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Total Knee Replacement
Dr Kau Chung Yuan (许医生)
MBBS (S’PORE)
MRCS (Ireland)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCSEd (Ortho)
What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
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.
Why is a Total Knee Replacement Needed?
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 surgeon will ask about your knee pain and general health to assess your suitability for surgery. He will examine your knee to check for stiffness, loss of motion, and stability. X-rays of the knee will be needed to evaluate the degree of osteoarthritis as well as your overall limb alignment. MRI scans may be needed if your condition is at an early stage of degeneration.
Benefits of a Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement surgery can address and eliminate knee pain from osteoarthritis.
After surgery, patients will:
- Have better motion and flexibility
- Be able to stand and walk for longer periods
- Regain independence of mobility
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.
Risks of a Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
As with any surgery, total knee replacement surgery also has its risks. Although not common, it is possible to experience:
- Infection of the knee
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels around the knee
- Bleeding
- Stiffness
- Blood clots
- Polyethylene liner wear over time and implant loosening
What can you expect During a Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
A total knee replacement can take 1-2 hours, and it is done under General or Regional (Spinal) Anaesthesia. The surgical team will advise you on any required pre-surgery evaluation tests or fasting.
- Step 1
The surgeon will make an incision between 10-15 cm at the front of the affected knee. - Step 2
The damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee. - Step 3
The metal implants and polyethylene liner will be accurately sized and attached to achieve a balanced, stable knee joint. - Step 4
Lower limb deformities such as bow-legged knees will be corrected to a neutral alignment. - Step 5
The incision is closed with sutures and a drain is inserted to remove any fluids.
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.
Pre-Surgery
How do you prepare for a Knee Replacement Surgery?
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:
- Installing safety bars in the shower
- Having a stable chair and footstool to elevate the leg
- Installing a toilet seat riser
- Ensuring your daily needs are accessible on a single level without climbing stairs
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.
Post-Surgery
What is the recovery like after a Knee Replacement Surgery?
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.
What is the cost of a Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore?
According to MOH’s fee guideline, a knee replacement surgery costs an average of $36,000 at a private hospital. This fee is calculated before deducting your personal insurance plans (Integrated Shield Plans, Medishield Life) and MediSave payouts. The maximum MediSave payout you can obtain for a simple knee replacement surgery is $4,650.
Dr Kau is on the panel for most major local insurers. Talk to our team and your insurance agent to understand the out-of-pocket fees required for a knee replacement surgery.
Dr. Kau Chung Yuan
MBBS (S’pore)
MRCS (Ireland)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCSEd (Ortho)
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.
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, Orthopaedics (FRCS, Edin) 2014
- Master of Medicine (Orthopaedics), Singapore (MMed) 2013
- Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (MRCS, Ire) 2009
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS, Singapore) 2004
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average recovery time for total knee replacement?
It can take 4-8 weeks to return to normal mobility and several months for a full recovery.
How long can a knee replacement last?
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.
Can you play sports again after a knee replacement?
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.
Can you climb stairs after knee replacement?
Patients will be able to climb stairs after a knee placement but will require walking aids in the first few weeks after surgery.
How long does it take to walk after a full knee replacement?
Patients may take an average of 6 weeks to walk normally without any walking aids after a full knee replacement.
What is the best age for knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is usually recommended to patients over 60.
Is knee replacement surgery covered by insurance in Singapore?
Most health insurance plans in Singapore cover knee replacement surgery. Contact your insurance provider for the exact amount you can claim from your plan.