The Comprehensive Guide to Orthopaedics

Orthopaedic surgeons are doctors who specialise in identifying, managing, and treating various musculoskeletal problems, including injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons.

Orthopaedic surgeons can utilise both non-surgical and surgical methods to restore function and alleviate pain in their patients. In terms of orthopaedic surgery, this usually revolves around joint replacements, fracture repairs, soft tissue surgeries, and reconstructive surgeries.

With numerous orthopaedic surgery clinics in Singapore, it is important for patients to find one that can address their problems and best meet their needs and preferences. They can check for referrals, and look up their online reviews to see what former patients have to say about their experience. Patients may also read about the orthopaedic surgeon’s accreditation, training and professional experience online. Finally, you may also wish to check with the clinic or your insurance to see if the clinic accepts your particular insurance, or if your procedure can be covered.

• Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that results in the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
• Herniated Disc: A ruptured or herniated disc in the spine can cause back pain, sciatica (pain radiating down one’s legs).
• Rotator Cuff Tear: This refers to a tear in the tendons of the shoulder (known as the rotator cuff), resulting in pain, weakness, and difficulty moving one’s arm.
• Bone Fractures: Broken bones commonly occur following a traumatic event, and usually require surgery to realign and stabilize the bone to facilitate proper healing.
• Ligament Tears (e.g. ACL Tear): Ligament tears of the knee or other joints are very common and usually arise from injury or sports-related accidents.
• Spinal Stenosis: This refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses nerves and causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the back and limbs.
• Scoliosis: This occurs when the spine curves sideways, which may require surgery to correct if it is severe to the point of affecting function and causing pain.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: This refers to the deterioration of the discs of the spine, causing back pain and possibly nerve compression.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This refers to the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which causes pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

During the consultation, the doctor will first assess the patient’s overall health and medical history, and ask the patient about the symptoms that he or she is experiencing, as well as anything that might have led to the problem (e.g. past injury, accident, rigorous exercise).

This will be followed by a physical examination, which may include assessing the affected area’s range of motion and severity of symptoms, be it pain or weakness, etc.

Finally, the doctor may recommend that the patient undergo imaging tests, such as an X -ray, CT scan or MRI, in order to confirm his diagnosis.