MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh)
MMed (Orth), FRCS Orth & Tr (Edinburgh)
If a musculoskeletal problem is affecting your movement or making everyday activities more difficult, you may be considering seeing an orthopaedic specialist. If you have never had an orthopaedic consultation before, however, you may be unsure what will actually happen once you arrive.
The first appointment is generally about building a clearer picture of the problem. Rather than looking only at where you feel pain, the orthopaedic surgeon will consider your symptoms alongside the findings from a physical examination. Imaging or other investigations may then be recommended if more information is needed.
Questions Your Orthopaedic Specialist May Ask
Your first orthopaedic consultation will usually begin with a discussion about what has brought you to the clinic. The questions will vary depending on the nature of your symptoms and how the problem developed.
You may be asked when the symptoms started and whether they followed a particular injury or activity. The orthopaedic specialist may also ask where you feel the symptoms and whether they are constant or come and go. They may also ask which movements tend to trigger or relieve them.
How the problem affects your function can be just as relevant. Difficulty with certain movements or everyday activities can provide useful information about which structures may be involved and how much the condition is interfering with your usual function.
Your medical history also provides useful context. Prepare to answer questions about:
- Previous injuries or operations involving the same area
- Treatments you have already tried, such as medication, physiotherapy or activity modification
- Other medical conditions that could affect your joints, bones or recovery
- Medications you currently take
If you already have X-rays, scans, medical reports or details of previous treatment, bringing them to the appointment may give the orthopaedic specialist additional information about how the problem has been investigated or managed so far.
What Happens During the Physical Examination?
After discussing your symptoms, the orthopaedic surgeon will usually perform a physical examination. What is examined will depend on the area involved and the condition being considered.
The specialist may observe how you move and look for visible swelling or changes in alignment. You may then be asked to perform certain movements so the specialist can assess your range of motion and strength. They may also check whether particular movements reproduce your symptoms.
The doctor may also gently press around the area to identify tenderness or swelling. For some joint and ligament problems, specific physical motions may be used to assess stability or determine which structures could be contributing to the symptoms.
Where appropriate, findings may also be compared with the unaffected side. Together with your history, these observations help the specialist consider the possible causes before deciding whether further investigation would be useful.
Imaging is not always needed at the first appointment. Depending on what the examination suggests, the orthopaedic surgeon may recommend an X-ray, MRI or another scan to gather more information. If you already have previous imaging, bring it along where possible so the specialist can review it before deciding whether anything further is needed.
What Happens After the Orthopaedic Assessment?
By the end of the assessment, the orthopaedic specialist may be able to explain the likely cause of your symptoms. However, a definite diagnosis is not always possible at the first visit. Sometimes the next step is to obtain imaging or another investigation before deciding on treatment.
Where the diagnosis is reasonably clear, the discussion can move towards how the condition may be managed. The recommended approach will depend on the condition itself and how it is affecting your function, including the activities you hope to return to.
Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon does not necessarily mean you will need surgery. Depending on the problem, initial management may involve activity modification, medication, physiotherapy or rehabilitation. Injections may also be considered in some cases. Surgery may be discussed for some structural problems or when symptoms have not improved sufficiently with appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Before leaving, you may wish to clarify what the current findings mean and whether you need to modify any activities while waiting for treatment or further review.
Your First Orthopaedic Consultation at Quantum Orthopaedics
If a musculoskeletal problem is persisting or affecting your usual activities, an orthopaedic consultation can help clarify what may be causing the symptoms and whether treatment or further investigation is needed.
At our orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, patients are assessed for a range of orthopaedic conditions and sports injuries, with non-surgical and surgical management considered where appropriate. Dr James Tan Chung Hui is the clinic’s senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon, with experience in managing orthopaedic conditions and sports-related injuries.
If an injury or ongoing musculoskeletal problem is affecting your movement or daily activities, contact us to arrange an orthopaedic consultation.
FAQs About Orthopaedic Consultations
How long does a first orthopaedic consultation take?
Appointment length can vary depending on the complexity of the problem, whether several areas need to be assessed and whether additional investigations are required. The clinic can advise you about scheduling when you make your appointment.
What should I wear to an orthopaedic appointment?
Comfortable clothing that allows the affected area to be examined can be helpful. For a knee or leg problem, for instance, clothing that allows the area to be accessed easily may make the examination more convenient.
Do I need a referral to see an orthopaedic specialist in Singapore?
A referral may not always be required to book a private orthopaedic consultation, but requirements can vary depending on how your healthcare costs or insurance claims are being managed. Check with your insurer or healthcare provider before booking if you intend to make a claim.
Will I need an X-ray or MRI at my first orthopaedic consultation?
Not necessarily. Some conditions can be assessed initially through your symptoms and physical examination, while others may require imaging to clarify the diagnosis. The type of scan, if any, will depend on what your orthopaedic surgeon finds during the consultation.
Our Specialist at Your Service
Dr James Tan Chung Hui
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh)
MMed (Orth), FRCS Orth & Tr (Edinburgh)
Dr James Tan Chung Hui is a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 15 years of experience in sports surgery and exercise medicine. He specialises in knee, shoulder and elbow injuries, including minimally invasive ligament and tendon repair, cartilage procedures and joint reconstruction. Dr Tan has treated national athletes and professional footballers and is actively involved in research and tissue engineering collaborations. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NUS and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh).
