Orthopaedic surgeons often utilise surgery to treat orthopaedic conditions that are generally more severe in nature. Learn more about 4 types of surgeries that orthopaedic clinics in Singapore provide.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgeries are frequently performed by orthopaedic clinics in Singapore. They are often used to replace hip and knee joints, as a result of conditions such as arthritis that result in chronic joint pain as well as reduced mobility and range of motion. There are various types of joint replacement surgeries, depending on the severity of the presented symptoms.
Total joint replacement surgery involves the partial or complete removal of the damaged joint and replacing it with artificial prosthetics which mimic the shape and movement of natural joints. This surgery option is generally utilised for advanced arthritis or severe injuries. Generally, joint replacement surgeries are minimally invasive, with reduced hospital stays and patients often discharged on the same or following day after surgery.
Bunion Surgery
Bunions are bony bumps that form on the outside of the big toe, and are a common condition affecting many Singaporeans. Over time, it can cause the toe joint to get out of alignment. While bunions are generally treated using nonsurgical methods such as changing footwear, prescribing custom orthotics, as well as medication, surgery may be required for severe cases where the pain causes significant distress or interferes with your ability to do daily activities.
Bunion surgery in Singapore ranges from percutaneous incision surgery with small incisions to shift and fix the bone for milder cases to formal osteotomies where the bone is manually realigned to reduce the angle between the first and second metatarsal bones. Following surgery, rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy are utilised to help patients regain strength and promote healing.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a key ligament that stabilises your knee joint. ACL tears or sprains often occur as a result of engaging in high intensity sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, resulting in swelling, pain, and instability. While ACL injuries are generally treated by orthopaedic clinics in Singapore through physical therapy and sufficient rest, surgery may be required for complete ruptures where the injury hinders daily activities, or if patients are athletes who require to get back into their training intensity.
ACL reconstruction surgery involves the removal of the torn ACL and grafting a tendon in its place. There are 2 types of graft choices : autografts or allografts. The surgeon will place a screw or implant to hold the graft in place. ACL reconstruction surgery is also accompanied by months of progressive physical therapy to help strengthen your muscles and ligaments.
Bone Fracture Surgery
Bone fractures occur as a result of the exertion of force beyond what the bone can endure, such as sports injuries, car accidents, or falls. Individuals with conditions such as osteoporosis are also at higher risk of fractures due to reduced bone mass and strength. Orthopaedic clinics in Singapore provide surgery to help fix broken bones that are unable to heal properly with casting or splinting treatment methods, as well as for compound and joint fractures.
In bone fracture surgery, the surgeon first makes an incision before placing a plate or a rod to stabilise the bone, setting it in place with help of metal screws. Once it is anatomically aligned, the wound is closed up and the limb placed in a cast to protect and support it. Recovery generally takes 6 weeks, with physical therapy playing an important role in strengthening and stretching muscles around the injured bone to help prevent further injury.
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