Total knee replacement surgery may be considered when severe knee arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility despite non-surgical treatments. An orthopaedic surgeon typically assesses each patient’s symptoms, imaging results, joint alignment, and overall health before recommending a personalised treatment plan, which may include conventional, computer-navigated, or robotic-assisted techniques based on individual suitability.
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Knee replacement surgery in Singapore is commonly considered for patients with severe knee arthritis, long-term knee pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility that no longer improves with medication, injections, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes.
The procedure involves removing damaged parts of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial implants to reduce pain and improve movement. Depending on the extent of joint damage, a patient may be suitable for partial knee replacement or total knee replacement surgery.
At OrthoKau, Dr Kau Chung Yuan assesses each patient’s symptoms, X-rays, mobility, knee alignment, and overall health before recommending whether knee replacement surgery is appropriate.
Total knee replacement may be performed using conventional instruments, computer navigation or robotic-assisted technology. The surgical approach recommended will depend on the patient’s knee anatomy, joint damage, alignment and individual treatment needs.
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged cartilage and bone in the knee with metal implants and high-grade plastic components. A total knee replacement surgery will replace two or all of the damaged compartments in the knee.
This surgery helps relieve pain and restore function in patients who have difficulty walking. It is an effective and safe procedure that has helped many patients regain mobility and independence.
Robotic-assisted total knee replacement follows the same underlying procedure. The damaged cartilage and bone are still removed and replaced with artificial components. The difference is that robotic technology may help the surgeon create a personalised surgical plan and receive real-time guidance when preparing the bone and positioning the implant.
The robotic system does not perform the operation independently. The orthopaedic surgeon remains in control throughout the procedure.
Knee replacement surgery is usually recommended for patients with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions damage the cartilage in the knee, which can cause severe and disabling knee pain.
Stiffness and knee swelling are also symptoms of arthritis. With moderate osteoarthritis, you may find episodes of knee pain becoming more frequent, even with simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a car. In severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, knee pain can limit and shorten your walking distance.
When patients experience these symptoms, and all other non-surgical treatment options have been exhausted, knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty becomes a good option to relieve the pain and restore mobility.
Your knee surgeon will ask about your knee pain and general health to assess your suitability for surgery.
In some cases, only one part of the knee is affected by arthritis; in such situations, a partial knee replacement may be considered instead of a full knee replacement. Your orthopaedic surgeon will assess whether a partial or total replacement is more suitable.
Total knee replacement surgery may be suitable for patients with severe knee arthritis or joint damage affecting most of the knee. It is usually considered when knee pain limits walking, stair climbing, standing, or daily activities, and when non-surgical treatments no longer provide enough relief.
A knee specialist will usually assess:
If only one part of the knee is damaged, partial knee replacement may be considered instead. If arthritis affects most of the knee, total knee replacement may be more appropriate.
Patients who are suitable for total knee replacement may also be assessed for robotic-assisted surgery. The surgeon may consider the degree of arthritis, knee deformity, previous surgery, bone structure, ligament stability and whether the available robotic platform is appropriate for the planned procedure.
Robotic assistance is a surgical tool rather than a separate treatment. A consultation and appropriate imaging are required to determine whether it may be suitable for an individual patient.
Total knee replacement surgery can address and eliminate knee pain from osteoarthritis.
After surgery, patients will:
For patients who are still actively working, this allows them to continue gainful employment without worrying about knee pain. For patients who have retired, the surgery allows them to enjoy their retirement and consider activities such as travelling abroad and participation in low-impact sports.
Robotic-assisted technology may support the surgeon during the planning and performance of total knee replacement. Potential advantages may include:
These potential benefits do not guarantee a particular result. Outcomes also depend on the severity of the knee condition, the surgeon’s assessment, implant selection, general health and participation in rehabilitation.
Learn more about robotic-assisted joint replacement in Singapore.
As with any surgery, total knee replacement surgery also has its risks. Although not common, it is possible to experience:
Robotic assistance does not remove the recognised risks of total knee replacement surgery. It may also involve additional considerations, including the need for specialised imaging, equipment availability, technology-related limitations and potentially different costs. Your surgeon will explain whether the potential benefits and limitations are relevant to your case.
Read more about the benefits and risks of robotic knee replacement.
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Total knee replacement may be performed using conventional instruments or with computer-navigated or robotic assistance. When robotic-assisted surgery is selected, imaging and specialised software may be used to create a three-dimensional model of the patient’s knee.
This model helps the surgeon plan the size and position of the implant before surgery. During the operation, the system provides real-time information and guidance while the surgeon prepares the bone, assesses knee balance and positions the implant.
The robotic arm acts as an assisting tool. It does not make decisions or operate without the surgeon.
You will be monitored after the surgery in the surgery centre before returning to the ward for rehabilitation. Pain medications will be prescribed to aid you in your physiotherapy and recovery.
Total knee replacement surgery may be performed under general anaesthesia or regional spinal anaesthesia. The anaesthesia team will recommend the most suitable option based on your age, medical history, comfort level, and overall fitness for surgery.
Pain control may also include medication or nerve blocks to support early movement and physiotherapy after surgery.
Learn what typically happens during the first visit, how partial knee replacement differs from total knee replacement, and key questions to ask when choosing a surgeon. The contents of these videos are general information and do not replace personalised medical advice.
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Before total knee replacement surgery, your knee specialist will review your medical history, symptoms, knee movement, walking ability, and imaging results. X-rays are commonly used to assess cartilage loss, joint space narrowing, deformity, and the extent of arthritis.
You may also need pre-operative checks to assess your general health and fitness for anaesthesia. These may include blood tests, heart assessment, medication review, and anaesthetic evaluation depending on your age, health condition, and surgical plan.
Patients undergoing robotic-assisted total knee replacement may require additional imaging, such as a CT scan, depending on the robotic system used. The images may be converted into a three-dimensional model that helps the surgeon plan bone preparation, implant size, alignment and component positioning.
The need for additional imaging will be explained during the pre-operative assessment.
After a knee replacement surgery, patients may need to use walking aids or crutches for a few weeks. Since mobility is reduced, patients should prepare their homes to be conducive to their everyday tasks.
Patients can make their homes a safe environment for recovery by:
Patients may also meet with their physiotherapist to discuss rehabilitation exercises post-surgery. Before your surgery, the doctor may recommend you to stop taking certain medications.
After surgery, patients may be required to stay in hospital for 1-2 days for observation. Any pain can be managed with prescribed medication, and patients will be recommended to start physical therapy as soon as possible.
With consistent physical therapy, patients can return to normal mobility within 4-8 weeks, but full recovery may take several months. While a total knee replacement may not restore the full range of motion in the knee, the arthritis symptoms and pain will reduce.
Recovery after robotic-assisted total knee replacement follows the same general rehabilitation principles as conventional knee replacement. Patients will usually begin supported movement and physiotherapy according to their medical condition, pain control and the surgeon’s instructions.
Robotic technology may support precise surgical planning and execution, but it does not guarantee a shorter hospital stay or faster recovery. Progress will still depend on factors such as age, muscle strength, health conditions, surgical complexity and participation in physiotherapy.
For a more detailed guide, read about the recovery timeline after total knee replacement.
Recovery after total knee replacement surgery happens gradually. Most patients begin standing and walking with support soon after surgery, depending on their pain control, strength, and medical condition.
Recovery varies between patients. Age, fitness, arthritis severity, surgical complexity, and consistency with physiotherapy can all affect progress.
What Patients May Expect
Hospital observation, pain control, assisted walking, and early physiotherapy
Use of walking aids, swelling control, wound care, and regular physiotherapy
Many patients regain better walking ability and daily function
Strength, confidence, and knee movement continue to improve
After recovery, many patients are able to walk more comfortably, climb stairs with better confidence, and return to daily activities with less knee pain. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and light exercises may be suitable once your surgeon and physiotherapist advise that it is safe.
High-impact activities such as running, jumping, or heavy weightlifting are usually not recommended because they may increase stress on the knee implant. Your knee specialist will advise you on suitable activities based on your recovery, implant type, and long-term mobility goals.
The cost of total knee replacement surgery in Singapore can vary depending on the hospital, ward type, implant used, complexity of the surgery, length of stay, insurance coverage, and whether one or both knees are treated.
According to OrthoKau’s knee replacement cost guide, a single knee replacement surgery in a private hospital in Singapore can cost between $32,169 and $40,871.
Patients may be able to use MediSave to offset part of the bill, subject to the applicable surgical table and withdrawal limits. CPF’s MediSave withdrawal limits list Table 6 procedures from $3,260 to $3,960, while approved hospital stays may also allow MediSave use for daily ward charges.
Government subsidies may apply for eligible patients treated in public hospitals and subsidised ward classes. MOH notes that public hospital bill amounts may be after government subsidies where applicable, while private hospital fees are before insurance and MediSave payouts.
At OrthoKau, Dr Kau sees patients at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Mount Alvernia Hospital, and Connexion, Farrer Park Hospital. The final out-of-pocket cost will depend on your hospital, insurance plan, Integrated Shield Plan coverage, rider, and pre-authorisation or Letter of Guarantee status.
The use of robotic-assisted technology may influence the total surgical fee because of specialised imaging, equipment and hospital arrangements. Patients should request an itemised estimate and confirm their insurance, Integrated Shield Plan, MediSave and pre-authorisation coverage before surgery.
For a fuller breakdown, visit the knee replacement surgery cost guide.
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Dr Kau (许医生) is a Fellowship trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a subspecialty interest in Hip and Knee surgery and has been in practice for more than 15 years.
He is experienced in trauma and fracture management, sports injuries, and joint replacement surgery.
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It can take 4-8 weeks to return to normal mobility and several months for a full recovery.
Modern knee implants last an average of 15 years. For younger patients below 55, the polyethylene component can wear out with time. The construct may require revision and a second replacement later in life.
It is possible to return to sports after a knee replacement, but certain high-impact activities such as running, jumping or weight lifting are not recommended. Other sports like swimming and cycling can help to strengthen the knee.
Patients will be able to climb stairs after a knee placement but will require walking aids in the first few weeks after surgery.
Patients may take an average of 6 weeks to walk normally without any walking aids after a full knee replacement.
Knee replacement surgery is usually recommended to patients over 60.
Most health insurance plans in Singapore cover knee replacement surgery. Contact your insurance provider for the exact amount you can claim from your plan.
Knee replacement revision surgery is a procedure to replace some or all parts of an original knee implant that is no longer functioning properly. While primary knee replacements are very successful, revision may be necessary years later due to factors like implant wear-and-tear, loosening, instability, infection, or injury affecting the artificial joint. It’s a specialized procedure aimed at restoring function and relieving pain when the initial implant fails.
Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a gradual process that involves several phases, including reducing pain, restoring knee function, and improving mobility. Read on to learn more.
Partial knee replacement preserves knee structure, offering a quicker recovery. Here are 5 things to know.
Knee replacement surgery is a medical procedure designed to replace the damaged or worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial components. Read on to learn more about this procedure.
