TL;DR
- Arthroplasty (total or partial knee replacement) is used to treat severe arthritis by replacing the damaged joint with medical-grade implants.
- Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery, helps repair meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and cartilage damage.
- Both are available at Alps Orthopaedic Centre, incorporating a protocol that gets you back on your feet with less downtime.
Knee pain isn’t just a sign of getting older. Sometimes, it’s a symptom of underlying conditions that need more than rest or exercise to resolve.
Whatever you may be dealing with, surgical options like arthroplasty and arthroscopy could be your next step toward lasting relief.
What Is Knee Arthroplasty in Singapore?
Knee arthroplasty, or knee replacement surgery, is performed to replace, reconstruct, or realign all or part of the joint using artificial materials. It’s designed to relieve pain and restore function after damage caused by arthritis or trauma.
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we combine a patient-centred approach with modern surgical techniques to help you return to your daily routine as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Types of Arthroplasty Procedures
We perform two types of knee arthroplasty: total and partial. Both of these procedures follow our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to support a faster and more comfortable recovery.
To determine which procedure is right for you, we’ll first assess your knee through an X-ray or MRI and review your overall health.
If you choose to proceed with our recommendation, we’ll walk you through the entire process, including a full breakdown of costs and insurance coverage, so you’re fully prepared.
This procedure involves replacing all three compartments of the knee joint:
- the medial (inner) compartment,
- the lateral (outer) compartment, and
- the patellofemoral (front) compartment, where the kneecap meets the thigh bone.
The damaged cartilage and bone at the ends of the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and in some cases the kneecap (patella) are removed, then replaced with implants that mimic the shape and movement of a healthy knee.
Here’s what happens during the procedure:
- You’ll receive either spinal or general anaesthesia before the surgery begins.
- We use a minimally invasive approach, beginning with a 10-15 cm incision at the front of the knee (smaller than in traditional methods) to reduce tissue damage, scarring, and post-operative pain.
- Using the kinematic-alignment technique, we carefully move your kneecap aside to access the joint and remove the damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone.
- Specially shaped prosthetic components made from medical-grade metal and plastic are placed over the prepared bone surfaces.
- Once the implants are securely in place and the kneecap is repositioned, we close the incision with sutures and cover it with a sterile dressing.
Also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), this procedure targets only the damaged part of the knee joint. The rest of the knee, including healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments, is preserved to maintain as much of the natural function as possible.
This procedure focuses on one of the three knee compartments, and is less invasive than total knee arthroplasty. It involves a smaller incision, shorter recovery time, and more natural joint movement after healing. During the procedure:
- You’ll receive either spinal or general anaesthesia before surgery.
- The surgical site will also be sterilised and prepped to minimise infection risk.
- We make a small incision, typically 8-10 cm, over the affected knee compartment. This minimally invasive approach preserves surrounding healthy tissues and reduces scarring.
- The damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone are carefully removed using specialised instruments to preserve healthy structures.
- A custom-fit prosthetic component made of metal and plastic is inserted into the prepared area.
- Once the implant is secure and joint function confirmed, we close the incision with sutures and cover it with a sterile dressing.
Want to know whether you need a total or partial knee arthroplasty? Consult our orthopaedic surgeon for a personal assessment and treatment plan.
What Is Knee Arthroscopy in Singapore?
In Singapore, knee arthroscopy is typically performed as a day surgery, thanks to its minimally invasive nature, which results in lower risk and a faster recovery than total or partial knee arthroplasty.
Through small incisions, a slender arthroscope (camera) and specialised instruments are inserted to visualise, evaluate, and treat a range of knee issues.
Types of Arthroscopy Procedures
There are three main types of arthroscopy procedures we offer: diagnostic, surgical, and a combination of both.
1. Diagnostic Arthroscopy
This is used when imaging, such as X-rays or MRI, doesn’t provide a clear diagnosis. The arthroscope allows our surgeon to inspect the structures inside your knee in real time, identifying cartilage damage, loose bodies, or ligament issues.
2. Surgical Arthroscopy
In this case, surgeries may include:
- Meniscus repair or trimming
- Removal of loose cartilage or bone fragments
- Smoothing or repairing damaged cartilage
- Ligament reconstruction
3. Combination Arthroscopy
In some cases, we combine both diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy in a single session. If we detect a correctable issue during the diagnostic portion, we’ll proceed to treat it immediately without needing a separate operation.
During a Knee Arthroscopy Procedure
- You’ll receive spinal or general anaesthesia depending on your case and preference. Local anaesthesia may also be used in some minor procedures.
- The surgical area is cleaned and sterilised to minimise the risk of infection.
- We create two to three small incisions (typically 0.5-1 cm) around the knee.
- We insert the arthroscope through one of the incisions to visualise the inside of your joint. The remaining incisions are used for specialised surgical instruments.
- Once the procedure is completed, we flush the joint with sterile fluid and remove the instruments.
- The small incisions are closed with sutures or surgical strips, then covered with a sterile dressing.
When Is Knee Arthroplasty Recommended?
You may be a candidate for knee arthroplasty if you:
- Have advanced osteoarthritis, which causes significant pain, stiffness, or swelling.
- Suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of inflammatory arthritis that damage the joint lining.
- Have experienced severe post-traumatic injury, such as fractures or ligament tears, that have led to chronic joint degeneration.
- Struggle with limited mobility or difficulty performing everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair.
- Have not improved with medication, physiotherapy, injections, or lifestyle modifications.
When Is Knee Arthroscopy Recommended?
Knee arthroscopy is often used when patients still have good overall joint health but need relief from mechanical symptoms or targeted damage. Your doctor may recommend this if you have:
- Meniscus tears, commonly caused by sports injuries or wear and tear.
- Ligament injuries, such as a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
- Cartilage damage that causes joint pain, catching, or instability.
- Loose bodies (small fragments of bone or cartilage) that float inside the joint and interfere with movement.
- Synovial tissue problems, including inflammation or impingement.
- Unclear symptoms where imaging is inconclusive and a diagnostic arthroscopy is needed to directly inspect the joint and perform minor repairs.
Differences Between Knee Arthroplasty and Arthroscopy
To summarise, here’s a side-by-side comparison of both procedures:
Aspect | Arthroplasty | Arthroscopy |
Surgical Approach | Invasive | Minimally invasive |
Type of Procedure | Reconstructive; replaces the damaged joint surfaces | Diagnostic or reparative; visualises and treats specific soft tissue or cartilage problems |
Anaesthesia | General or spinal | General, spinal, or local, depending on the procedure |
Typical Incision Size | 8-10 cm | 0.5-1 cm (multiple small incisions) |
Conditions Treated | Advanced arthritis, severe joint degeneration | Meniscus tears, cartilage damage, ligament injuries, loose fragments |
Suitability | Suitable for patients with end-stage arthritis or widespread joint damage | Suitable for patients with localised knee injuries or uncertain diagnosis |
Hospital Stay | Usually 1-2 days (can be day surgery with ERAS) | Typically, a day surgery |
Recovery Time | Weeks to months with structured physiotherapy | Days to weeks with faster return to activity |
Rehabilitation Needs | Intensive and long-term rehabilitation plan | Light physiotherapy, usually short-term |
Longevity of Results | Long-lasting (implants often last 15-20+ years) | Results depend on the condition treated, which may delay or reduce the need for future surgery |
Choosing Knee Arthroplasty or Arthroscopy: Which is Right For You?
Besides the severity of your knee condition, our orthopaedic surgeon will also consider these factors:
Age
- Younger patients with isolated injuries may benefit more from arthroscopy, as it preserves the natural joint.
- Arthroplasty is generally recommended for older adults with advanced degeneration.
Activity Level
- If you lead an active lifestyle and your knee structure is still largely intact, arthroscopy can offer quicker recovery and return to movement.
- Arthroplasty is ideal when pain or stiffness makes daily activity difficult despite conservative treatments.
Book a consultation with our orthopaedic surgeon to get a personalised treatment plan based on your age, activity level, and joint health.
How Our Knee Specialist in Singapore Can Help
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we follow ERAS protocols: a structured, evidence-based method designed to reduce surgical stress, shorten recovery time, and lower the risk of complications.
Dr Jerry Chen will apply ERAS principles well before your surgery begins, starting with personalised counselling and nutritional support. He carries this through the procedure using smaller incisions to reduce tissue impact, and into recovery with targeted pain relief, early movement, and a guided physiotherapy plan. Book a consultation with us today!
