Depending on your age, condition of your knee, and physical activities, your surgeon will discuss the appropriate procedure for you. This may be a partial or total knee replacement, with or without the use of navigation-assisted or robotic-assisted techniques. The cost of knee replacements in Singapore will vary based on the type of surgery performed and type of implants used.
In this article, we will explore what goes into the cost of knee replacement surgeries, the factors to look out for and choosing the best orthopaedic surgeon.
What are some signs that you need a knee replacement?
Patients are advised to consider surgery for their knee arthritis if they have persistent knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function despite several months of rehabilitation and appropriate medication.
Keyhole surgeries to treat the arthritic knee have proven to be ineffective and are therefore not recommended in international guidelines.
How much does a knee replacement cost in Singapore?
Knee replacements in Singapore public hospitals cost an average of $5,000 to $7,000 for subsidised patients, whereas it cost about $30,000 in private hospitals. They can provide you with a close estimate of your total costs, and this will usually include:
⦁ Operation fees (surgeon's fees, anaesthetist fees, facility fees)
⦁ Type of surgery (partial or total)
⦁ Implant costs
⦁ Additional fees (medication, imaging, follow-up reviews)
The costs for a knee replacement can mostly be covered by insurance, although this would vary based on individual insurance policies.
Comparing public versus private costs of a knee replacement in Singapore
Our healthcare system has one of the highest standards in the world, and patients can rest assured that they will be in good hands for their knee surgery. Getting knee replacements in public institutions is generally inexpensive. However, patients may have to be content with a prolonged waiting time./
In a private setting, this waiting time is negligible and your orthopaedic surgeon will provide you with a seamless, holistic experience matched to your own convenience.
Can you avoid having a knee replacement surgery?
There is strong evidence for patients to be involved in self-management programs that includes strengthening and low-impact aerobic exercises. We also encourage patients with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 25Kg/M2 to embark in a weight loss program which helps reduce their knee pain. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Arcoxia and Tramadol (an opiate) are also effective in reducing swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Patients often have anterior knee pain when using the stairs. This can be caused by the increased pressure between the patella and the femur. Due to weakness of the quadriceps muscles, the patella is not centered in the knee and grinds against the femur.
Patients are rehabilitated with our physiotherapists to perform quadriceps muscle strengthening exercises to return the patella to its optimum position in the middle of the knee.
How to find the best surgeon for knee replacements in Singapore?
The best orthopaedic surgeon will have a strong medical background and a wealth of experience to hone their surgical skills, fine-tune their techniques, and become masters of their trade.
Some factors to look out for when considering an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore include:
SUBSTANTIAL EXPERIENCE
A private orthopaedic surgeon is usually from the public sector and has amassed years of experience before starting a private practice. The surgeon’s extensive qualifications reflect their fundamental medical knowledge and experience to recommend the best options for your specific condition.
A basic medical degree will be reflected as “MBBS” or “MD”, while specialists will have the “FRCS” or “FRACS” titles. Distinguished orthopaedic surgeons would also have published articles in reputable medical journals and received awards for accomplishments in their field.
MEDICAL APPROACH
It is possible to consult with a few orthopaedic surgeons to determine the best orthopaedic surgeon for you. During the consultation period, it is best to discuss surgical and non-surgical options for your condition, and to analyze the pros and cons for each option. A good orthopaedic surgeon will also describe the rehabilitation program to optimize your quick recovery.
You can also search for reviews of the orthopaedic surgeon on the web to have a better understanding of his character and general medical approach in his field.
EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY
The field of orthopaedics is intimately entwined with technological advances. The orthopaedic surgeon must embrace the latest technology to enhance his surgical performance and his patient's surgical outcome.
Dr Mizan is well trained in the use of navigated and robot arm-assisted knee replacements to the benefit of his patients.
Have a look at the surgeon’s place of practise and the types of procedures or tools that they utilize to carry out these procedures.
Schedule a consultation with our orthopaedic surgeon Dr Mizan Marican today to assess your knee conditions and understand more about how we can help you achieve a better quality of life.
