- Mt Elizabeth (Orchard) #06-05
- (65) 9088 4555
- Mt Elizabeth (Orchard) #06-05
- (65) 9088 4555
Knee pain can be debilitating, compromising not only your mobility but also your overall quality of life. While conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy can provide temporary relief, some patients require surgical intervention.
In such instances, a knee replacement procedure can be a solution for those experiencing chronic knee pain. Based on your unique condition and diagnosis, our orthopaedic surgeon at Alps Orthopaedic Centre can recommend the type of knee replacement surgery that is most suitable for you.
The knee is a large, weight-bearing joint in your body, connecting two major bones, the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The knee joint consists of three compartments: the medial compartment (inner part of the knee), the lateral compartment (outer part of the knee), and the patellofemoral compartment (between the kneecap and thigh bone).
The knee contains various cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, all of which help its function. The knee joint’s intricate structure allows for flexibility, stability, and weight-bearing functions, which are crucial for your daily activities. Almost all movements that use your legs rely on your knees – your knees are necessary for walking, running, jumping, or lifting.
When joints are damaged or worn-out, replacing them with artificial joints may be necessary to alleviate pain and enhance mobility in severe knee cases. Depending on factors such as the severity of your knee damage, age, and overall health, your surgeon may recommend either a Total Knee Replacement (TKR) for complete joint replacement or a Partial Knee Replacement, for the replacement of only the affected part of the knee joint.
Partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure used to treat conditions, such as advanced arthritis in the knee joint. Unlike total knee replacement, which involves replacing the entire knee joint, partial knee replacement only involves replacing the damaged or diseased part of the knee joint with a prosthetic implant, preserving the knee’s healthy parts.
While there are many possible causes of chronic knee pain, osteoarthritis, also known as wear and tear arthritis, is the most common cause of chronic knee pain in Singapore. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of the thigh and shin bone wears away. This degradation leads to pain and stiffness that worsens over time, causing pain, stiffness, and instability when walking.
Here are several factors contributing to the development of osteoarthritis:
Sports Injuries or Joint Overuse: Repetitive stress on the knee joint accelerates the breakdown of cartilage. Research has shown accelerated cartilage degeneration amongst athletes, manual labourers, and individuals with physically demanding occupations or hobbies.
Partial knee replacement is a safe and effective way to relieve long-term symptoms like knee pain and stiffness. For eligible patients, the procedure may also be more beneficial than a total knee replacement.
Compared to a total knee replacement, an UKA usually involves smaller incisions, shorter operation time and less bone removal, leading to a faster recovery.
UKA is known to provide effective pain relief as it targets the source of pain directly—in this case, the damaged knee joint. Individuals who have undergone the procedure usually regain mobility and experience an increased quality of life.
After the surgery, patients are expected to regain knee mobility and range of motion, allowing them to gradually return to normal activities. More importantly, many patients have reported that UKA retains more natural knee function since more of the original bone is preserved.
Improvement in patients’ mobility often allows them to resume physical activities and sports, significantly enhancing their overall quality of life.
While UKA offers numerous benefits, as with any other surgery, it comes with minor risks. Potential complications include infection, blood clots, implant failure, and fracture. However, with proper patient selection, surgical technique, and postoperative protocols, the risk of complications can be minimised.
Our orthopaedic surgeon will usually recommend surgery for individuals who have gone through conservative treatments but still suffer from severe, long-lasting knee pain due to conditions like severe osteoarthritis.
Candidates for partial knee replacement typically have arthritis limited to one compartment of the knee, usually the medial compartment. They may experience symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with activities like walking or climbing stairs.
However, it’s important to note that not all patients are recommended to have partial knee replacement, and the decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon based on individual conditions and preferences.
Before the surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will thoroughly examine whether you are a good candidate for partial knee replacement surgery.
These examinations include:
UKA is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, resulting in smaller incisions (8cm – 10cm) incisions, reduced tissue trauma, and quicker recovery times than total knee replacement.
Patients who undergo UKA typically leave the orthopaedic clinic on the same day or after a short stay of 1-2 days. Full recovery may take several months or longer, varying based on age and overall health.
To optimise recovery post-UKA, patients are encouraged to participate in a rehabilitation program focused on rebuilding strength, flexibility, and knee function. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in hastening recovery, aiding patients in regaining mobility and achieving favourable surgical outcomes.
If you are considering partial knee replacement surgery as a treatment option, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
With partial knee replacement surgery, you can typically regain your mobility and enjoy a more active and fulfilling life.
While there are many possible causes of chronic knee pain, osteoarthritis, also known as wear and tear arthritis, is the most common cause of chronic knee pain in Singapore. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of the thigh and shin bone wears away. This degradation leads to pain and stiffness that worsens over time, causing pain, stiffness, and instability when walking.
Here are several factors contributing to the development of osteoarthritis:
Caption: Media Compartment Parital Knee Replacement for Medial Compartment Arthiritis
Benefits of partial knee replacement include:
While UKA offers numerous benefits, as with any other surgery, it comes with minor risks. Potential complications include infection, blood clots, implant failure, and fracture. However, with proper patient selection, surgical technique, and postoperative protocols, the risk of complications can be minimised.
Caption: X-ray image of a Patient post-UKA surgery
Our orthopaedic surgeon will usually recommend surgery for individuals who have gone through conservative treatments but still suffer from severe, long-lasting knee pain due to conditions like severe osteoarthritis.
Candidates for partial knee replacement typically have arthritis limited to one compartment of the knee, usually the medial compartment. They may experience symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with activities like walking or climbing stairs.
However, it’s important to note that not all patients are recommended to have partial knee replacement, and the decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon based on individual conditions and preferences.
Before the surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will thoroughly examine whether you are a good candidate for partial knee replacement surgery.
These examinations include:
UKA is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, resulting smaller incisions (8cm – 10cm) incisions, reduced tissue trauma, and quicker recovery times than total knee replacement.
Following UKA, patients undergo a rehabilitation program that focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and function to the knee joint.
Physical therapy is critical for fast recovery, helping patients regain mobility and optimise surgical outcomes.
Patients who wish to restore their knee mobility and alleviate pain may find this procedure worth it.
Patients who wish to restore their knee mobility and alleviate pain may find this procedure worth it.
The average cost for partial knee replacement surgery in Singapore is $25,000 to $35,000 according to the Ministry of Health’s benchmark, with most of these costs typically covered by insurance.
There is no difference between arthroplasty and joint replacement therapy; they refer to the same procedure.
Patients with damage or arthritis affecting one side of the knee often undergo partial knee replacement, replacing only the affected joint with metal or plastic parts.
Over 85 percent of partial knee replacements are known to remain functional even after 10 years post-surgery.
With smaller incisions involved, UKA promotes quicker recovery than a total knee replacement.
A partial knee replacement procedure may take 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
Ministry of Health Singapore. (2023). Fee Benchmarks and Bill Amount Information. https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/default-document-library/full-list-of-fee-benchmarks_010424.pdf?sfvrsn=93ac0fb5_5
If you are considering partial knee replacement surgery as a treatment option, book an appointment with our experienced
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
With partial knee replacement surgery, you can typically regain your mobility and enjoy a more active and fulfilling life.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible.
Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible.
Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible.
Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.
