Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore

Dr James Tan Chung Hui

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh)
MMed (Orth), FRCS Orth & Tr (Edinburgh)

Knee pain caused by arthritis or injury can be debilitating, affecting your ability to walk, work, exercise, and enjoy life. When conservative treatments are no longer effective, knee replacement surgery may offer lasting relief and improved function.

At Quantum Orthopaedics, we provide  personalised knee replacement surgery in Singapore,  including both partial and total knee replacement procedures. Using advanced surgical techniques, our goal is to help relieve pain, restore mobility and improve quality of life.

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which damaged or worn-out parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial components. It is commonly recommended for patients with severe arthritis or significant joint damage that no longer responds to non-surgical treatment.

The procedure aims to relieve pain, improve mobility and restore knee function. During the surgery, damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee joint and replaced with specially designed metal and plastic components.

There are two main types of knee replacement surgery:

• Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The entire knee joint is replaced. This is typically recommended when arthritis or joint damage affects multiple areas of the knee.
  
• Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only the damaged portion of the knee joint is replaced, preserving healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments where possible.

The most appropriate procedure depends on the extent of joint damage, your symptoms and your treatment goals.

What Conditions May Lead to Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is most commonly performed to treat advanced joint damage that causes persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. While many knee conditions can initially be managed with conservative treatment, surgery may be considered when symptoms significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.

• Osteoarthritis
  

  Osteoarthritis, often referred to as knee arthritis,  is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. It occurs when the protective cartilage within the knee gradually wears away over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones may begin to rub against one another, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced mobility.
  

• Rheumatoid arthritis

  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation within the joints. Over time, this inflammation can damage cartilage, bone and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, joint deformity and loss of function.

• Post-traumatic arthritis

  Post-traumatic arthritis may develop following a significant knee injury, such as a fracture, ligament tear or meniscus injury. Damage to the joint can accelerate cartilage wear and increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life.

• Avascular Necrosis

  Avascular necrosis occurs when blood supply to a section of bone becomes disrupted, causing bone tissue to deteriorate and collapse. When this affects the knee joint, it may result in severe pain, joint damage and progressive loss of function.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. However, when conservative treatments are no longer effective, knee replacement surgery may be recommended to relieve pain and restore mobility.

When Is Knee Replacement Surgery Recommended?

Knee replacement surgery is typically considered when knee pain, stiffness and reduced mobility begin to significantly affect quality of life and conservative treatments are no longer providing adequate relief.

While surgery is not usually the first line of treatment, it may be recommended when symptoms become severe enough to interfere with everyday activities and overall function.

You may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery if:

• Knee pain significantly limits activities such as walking, climbing stairs or standing for prolonged periods
• Pain persists even while resting or during the night
• Stiffness and reduced mobility affect your independence and quality of life
• There is noticeable swelling, deformity or instability of the knee joint
• Physiotherapy, medication, injections or other conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief
• Imaging studies show advanced arthritis or significant joint degeneration

While knee replacement surgery is more commonly performed in patients over the age of 50, younger individuals with severe joint damage may also benefit from treatment depending on their symptoms, activity level and functional limitations.

The decision to proceed with surgery is based on a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms, imaging findings and treatment goals.

What Factors Influence Knee Replacement Surgery Recommendations?

The decision to proceed with knee replacement surgery is based on more than just imaging findings. Your symptoms, mobility, response to conservative treatment and overall quality of life all play an important role in determining whether surgery is the most appropriate option.

The table below outlines some of the factors that may influence treatment recommendations.

Before recommending knee replacement surgery, non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, activity modification, weight management, medication and injections are often explored. Surgery may be considered when these measures no longer provide adequate symptom relief or when knee function continues to decline.

Treatment recommendations are individualised and based on a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms, imaging findings, lifestyle and treatment goals.

How Do You Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery?

Proper preparation can help support a smoother recovery and optimise surgical outcomes. Before your procedure, Dr James Tan will conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your knee condition, overall health and suitability for surgery.

Preparation for knee replacement surgery may include:

• A detailed medical history and physical examination
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of joint damage
• Blood tests and medical clearance, if required
• Reviewing current medications and making temporary adjustments where necessary
• Pre-operative physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and support recovery

Planning for the recovery period is also an important part of preparation. Depending on your mobility after surgery, you may wish to arrange assistance at home and ensure frequently used items are easily accessible during the initial stages of recovery.

During your consultation, Dr James Tan will discuss the procedure, expected recovery timeline and any questions or concerns you may have to help you feel prepared for surgery.

How Is Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?

Knee replacement surgery is performed to remove damaged portions of the knee joint and replace them with artificial components designed to restore function and reduce pain.

The procedure is typically performed under general or spinal anaesthesia and generally takes between one and two hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

During the procedure, your surgeon will:

• Remove damaged cartilage and bone from the affected areas of the knee joint
• Prepare the joint surfaces for the artificial components
• Position and secure the prosthetic components to restore alignment and movement
• Assess the stability and function of the knee before closing the incision

The exact surgical approach may vary depending on whether a total or partial knee replacement is being performed. Dr James Tan will discuss the recommended procedure and what you can expect during your consultation.

What Can You Expect During Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Recovery from knee replacement surgery is a gradual process that involves rehabilitation, follow-up care and a structured recovery plan. While recovery timelines vary between individuals, most patients experience progressive improvements in pain, mobility and function over the months following surgery.

• Immediately After Surgery

  Most patients begin walking with assistance, such as a walker or crutches, within 24 hours of surgery. Early mobilisation helps reduce the risk of complications and supports the recovery process.
  
  Patients typically remain in hospital for two to four days, during which pain management, wound care and rehabilitation will be closely monitored.

• Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

  Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery after knee replacement surgery. A rehabilitation programme is usually introduced shortly after surgery to help restore strength, flexibility and range of motion in the knee.
  
  Your rehabilitation plan will be tailored to your individual progress and recovery goals.

• Recovery Timeline

  Many patients experience significant improvements in pain and mobility within the first few weeks after surgery. However, full recovery may take three to six months, depending on factors such as overall health, activity level and adherence to rehabilitation.

• Life After Knee Replacement Surgery

  Following recovery, many patients experience substantial improvements in pain, mobility and quality of life. Most are able to return to low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling and golf, although high-impact sports may be discouraged to help protect the artificial joint.
  
  Regular follow-up appointments will help ensure your knee continues to function well and support long-term outcomes after surgery.
  

When Should You Speak to a Knee Specialist About Knee Replacement Surgery?

Persistent knee pain is not always a normal part of ageing. If your symptoms are affecting your mobility, independence or quality of life despite conservative treatment, it may be time to seek specialist assessment.

You should consider consulting a knee specialist if:

• Knee pain interferes with walking, climbing stairs or everyday activities
• Symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, medication or injections
• Pain is present even while resting or during the night
• Knee stiffness significantly limits movement and function
• You experience progressive deformity or instability of the knee joint
• Imaging has shown advanced arthritis or significant joint damage
  

An early assessment can help determine the cause of your symptoms and whether knee replacement surgery or alternative treatment options may be appropriate for your condition.

Personalised Knee Replacement Surgery with Dr James Tan

Living with persistent knee pain can affect your mobility, independence and quality of life. If conservative treatments are no longer providing adequate relief, knee replacement surgery may help reduce pain, restore function and improve your ability to participate in everyday activities.

At Quantum Orthopaedics, knee replacement treatment is tailored to each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle and recovery goals. Led by Dr James Tan, the clinic provides comprehensive assessment, surgical treatment and rehabilitation planning for patients with advanced knee arthritis and other conditions affecting knee function.

If you would like to learn more about knee replacement surgery, recovery expectations or whether surgery may be appropriate for your condition, schedule a consultation with Dr James Tan today.

FAQs About Knee Replacement Surgery

1. How long does a knee replacement last?

Modern knee replacement implants are designed to be durable and may last 15 to 20 years or longer. Longevity depends on factors such as activity level, overall health, body weight and implant type. Regular follow-up appointments can help monitor the long-term performance of the joint replacement.

2. What is the recovery time for knee replacement surgery?

Recovery timelines vary between individuals. Many patients can resume most daily activities within six to twelve weeks, while full recovery may take up to six months. Factors such as overall health, rehabilitation progress and adherence to physiotherapy can influence recovery.

3. Is knee replacement surgery painful?

Some discomfort is expected after surgery, particularly during the early stages of recovery. However, modern pain management techniques, including medication and rehabilitation programmes, help control pain and support a more comfortable recovery process.

4. Are There Risks Associated with Knee Replacement Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, knee replacement surgery carries potential risks, including infection, blood clots, implant wear and joint stiffness. While complications are uncommon, careful surgical planning, post-operative care and rehabilitation help minimise these risks.

5. Can both knees be replaced at the same time?

Yes. This procedure is known as bilateral knee replacement and may be considered for patients with severe arthritis affecting both knees. However, suitability depends on factors such as age, overall health and recovery considerations, and will be assessed on an individual basis.

6. I Am Allergic to Metal. Can I Still Undergo Knee Replacement Surgery?

In many cases, yes. Patients with known metal allergies may still be suitable candidates for knee replacement surgery, as alternative implant materials and specialised implants are available. If you have a history of metal allergy or sensitivity, it is important to discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation so that appropriate implant options can be considered.