Knee pain, injuries and degeneration are prevalent concerns in Singapore, affecting sports enthusiasts and active individuals, as well as the elderly with osteoarthritis.
Whether dealing with a sudden trauma, recurring pain or mobility limitation, addressing these problems with a knee specialist early can help improve outcomes and long-term joint health.
In Singapore, many skilled orthopaedic surgeons offer advanced techniques and treatments for various knee conditions, including arthroscopy, joint replacement, robotic-assisted procedures and tailored rehabilitation programmes.
This guide highlights five trusted knee specialists in Singapore, including their areas of specialty, clinic affiliations and contributions to orthopaedic medicine.
What Are Common Knee Conditions Requiring Specialist Care?
People often seek consultation with a knee specialist for various reasons, including:
- Ligament or Meniscus Tears – Ligament tears (e.g., ACLs, PCLs or MCLs) and meniscus tears are often sustained during athletic activities or accidental trauma. These injuries can damage crucial ligaments and cartilage that help stabilise and cushion the knee joint.
- Knee Osteoarthritis – This is a degenerative joint disease where the protective cartilage gradually wears away. This leads to bone-on-bone friction, persistent pain, stiffness, noticeable swelling and a progressive loss of mobility and function in the knee.
- Cartilage Damage or Defects – Beyond osteoarthritis, other forms of cartilage deterioration or localised defects can cause pain and functional limitations within the joint.
- Knee Instability or Deformity – This occurs when the knee feels unstable, gives way or exhibits structural abnormalities that affect its proper mechanics.
- Fractures – These refer to breaks in the bones that form the knee, which can range from minor to severe and often require precise intervention.
- Failed Surgeries – A previous knee procedure has not yielded the desired results, or where infections and other complications arise, necessitating follow-up care.
Early diagnosis and timely intervention, whether surgical or non-surgical, can help prevent the condition from worsening. This proactive management can help avoid further complications and improve patient recovery outcomes.
Who Are the Recommended Knee Specialists in Singapore?
Below are five knee specialists to consider, each carefully selected for their expertise, proven track record of successful outcomes, and dedication to patient-centred care in the complex field of knee conditions:
1. International Orthopaedic Clinic (IOC) — Dr Alan Cheung
Specialist: Dr Alan Cheung
Website: https://www.ioc-ortho.com/
What Sets Him Apart:
Dr Alan Cheung is British-trained, with experience treating elite athletes. He is known for combining advanced surgical techniques (e.g., robotic and arthroscopy) with a patient-first philosophy.
Specialties and Focus:
- Knee arthritis treatments and knee replacement surgery, including robotic-assisted joint reconstruction
- Sports injuries, such as ACL/meniscus tears, using knee arthroscopy procedures
- Keyhole techniques and minimally invasive surgery for soft tissue knee issues
Clinic Location and Contact:
IOC has clinics located at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre and Farrer Park Hospital (Connexion). To schedule an appointment or for any enquiries, contact the clinic at +65 6253 7111.
2. Arete Orthopaedic Centre — Dr Wang Lushun
Specialist: Dr Wang Lushun
Website: https://www.areteortho.com.sg/
What Sets Him Apart:
Dr Wang Lushun is double-fellowship trained (UK & France Centres of Excellence). He is also a former Head of Hip & Knee Division at Ng Teng Fong Hospital and is involved in medical education and regional training.
Specialties and Focus:
- Advanced hip and knee joint replacement and sports soft tissue reconstruction (ligament, meniscal and cartilage)
- Minimally invasive procedures for enhanced recovery, including robotic-assisted knee surgery and hip surgery (direct superior and direct anterior approaches)
- Complex revision hip and knee replacement surgeries (>18 years of high-volume surgical experience)
Clinic Location and Contact:
Arete Orthopaedic Centre offers accessible care in two convenient locations: Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital. For appointments or enquiries, reach out at +65 8772 6928.
3. Quantum Orthopaedics — Dr James Tan
Specialist: Dr James Tan Chung Hui
Website: https://www.quantumortho.com.sg/
What Sets Him Apart:
Dr James Tan brings over 10 years of experience and strong track record to the field of knee surgery. He has treated national athletes and professional football players and is also involved in advanced research (tissue engineering) and teaching.
Specialties and Focus:
- Sports surgery with a particular focus on knee, shoulder and elbow injuries
- Advanced cartilage and meniscus repair techniques and minimally invasive (keyhole) tendon and ligament repair
- Joint replacement procedures, applying evidence-based and holistic recovery plans
Clinic Location and Contact:
Quantum Orthopaedics is conveniently located at Camden Medical and Mount Alvernia Hospital. Call +65 8028 4572 to book an appointment.
4. The Bone & Joint Centre — Dr Kevin Koo
Specialist: Dr Kevin Koo Oon Thien
Website: https://www.bjc.sg/
What Sets Him Apart:
Dr Kevin Koo is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He was previously the Director of Foot and Ankle Service at the Singapore General Hospital. Dr Koo also maintains an active academic involvement, frequently presenting at local and international conferences.
Specialties and Focus:
- Foot and ankle surgery, joint replacements, sports surgery and minimally invasive knee surgery
- Diagnosing and treating a wide range of knee conditions, including arthritis, tears and instability
Clinic Location and Contact:
The Bone & Joint Centre is conveniently located at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre. To schedule an appointment or make an enquiry, contact the clinic at +65 9898 7781.
5. Axis Orthopaedic Centre — Dr Seng Chusheng
Specialist: Dr Seng Chusheng
Website: https://www.axisortho.com.sg/
What Sets Him Apart:
Dr Seng Chusheng brings over 20 years of experience to his practice. He held a leadership position in the Foot and Ankle Service at Singapore General Hospital. Apart from clinical work, Dr Seng also has a keen interest in research, publishing numerous articles in peer-reviewed medical journals.
Specialties and Focus:
- Knee surgery, sports reconstruction surgery and orthopaedic trauma
- Minimally invasive techniques, keyhole ligament reconstructions for sports injuries and computer-navigated/robot-assisted total or partial knee replacement techniques
- Foot and ankle procedures, including bunion surgery
Clinic Location and Contact:
Axis Orthopaedic Centre has two clinics, conveniently located at Mount Elizabeth Novena Medical Centre and Parkway East Medical Centre. You can reach the clinic directly at +65 9711 8888 for appointments or enquiries.
How to Choose the Right Knee Specialist
When selecting a knee specialist, you may consider the following factors to ensure you find the right professional for your needs:
Type of Condition/Injury
It is important to identify a specialist whose expertise directly aligns with your specific condition to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. If you are dealing with a sports injury, you may seek a specialist with experience in sports medicine and related orthopaedic issues. For revision surgery, consulting a specialised surgeon with a proven track record in complex cases is recommended.
Surgical Approach
Some patients may prefer minimally invasive techniques, such as keyhole surgery, which can lead to faster recovery times. Others might be interested in robotic surgery for its precision. Determine which specialists offer these advanced surgical methods, if they are important to your treatment plan.
Rehabilitation Support
Post-operative rehabilitation is a vital component of a successful recovery. Clinics that offer comprehensive and coordinated rehabilitation support, often in conjunction with physiotherapy or exercise medicine professionals, tend to yield better long-term outcomes.
Credentials and Training
The credentials and training of the specialist may indicate a quality standard of care. Look for a specialist with fellowship training or international exposure. Involvement in research or academic pursuits can also indicate a commitment to staying current with the advancements in the field.
Accessibility and Insurance Coverage
Evaluate the specialist’s location and operating hours to ensure they are convenient for you. Additionally, confirm whether the clinic is covered by your insurance, as this can significantly impact your out-of-pocket expenses.
When to See a Knee Specialist
You should consider seeing a knee specialist for a detailed evaluation if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent pain, swelling or stiffness that lasts for several weeks or worsens, despite rest and conservative treatment
- A feeling that your knee is unstable, or if it locks or gives way while you are walking
- Difficulty with daily activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, due to significantly reduced mobility
- Recurring injuries, or if a past injury has not healed correctly
- The need for complex procedures, such as a joint replacement or ligament reconstruction
Knee issues can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Fortunately, many specialists in Singapore offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for various knee conditions. If you are struggling with chronic knee pain, injury or degenerative change, then it is time to reach out to one of the specialists mentioned in this guide. Ensure that the treatment plan aligns with your lifestyle and recovery goals.
