Your Quick Guide to Knee Replacement Surgery In Singapore
Age-related diseases can impact our quality of life. One of these debilitating illnesses is knee osteoarthritis. A study on the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in Singapore shows that as much as 11% of the elderly suffer from the condition. The study also shows that there is a sharp rise in the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis after the age of 40.
If you have hit middle age or you are an active individual, you may have already felt a bit of pain, poppin, clicking, locking sounds and experiencing discomfort at your knees on some occasions.
As you grow older, this pain may persist and worsen. When conservative management fails or when the disease worsens, your doctor might refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for possible knee replacement.
What is Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement is a surgical procedure where damaged or malfunctioning knee joints are replaced with prosthesis to restore normal knee motion and relieve pain and discomfort. The prosthesis is usually made of metal or plastic designed to mimic the function of natural knee parts.
Most knee replacement surgeries are done due to severe osteoarthritis. Other causes include chronic inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis or gout, knee deformity, unusual both growth, and knee injuries. These conditions may lead to torn ligaments, damaged tendons, and other knee joint problems that cause pain, impede motion and mobility, and hampers quality of life. However, not all knee osteoarthritis or knee injuries require surgery. In addition, certain patients may not be suitable candidates for knee replacement. Your surgeon will advise you on which treatment is best for you.
Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure
Before the procedure, you will be given a slight sedative and a general anaesthesia. The general anaesthesia induces sleep and renders you temporarily unconscious during the surgery so you won’t feel any discomfort. The surgeon may also suggest a regional anaesthesia, which numbs the lower part of your body but lets you stay awake during the procedure. The surgeon then makes an incision in the knee to remove tissues, muscles, bones, and other parts that are damaged. These are then replaced with implants or artificial joints.
Today, most Singapore knee surgeons use state-of-the-art technology such as 3D printing and computer-guided robotic arm navigation.
With 3D printing, implants are created with more precise dimensions. The customised fit for each patient results to better outcomes as the implants provide better support and more comfort. They are also less prone to premature wear-and-tear and misalignments.
Robotic navigation further improves outcomes as it minimises invasiveness and the risks of errors. Robotic-arm surgeries have also been shown to improve the precision of mechanical alignment and implant positioning. It also helps reduce post-operative pain and decrease the number of physiotherapy sessions required for recovery.
The procedure can either be total arthroplasty or partial arthroplasty. It is important to know the differences and benefits of each type of knee replacement to understand which one is best for you.
Partial Knee Replacement vs Total Knee Replacement
The knee has three major compartments – the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral. In many knee osteoarthritis cases, only the medial compartment is affected. There are cases where the lateral compartment is affected, but these instances are uncommon.
When only one compartment is affected, a surgeon would likely recommend a partial knee replacement to preserve healthy ligaments. However, this procedure is not advised for patients who have morbid obesity.
When osteoarthritis is severe and affects all three compartments, a total knee replacement is done. Multiple compartments are removed and replaced with prosthesis. When the surgery is successful, the results are long-lasting with many patients experiencing better knee movement for more than twenty years.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Knee Replacement
Aside from getting relief from persistent pain, getting a knee replacement restores normal alignment and movement of your knee and lower limbs. This can improve your balance and stability. It can also help you perform your daily activities with ease.
However, there are also risks involved. Some complications that can arise include nerve injury, bone infection, fractures, and deep vein thrombosis. Implants can also loosen due to accelerated wear and cause more pain and instability of the knee. For patients undergoing partial knee replacement due to osteoarthritis, there is also no guarantee that the disease will not progress in other parts of the knee.
During your consultations, discuss all the benefits and risks with your doctor. Weigh the benefits you can gain from knee surgery with the potential complications. This will help you decide whether to get a knee replacement surgery and the right time to get one.
Partial knee replacement may be a better option if you want to engage in low-impact sports and have a more physiological gait. Younger patients who have knee pain or injuries benefit from this procedure, as it gives them a better range of motion and increased mobility that can significantly improve their way of life. Ask your doctor if you are eligible for this type of surgery.
Recovery Period of Total and Partial Knee Surgery
A knee replacement surgery takes about one to three hours. After the procedure, you will have to stay in the recovery room for monitoring. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, you may be allowed to go home on the day itself or be confined in the hospital for a few days.
Most patients are able to walk with assistance or support on the same day as their surgery. So, you might be encouraged to do the same. You may be able to perform light physical activities within a few days but will likely be advised to follow an exercise plan prepared by a physical therapist.
With partial knee replacements done with smaller incisions and less tissue damage, the recovery time is also shorter. Some procedures can be done as an outpatient while those that require hospitalisation stay an average of just two days at the hospital.After partial knee replacement, you would need around three to six weeks of rest before resuming normal daily activities. After six months, your doctor may clear you for sports activities if your recovery is progressing well.
For total knee replacement, the average hospital stay after surgery is about three to four days. With proper care, you can expect about three months to go back to normal activities. In most cases, it takes about a year to restore full strength and mobility. However, unlike in partial knee replacement, you may be restricted from doing sports activities to avoid impact that may cause replacements to break or become misaligned.
Whichever type of knee replacement you get, undergoing physiotherapy at home or in a rehabilitation centre will help you recover faster.
Knee Replacement Surgery Singapore Cost
The cost of total knee replacement Singapore clinics offer varies depending on the complexity of procedure required. Partial knee replacement can cost up to around $50,000 while total knee replacement can cost up to $70,000.
According to the fee benchmarks and bill amount information published by the Ministry of Health in Singapore, here are the range of costs you might expect for partial knee replacement and total knee replacement.
| Partial Knee Replacement | Total Knee Replacement | |
| Subsidised public hospitals/centres | ~ $5,000 to $ 9,000 | ~ $7,000 to $13,000 |
| Unsubsidised public hospitals/centres | ~ $20,000 to $ 27,000 | ~ $30,000 to $40,000 |
| Private hospitals/clinics | ~ $36,000 to $49,000
(median cost: $42,458) |
~ $50,000 to $70,000
(median cost: $59,971) |
Subsidised public hospitals/centres
Partial Knee Replacement
$5,000 to $ 9,000
Total Knee Replacement
$7,000 to $13,000
Unsubsidised public hospitals/centres
Partial Knee Replacement
$20,000 to $ 27,000
Total Knee Replacement
$30,000 to $40,000
Private hospitals/clinics
Partial Knee Replacement
$36,000 to $49,000
(median cost: $42,458)
Total Knee Replacement
$50,000 to $70,000
(median cost: $59,971)
These estimates include the operation fee, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, cost of implant, and other hospital fees. They are based on historical transacted fees in health facilities in Singapore.
The total amount for your knee replacement surgery will depend on your specific condition, type and complexity of surgery, choice of implants, surgeon, and other factors. The final cost will also depend on insurance and health claims you may be eligible to.
Know Your Options
Getting knee surgery Singapore facilities offer is generally safe. However, there are cases where conservative treatment methods are more suitable. It is always best to consult with a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Know and understand all the options you have for dealing with your knee condition. If surgery is the best option, choose an experienced orthopaedic surgeon registered with the Ministry of Health. If possible, have your knee replacement surgery done in a hospital or health facility with state-of-the art equipment.
