Living with persistent knee pain can take a toll on your quality of life, affecting mobility and daily activities. For those experiencing chronic knee pain due to arthritis, injuries or degenerative conditions, knee replacement surgery could be the life-changing solution you’ve been searching for.
This guide explores everything you need to know about the procedure, including costs, recovery timelines and how partnering with a medical concierge can help you navigate the complexities of your treatment.
Knee replacement surgery is considered when conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
Individuals who may need this surgery experience the following symptoms:
Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee, impacting normal movement and function
Persistent Swelling or Deformity: Swelling that does not subside with rest or medication or a visible deformity in the knee joint
Chronic Knee Pain: Persistent pain that significantly limits daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs or standing for extended periods
Knee replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, involves replacing damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial implants. This procedure is recommended for individuals who suffer from severe knee pain, stiffness or swelling that doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy or medications.
1. Partial Knee Replacement is recommended for patients with localised damage confined to a single section of the knee joint. The knee is divided into three compartments: the medial (inner), lateral (outer) and patellofemoral (front) compartments. In this procedure, only the damaged compartment is replaced with a prosthetic implant, leaving the healthy parts of the knee untouched.
Key Advantages of Partial Knee Replacement
2. Full Knee Replacement is recommended for patients with extensive damage across multiple compartments of the knee. In this procedure, the entire knee joint is resurfaced, including the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and sometimes the patella (kneecap). These parts are replaced with artificial implants designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee
Key Advantages of Full Knee Replacement:
Knee replacement surgery is performed to restore function and relieve pain in a damaged knee joint. The entire procedure usually takes 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is an option that enhances precision, improving implant alignment and potentially leading to better long-term outcomes.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Procedure
1. Anaesthesia Administration – The patient is given either general anaesthesia (to be completely asleep) or spinal anaesthesia (to numb the lower body while staying awake)
2. Incision and Joint Access – The surgeon makes an incision at the front of the knee, typically 6–10 inches long, to access the joint
3. Removal of Damaged Bone and Cartilage – The worn-out or damaged cartilage and bone at the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are removed
4. Implant Placement and Joint Resurfacing – The surgeon resurfaces the joint by attaching artificial metal or plastic components to replace the damaged bone
5. Ensuring Proper Joint Alignment and Function – The new joint components are positioned to mimic natural knee movement and ensure stability
6. Closing the Incision – Once the implant is secured, the surgeon sutures the incision and applies a sterile dressing
Choosing between a partial knee replacement and a full knee replacement surgery depends on your specific condition and lifestyle goals. While a partial replacement may offer a quicker recovery and preserve more of your natural knee, a full replacement provides comprehensive treatment for severe joint damage and long-lasting pain relief.
Your surgeon will consider factors such as:
A medical concierge can guide you through these decisions by helping you understand the pros and cons of each option based on your lifestyle and medical history.
One of the most important aspects of your journey is understanding how long to recover from knee replacement surgery. Recovery timelines can vary depending on your overall health, the type of procedure performed and how well you adhere to post-operative care instructions.
In general, most patients can expect to resume light activities within 4–6 weeks after surgery. However, a full recovery, where you regain strength, flexibility and mobility, may take anywhere from 3–6 months.
Your post-surgery care plan will include:
It is essential to stay proactive during recovery. Stick to your exercise routine, maintain a healthy diet and avoid high-impact activities to ensure long-term success. Modern techniques and high-quality implants mean that most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility.
Navigating the complexities of knee replacement surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to choose the right specialist, hospital and post-operative care. This is where Premium Care comes in to guide you every step of the way.
Here’s how we can help:
Personalised Support: We connect you with top orthopaedic specialists who will tailor treatment to your specific needs
Expert Guidance: Our team helps you understand your options, whether you need a full knee replacement surgery or other treatment alternatives
Financial Clarity: We assist you in estimating the knee replacement surgery cost, working with your insurance provider to ensure you receive the best coverage
Streamlined Process: From initial consultations to arranging surgery and follow-up appointments, we handle the logistics, so you can focus on recovery.
When it comes to major medical decisions, having the right guidance makes all the difference. Trust Premium Care to make your journey toward better mobility seamless and stress-free.
Want to simplify your recovery journey? Contact us for expert assistance.
One of the most common questions patients ask is, “how much is knee replacement surgery?” The knee replacement surgery cost varies depending on factors like the complexity of the procedure, the type of implants used and the hospital you choose.
For a rough estimate, a full knee replacement surgery in a private hospital can cost anywhere between SGD 20,000 and SGD 35,000. Public healthcare facilities tend to offer more affordable rates, with costs starting around SGD 12,000. Keep in mind that these figures may or may not include pre-surgery consultations, imaging tests, medications or post-operative care.
Many patients rely on insurance to help offset expenses. If you’re covered by MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans in Singapore, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement. Be sure to consult with your insurance provider to understand what is covered under your plan.
To ensure you’re making a cost-effective decision, consider working with Premium Care. We can guide you in selecting the best specialists and facilities while helping you navigate your financial options.
Initial recovery can take 4-6 weeks, while full recovery, where strength, flexibility and mobility are regained, may take 3-6 months.
During the procedure, anaesthesia ensures you don’t feel pain. However, some discomfort is expected during recovery as the body heals. Pain management includes medications, physical therapy and gradual movement to aid healing.
After full recovery, most patients can walk, swim, cycle and perform low-impact exercises. However, high-impact activities like running or jumping should be avoided to prolong the lifespan of the knee implant.
Modern knee implants can last 15-20 years or longer with proper care and activity management.
You may need assistance with daily tasks for the first few weeks, and home support services can be arranged for transportation, therapy and medication management.
Delaying surgery could result in worsening symptoms, such as increased pain and reduced mobility, potentially making recovery more challenging.
Your journey to better mobility starts with the right and comprehensive support. Premium Care connects you with top specialists for knee replacement surgery, guiding you through treatment options, recovery plans and beyond.
You deserve expert care and a stress-free recovery. Premium Care makes every step of your recovery journey smooth and hassle-free.
Contact us at enquiries@pcaresg.com or call or Whatsapp us at +65 8686 6296 to learn more.