage
Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief and symptoms significantly affect your quality of life.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore
How Is Knee Replacement Surgery Done?
Plantar fasciitis surgery aims to relieve pain by addressing issues with the plantar fascia. The procedure generally involves the following steps:
You’ll receive general anaesthesia (you’ll be fully asleep), or spinal anaesthesia with sedation, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.
A surgical cut is made along the front of the knee to access the joint. The length of the incision may vary depending on the technique used.
The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone from the femur, tibia, and patella.
Artificial components made of metal and plastic are precisely positioned to resurface the joint and secured in place usually with surgical cement.
The surgeon ensures smooth knee movement, then closes the incision with sutures or staples. A sterile dressing is applied to protect the wound.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery Time
Recovery varies, but here’s a general timeline:
Hospital Recovery
- Stay for 2–4 days
- Begin walking with assistance on day 1
- Start basic physiotherapy during your stay
Walking Timeline
- Use of walking aids (walker or crutches): 1–3 weeks
- Most can walk independently by 4–6 weeks
Exercise & Rehab
- Daily exercises to improve strength and flexibility
- Outpatient physiotherapy for 6–12 weeks
Full Recovery
- Return to normal daily activities: 6–8 weeks
- Driving: Usually after 4–6 weeks
- Full recovery and optimal function: Around 3–6 months
Your progress depends on your age, overall health, and commitment to rehabilitation. Following your surgeon’s advice and rehab plan is key to long-term success.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Cost Of Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore
A knee replacement surgery in Singapore costs approximately $43,138 in a private hospital, based on the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) fee benchmarks. However, the actual cost may vary depending on several factors—such as the complexity of the injury, type of graft used, the ward class selected, and whether an extended hospital stay is needed for recovery or monitoring. This estimated cost is before insurance claims, and patients with an Integrated Shield Plan may have a large portion of the cost covered.