- Mt Elizabeth (Orchard) #06-05
- (65) 9088 4555
- Mt Elizabeth (Orchard) #06-05
- (65) 9088 4555
Surgeons usually recommend Total Knee Replacement surgery for patients who:
Your orthopaedic specialist will evaluate your condition and imaging results to determine your suitability.
Unlike traditional surgeries, the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) approach is an evidence-based and multidisciplinary perioperative care pathway that aims to reduce surgical stress and promote rapid recovery for patients. The ERAS approach involves three main parts: before, during, and after surgery.
Some of the key steps involved prior to surgery include:
Subsequently, in an ERAS approach, surgeons also employ minimally invasive surgical techniques during the operation for less tissue damage, reduced pain, and quicker recovery relative to traditional surgery. Consequently, it effectively reduces post-surgical discomfort and pain. After the surgery, a multifaceted postoperative programme will then be implemented to facilitate patient recovery.
Our orthopaedic surgeon will utilise the kinematic-alignment technique to restore the patient’s natural knee anatomy, minimising soft tissue damage and optimising joint mechanics.
1. An incision will be made to the knee
During the surgery, he will create an incision of about 10cm to 15 cm down the front of the knee instead of the 15cm to 25cm incision usually done during a traditional Total Knee Replacement surgery. The ERAS kinematic-alignment surgical technique is less invasive than Total Knee Replacement surgery. Hence, it typically results in a smaller scar, less pain and less tissue disturbance compared to conventional Total Knee Replacement.
2. The damaged parts will be replaced with a new joint
After the incision, the kneecap will be gently moved aside to access the knee joint with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. The damaged ends of the shin bone and thigh bone are carefully removed, and replacement parts made of metal alloys and plastic are inserted over the bones to create the new joint.
3. The surgical wound will be closed
After repositioning the kneecap, the surgeon closes the incision using stitches and then applies a dressing and bandage over it.
Besides employing a specialised surgical technique to minimise physical trauma, orthopaedic specialists also leverage other methods to provide patients with holistic care that potentially speeds up recovery.
After an ERAS total knee replacement, our experienced Orthopaedic team implements a structured recovery plan to optimise healing and minimise complications.Immediately after surgery, nurses will monitor the patient’s vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, and pain level), administer food/fluids through IV, and provide bowel care as necessary.
Soon after the initial monitoring, enhanced recovery protocols begin. These include:
Recovery then progresses through a phased rehabilitation plan:
To ensure a smooth recovery:
Watch for infection symptoms like fever, redness, or unusual discharge.
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, patients suitable for our ERAS programme can opt for a day surgery. We aim to enable patients to go back to activities that they love by minimising the recovery period.
After the ERAS Total Knee Replacement surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will recommend physiotherapy and wound care options to regain strength, flexibility, and stability in the operated knee and aid in a swift return to normal activity. At times, he may also suggest a walking aid to help during the recovery process. Attending a structured rehabilitation programme supervised by healthcare professionals is recommended.
Overall, a patient can expect to walk with aid on the same evening of the surgery. However, take note that each patient’s recovery from knee replacement surgery varies based on factors like age, physical health, and the extent of joint damage.
Undergoing ERAS total knee replacement surgery significantly reduces pain in the knee joint.
ERAS total knee replacement surgery improves the range of motion and function of the knee joint.
This surgery allows most patients to eventually return to their normal activities, such as walking, running, and playing sports independently.
Total knee replacement surgery can significantly improve the quality of life and mood for people suffering from severe daily knee pain.
In a study from the Journal of Orthopaedics labeled The Knee Enhanced Recovers After Day Surgery Total Knee Arthoplasty, the New Standard of Care, An Asian Perspective, 738 patients were put under observation, where 342 were ERAS Day Surgery patients and 396 were ERAS inpatient. 92.4% of patients in the Day Surgery group were successfully discharged within 24 hours, leading to a shorter mean Length of Stay (LOS) of 1.3 days as compared to 4.12 days in the inpatient group.
The study concluded that patients who received ERAS day surgery for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) experienced comparable enhancements in functional ability and quality of life to those undergoing ERAS inpatient TKA, without an elevated risk of complications.
As with any surgery where general or spinal anaesthesia is used, there’s a slight risk of strokes, heart attacks, pneumonia, and blood clots. One possible complication of knee replacement surgery is blood clot formation in the deep veins, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
In addition, while knee replacement surgeries generally have low risks, there are potential rare risks associated with the procedure.
These risks include the possibility of:
Recognising the potential risks associated with this procedure underscores the importance of an ERAS approach and the necessity for specialised guidance from an orthopaedic surgeon throughout the preparation, the procedure, and recovery.
In general, most complications can be effectively managed. Even if complications arise post-surgery, success can still usually be achieved if pain relief and improved function are attained in the long term.
Besides Total Knee Replacement, there are a few variations and alternatives depending on the extent and location of the knee damage:
The cost of total knee replacement surgery in Singapore can vary based on the type of implant used, surgeon’s fees, hospital charges, and type of room selected. A standard total knee replacement can range from $20,000 to $35,000 before insurance or Medisave claims.
We recommend speaking to our specialist to receive a detailed breakdown based on your specific condition, needs, and coverage.
Book a consultation today for a personalised quote.
Total knee replacement is generally safe and has a high success rate. However, as with any surgery, there are risks—including infection, blood clots, and complications with the implant. Surgeons assess each patient’s health and risk factors before proceeding.
Watch for signs of infection (fever, redness, discharge), unusual swelling, persistent pain, or reduced mobility. Report these to your doctor promptly.
There is no strict age limit. While most patients are over 60, younger individuals with severe joint damage or pain may also benefit.
On average, a knee replacement lasts 15–20 years. Some may last longer, depending on activity level, weight, and adherence to post-op guidelines. Partial replacements may have a shorter lifespan but can be revised if needed.
While you can return to many physical activities, we do not recommend high-impact sports like running, as they may accelerate implant wear. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking are better for long-term joint health.
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 Senior 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 Senior 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.
