Farrer Park Hospital's Bone and Joint Care brings together fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons across subspecialties, supported by physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists, and an integrated diagnostic suite — all within one building.
Not all joint pains need surgery — but all persistent joint pain needs assessment. See a specialist if you're experiencing any of the following:
Early assessment prevents conditions from worsening. Arthritis left without management, for example, leads to accelerating joint damage that narrows surgical options later.
Our orthopedic specialists manage the full spectrum of bone and joint conditions, from sports injuries and fractures to degenerative disease and bone tumours. Below is a guide by body area:
Sports and recreational activity place significant loads on the musculoskeletal system. Many injuries respond well to conservative management; some need surgical intervention to restore function and prevent chronic instability or degeneration.
| Running | Shin splints, Runner's knee, Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis |
| Football/Soccer | ACL tear, Meniscus tear, Ankle sprain, Hamstring strain, Foot fracture |
| Basketball | Ankle sprain, ACL tear, Patellar tendonitis, Finger fractures, Achilles tendon rupture |
| Badminton/Tennis | Tennis elbow, Rotator cuff tear, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Patellar tendonitis |
| Golf | Lower back pain, Golfer's elbow, Rotator cuff injury, Knee strain, Wrist tendonitis |
| Swimming | Swimmer's shoulder (impingement), Rotator cuff injuries, Knee bursitis, Lower back strain |
| Weightlifting | Rotator cuff tear, Patellar tendonitis, Lumbar strain, Wrist sprain, Shoulder impingement. |
Treatment is tailored to the condition, its severity, and the patient's age, activity level, and recovery goals. Non-surgical options are always explored first where clinically appropriate. When surgery is indicated, our surgeons apply minimally invasive techniques wherever possible.
| Joint Replacement | Sports & Arthroscopic | Spine, Foot & Others |
|---|---|---|
| Total knee replacement | ACL reconstruction | Spinal discectomy |
| Partial knee replacement | Meniscus repair | Spinal fusion |
| Total hip replacement | Rotator cuff repair | Laminectomy |
| Hip resurfacing | Shoulder labral repair | Bunion correction (Minimally invasive) |
| Shoulder replacement | Knee cartilgate repair | Plantar fascia release |
| Revision joint replacement | Hip arthroscopy | Achilles tendon repair |
| Robotic joint replacement | Ankle arthroscopy | Carpal tunnel release |
| Bi-compartmental knee replacement | Shoulder arthroscopy | Trigger finger release |
| Custom joint replacement | Ligament stabilisation | Fracture fixation |
| Ankle joint replacement | Tendon repair | Bone tumor resection |
Farrer Park Hospital offers robotic-assisted joint replacement. During surgery, the robotic arm assists the surgeon in making bone cuts within the pre-planned boundaries. The surgeon remains in control throughout — the robot does not operate independently. The benefit is reproducible precision in implant alignment, particularly relevant for younger, more active patients where implant longevity matters.
Osteoporosis — reduced bone mineral density — affects approximately 200 million people worldwide and is significantly underdiagnosed. In Singapore, post-menopausal women and men over 65 are at highest risk. The condition itself is painless until a fracture occurs, most commonly in the wrist, hip, or spine.
A bone density assessment provides a T-score that indicates whether bone density is within normal range, low (osteopenia), or osteoporotic. This guides treatment decisions and fracture risk assessment.
Treatment for osteoporosis includes calcium and vitamin D supplementation, bisphosphonates, and weight-bearing exercise. When a fracture has occurred, orthopedic assessment determines whether surgical stabilisation is needed.
Surgical outcomes in orthopedics depend as much on rehabilitation as on the procedure itself. Our Bone and Joint Care works closely with Farrer Park Hospital's rehabilitation team, which provides physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and gait analysis.
| Pre-op Optimisation | For elective procedures, pre-operative physiotherapy (prehabilitation) strengthens the muscles around the target joint, which correlates with faster post-operative recovery. Our team provides tailored pre-op exercise programmes. |
| Post-op Inpatient | Physiotherapy typically begins the day after surgery. Inpatient suites on levels 7–10 include single-bed private rooms designed for comfortable recovery, with food from One Farrer Hotel. |
| Discharge Planning | Your care coordinator arranges follow-up appointments, medication scripts, and any equipment needed at home (crutches, walker, compression stockings). International patients receive a structured discharge plan for continuation of care in their home country. |
| Outpatient Rehab | The rehabilitation centre provides ongoing physiotherapy, gait analysis, and functional training. Programmes are individualised based on the procedure, your baseline fitness, and recovery goals. |
| Return to Sport | For athletes and active patients, our sports medicine specialists and physiotherapists design sport-specific return-to-activity programmes with objective milestones, reducing the risk of re-injury. |
Do I need a referral to see a cardiologist at Farrer Park Hospital?
No. You can make a direct appointment with an orthopedic specialist at Farrer Park Medical Centre by calling (65) 6363 1818. If you have been referred by your GP, please bring your referral letter, along with any existing test results or scans during your appointment.
What is the difference between partial and total knee replacement?
In a partial replacement, only the damaged compartment of the knee is resurfaced — typically one of three compartments. In a total replacement, all three compartments are resurfaced. Partial replacement preserves more bone and ligament tissue, with a faster recovery, but is only appropriate when arthritis is confined to one area. Robotic guidance is particularly well-suited to partial replacement.
How long is recovery from total knee or hip replacement?
Most patients are walking with assistance within 24 hours. Discharge typically occurs within 2–4 days. Return to driving is usually at 4–6 weeks; return to light activity at 6–8 weeks; full recovery at 3–6 months depending on pre-operative condition and rehabilitation adherence.
Is joint replacement covered by insurance in Singapore?
Coverage varies significantly by insurer and policy. Our billing team can provide itemised cost estimates before surgery. We recommend contacting your insurer to confirm coverage for the specific procedure codes before booking. Our admissions team can assist with pre-authorisation and claims documentation. For enquiries, please email [email protected].
What conservative treatments are available before surgery?
Depending on the condition: physiotherapy, activity modification, weight management, analgesic medication, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and custom orthotics or bracing. Your surgeon will discuss all options before any surgical recommendation is made.
Our panel of specialists cover a wide range of orthopedic conditions to meet your needs.
