- Mt Elizabeth (Orchard) #06-05
- (65) 9088 4555
- Mt Elizabeth (Orchard) #06-05
- (65) 9088 4555
Are you an athlete eager to return to sports or someone looking to regain everyday knee mobility? If you’ve been dealing with an unstable knee, you may have sustained an injury and require a proper diagnosis.
Alps Orthopaedic Centre is a specialist clinic in Singapore with expertise in various injuries and diseases concerning the musculoskeletal system. At Alps, we understand that musculoskeletal problems can compromise your quality of life. We offer a range of solutions for different concerns, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction for improved knee function and stability.
The ACL is a strong band of tissue located within the knee joint, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Its main function is to stabilise the knee during movements that involve pivoting, twisting, and sudden changes in direction.
An ACL injury occurs when the ligament is damaged or torn, often due to improper twisting of the knee, with common symptoms such as:
ACL injuries happen when the ligament is stretched beyond its limits or torn, often during activities that require rapid deceleration, such as sports like soccer, basketball, football, and skiing.
However, ACL injuries can also result from non-contact movements, such as landing from a jump or making a sudden change in direction.
In Singapore, non-surgical treatments for ACL injuries such as the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), wearing a brace for immobilisation, and physiotherapy can effectively restore the knee’s condition close to its pre-injury state.
However, for many individuals—especially young, active individuals, or those involved in high-demand physical activities—surgical treatment is often recommended to restore stability and function to the knee joint. Without ACL surgery, there is a risk of secondary knee injuries due to recurring instability.
To determine a suitable treatment option for your knee pain, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
ACL is a minimally invasive surgery that aims to reconstruct the torn ligament using graft material, typically sourced from either the patient’s own body (autograft) or a cadaver donor (allograft).
The choice of graft type depends on various factors, including patient age, activity level, and surgeon preference.
Allograft ACL Reconstruction: In allograft ACL reconstruction, tissue from a cadaver donor is used to create the new ACL. Allografts are commonly used in older patients, those with multiple ligament injuries, or individuals who prefer to avoid additional discomfort associated with autograft harvest sites.
ACL reconstruction involves using a small camera called an arthroscope
to view and operate inside the knee joint.
Regardless of the graft type chosen, the minimally invasive surgical procedure itself generally follows a similar step-by-step procedure.
Before the Surgery
An orthopaedic specialist will conduct a physical assessment to pinpoint the injury site. Prior to the procedure, patients must adhere to preparatory measures, including refraining from smoking and abstaining from eating or drinking.
During the Surgery
After your surgery is completed, your physical vitals will be monitored to assess if there are any complications during the surgery. In most cases, you will be hospitalised for a night (case by case basis).
Recovering from minimally invasive ACL surgery is a gradual process that requires patience, dedication to physical therapy, and adherence to your orthopaedic surgeon’s instructions. Full recovery from an ACL surgery typically spans several months, with the initial focus on strengthening muscle mass and straight line exercises, followed by gradual rehabilitation to return to sports.
Here are some tips to help facilitate your recovery process:
With dedication to rehabilitation and adherence to postoperative guidelines, many patients are able to return to their pre-injury level of activity. However, it’s important to recognise that individual treatment outcomes may vary, and some residual symptoms or limitations may persist.
As with most surgeries, there may be pain after the procedure. Patients are usually prescribed medication to manage pain so they can continue with rehabilitation exercises for recovery. If swelling is present after surgery, patients may be advised to ice the swollen areas to reduce inflammation.
ACL surgery costs between $9,900 and $16,500, excluding potential hospital fees ranging from $15,010 to $19,120 in private clinics. For details on insurance coverage, be sure to consult our orthopaedic team.
It may take weeks to months before patients can start walking without assistance, and another 6-9 months before patients can return to sports.
ACL reconstruction may be worth it for active individuals and athletes needing knee stability and strength, especially when conservative treatments prove inadequate.
Avoid putting too much weight on your knees immediately after surgery.
Follow your orthopaedist’s recovery instructions and consider minimally invasive ACL surgery for faster recovery compared to open surgery.
Ministry of Health Singapore. (2024). Full list of fee benchmarks. Retrieved July 9, 2024, from https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/default-document-library/full-list-of-fee-benchmarks_010424.pdf?sfvrsn=93ac0fb5_5
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 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.
