Orthopaedic Treatments And Surgeries In Singapore

Orthopaedic care is essential for maintaining your musculoskeletal health, especially when dealing with injuries or chronic conditions. In Singapore, a range of non-surgical and orthopaedic surgery treatments are available to address various orthopaedic issues. In this article, we explore these treatment options, helping you understand the comprehensive care provided by orthopaedic specialists.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical methods are often the first line of treatment for many orthopaedic conditions. These treatments aim to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life without the need for surgery.

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involves exercises and manual techniques designed to improve mobility, strength, and flexibility. A physical therapist will create a customised program tailored to your specific condition. Common techniques include:

• Strengthening Exercises – Build muscle strength around affected joints.
• Stretching Exercises – Improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
• Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques to mobilise joints and soft tissues.
• Pain Relief Modalities – Use of heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.

2. Medications

Medications can help manage pain and inflammation associated with orthopaedic conditions. Commonly used medications include:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Pain Relievers – Acetaminophen or opioids for severe pain.
• Corticosteroids – Oral or injectable steroids to reduce inflammation.

3. Orthotic Devices

Orthotic devices support and stabilise affected areas to reduce pain and improve function. These devices include:

• Braces – Provide support for knees, ankles, wrists, and other joints.
• Splints – Immobilize and protect injured areas during healing.
• Orthotic Insoles – Custom-made shoe inserts to correct foot alignment and relieve pressure.

4. Injections

Injections can provide targeted pain relief and reduce inflammation in specific areas. Common types include:

• Corticosteroid Injections – Reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections – Lubricate joints, particularly useful for osteoarthritis.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections – Use the patient’s own blood components to promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, and joints.

5. Lifestyle Modifications

Making changes to your lifestyle can help manage orthopaedic conditions and prevent further complications. Recommendations may include:

• Weight Management – Reducing weight to decrease stress on joints.
• Exercise Routine – Engaging in low-impact activities like swimming or cycling.
• Ergonomic Adjustments – Modifying workstations to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Surgical Treatments

When non-surgical methods are not sufficient, orthopaedic surgery may be necessary to address severe injuries or chronic conditions. Advanced surgical techniques performed by skilled orthopaedic surgeons are being offered in Singapore.

1. Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. A small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the joint through a tiny incision, allowing the surgeon to view and repair the joint.

• Common Uses – Treating torn ligaments, meniscus tears, and cartilage damage.

2. Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial implant. This procedure is commonly performed on hips, knees, and shoulders.

• Hip Replacement – Replaces the hip joint with a prosthetic implant.
• Knee Replacement – Involves replacing the knee joint with a prosthetic joint.
• Shoulder Replacement – Replaces the damaged shoulder joint with an artificial implant.

3. Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery addresses issues related to the spine, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis.

• Discectomy – Removal of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve.
• Laminectomy – Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
• Spinal Fusion – Joining two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion and provide stability.

4. Fracture Repair

Fracture repair surgery involves realigning and stabilising broken bones using various techniques.

• Internal Fixation – Use of metal plates, screws, or rods to hold bones in place.
• External Fixation – Use of an external frame to stabilise bones during healing.

5. Tendon And Ligament Repair

Surgical repair of torn tendons and ligaments is essential for restoring function and stability.

• ACL Reconstruction – Rebuilding the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee.
• Rotator Cuff Repair – Fixing a torn rotator cuff in the shoulder.

6. Corrective Surgery

Corrective surgery addresses deformities or abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system.

• Osteotomy – Cutting and repositioning bones to correct alignment.
• Limb Lengthening – Gradually lengthening bones to correct discrepancies.

Choosing The Right Orthopaedic Specialist In Singapore

Selecting the best orthopaedic specialist in Singapore for your needs involves considering several factors. Learn more about it in our Health365 Guide To Finding The Best Orthopaedic Doctor In Singapore.

Key Takeaway

Accurate diagnosis and assessment are critical for effective treatment of orthopaedic issues. In Singapore, advanced imaging technologies, laboratory tests, and specialised diagnostic procedures ensure that orthopaedic conditions are identified and managed appropriately. If you are experiencing musculoskeletal problems, seek a consultation with an orthopaedic specialist to start your journey towards recovery and improved quality of life.

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Additional Readings

1. Patient’s Guide When Seeking Orthopaedic Care in Singapore | Dr Andrew Quoc Dutton. Available from: https://www.drandrewdutton.com/blog/orthopaedic-singapore/
2. Orthopaedic Surgery – SingHealth | SingHealth. Available from: https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/specialties-services/orthopaedic-surgery
3. Arthritis: What Is It? | HealthXchange. Available from: https://www.healthxchange.sg/bones-joints/arthritis/arthritis-what-is-it
4. Osteoarthritis – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | SingHealth. Available from: https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/osteoarthritis
5. Knee Arthritis: Symptoms, Types and Treatment | HealthHub. Available from: https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/knee_athritis_nuh
6. Osteoporosis | Singapore General Hospital. Available from: https://www.sgh.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/All-About-Osteoporosis
7. What to Do with a Broken Bone | Gleneagles Hospital. Available from: https://www.gleneagles.com.sg/health-plus/article/what-to-do-with-a-broken-bone
8. More youth suffer sports-related injuries, risk long-term effects | The Strait Times. Available from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-youth-suffering-sports-related-injuries-risk-long-term-effects
9. Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement Surgery) | Cleveland Clinic. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21649-arthroplasty-joint-replacement
10. Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure | John Hopkins Medicine. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/knee-replacement-surgery-procedure

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