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What new advancements in orthopaedic treatments are available in Singapore?

The Singaporean government takes pride in its robust healthcare system, and one way it maintains that system is by supporting the latest advancements in various medical fields. 

Orthopedics, in particular, is one medical field that’s always adopting new methods and the latest technology in different practices. Off the top of my head, orthopedic specialists have begun using minimally invasive surgical techniques and robotic equipment! 

Here’s a list of the current advancements in orthopedics in Singapore. 

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

doctor-performing-surgery

For most patients, surgery is daunting, and it becomes even more daunting with orthopedic operations because they deal with muscles, soft tissues, and bones. Just thinking about a surgeon cutting up muscles and tissues is enough to make us balk!

Fortunately, these days, orthopedic surgeons have started to use minimally invasive surgical techniques. Traditional surgeries require large cuts to access the affected area, but with these new techniques, the incisions are much smaller.

These minimally invasive surgical techniques are great because it means patients will feel less pain and have a lower risk of complications like infection and blood clots. They will also have a shorter recovery time, so you can get back to your normal life sooner.  

Robotic Equipment in Surgery

robot-doing-surgery

Orthopedic surgeons have also started to use robotic equipment during surgery—a scenario that’s basically straight out of a sci-fi movie! 

The orthopedic surgical robot system has visual image guidance, allowing the surgeon to be more accurate when cutting incisions and taking out damaged ligaments and tissues. The robotic equipment is also stable, so the operation is much more efficient.

This advancement is making its way to knee replacement and hip replacement surgeries. MAKOplasty is the name of the robotic arm used in these types of operations—both partial and total replacements. 

Advances in Regenerative Medicine 

patient-resting

Since orthopedics deals with muscles, soft tissues, and bones, recovery time after surgery tends to be longer than other types of operations. Fortunately, this won’t be the issue anymore because orthopedics is starting to use regenerative medicine. 

If you don’t know regenerative medicine refers to the field that aims to renew, regenerate, and engineer tissue that can be used to replace damaged and defective ones.

Currently, there are two types of regenerative medicine: stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) theory. Orthopedic specialists in Singapore are starting to adopt these. Here’s the difference between the two:

  • Stem cell theory involves taking out the patient’s own living cells and injecting them into the damaged area, prompting the body to heal naturally. 
  • Meanwhile, with platelet-rich plasma theory, the surgeon draws out the patient’s blood and then spins it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets. These platelets have growth factors that prompt the body to heal naturally, so they’re injected into the damaged body part. 

Both methods improve the patient’s experience because they help reduce pain and improve mobility. Plus, the recovery period is shortened immensely!

3D Printing for Custom Orthopedic Implants

3d-printing-machine

Traditionally, there are only a few types of orthopedic implants used during replacement surgeries. The problem with this is that sometimes, implants don’t fit the patient’s needs, so the surgeon has to make some adjustments first, which takes up a lot of time. 

Thankfully, with 3D printing, this won’t be an issue anymore. This is because 3D printing allows for customized orthopedic implants. As a result, the surgery won’t be long since the implants slot into place like puzzle pieces.

Additionally, since the orthopedic implants are customized to fit the patient, the patient will have an improved range of movement. This is great news because before, people couldn’t keep their full range of movement after their knee or hip replacement surgery.

Latest Developments in Spinal Surgery Techniques

spinal-surgery

Spinal surgery is among the major operations in orthopedics, so it’s great to hear that it has several cool technological developments!

The first development we need to talk about is that spinal fusion surgery now adopts a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon only has to make a small incision at the back to insert a disc spacer and pedicle screw fixation to your spine. 

Another massive development is the O-arm navigation in spine surgery. Basically, it’s a computerized 3D navigation system that scans the spine during operation, creating 2D and 3D images that will aid the surgeon in real time.

There are still many more possible innovations in the future. For example, it’s believed that robotic-assisted spine surgery and virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) in spine surgery will happen soon! 

Using AI and Data Analytics to Create Personalized Treatment Plans

doctor-looking-at-a-computer-screen

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is all the rage these days, so it’s not a surprise that it’s found its way into the medical field. Currently, orthopedic specialists are using AI and data analytics to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient! 

To be more specific, generative AI can analyze factors like your range of motion, muscle strength, and mobility to generate exercise routines and rehabilitation protocols. It can also help in estimating the likelihood of risks and complications after surgery!

Orthopedic specialists believe that AI paired with virtual/augmented reality will reshape the future of orthopedics for the better. Hopefully, we don’t have to wait long for this possibility. 

How to Access the Latest Orthopedic Advancements in Singapore

surgery-room-with-robotic-equipment

Singapore hospitals and clinics—both public and private—always aim to remain up-to-date when it comes to the latest technological advancements and methods. But it’s still a good idea to manage your expectations.

The fact of the matter is not all hospitals and clinics will have the latest technological developments. Perhaps, a few of them will have the new technology now, but you can expect the other institutions to catch up soon enough. 

If you want to know which orthopedic center has the latest technology, you can always contact specialists from different centers and ask them about the equipment they use. 

Here are some of the most important orthopedic centers in Singapore:

Name of Orthopedic Center Address
International Orthopedic Clinic (IOC)#05-24 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Rd
Dr. Ong Kee Leong Orthopedic Surgery38 Irrawaddy Rd, #06-59/60/61 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
Mount Elizabeth Hospital Orthopedic and Spine Center3 Mount Elizabeth, #13-06 Medical Centre
Singapore Sports and Orthopedic Clinic (SSOC)6 Napier Road, #02-10/11 Gleneagles Medical Center
Orthopedic Sports Medicine Suite 12-06 Connexion, 1 Farrer Park Station Road