Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery in Singapore

By Your Health Magazine Contributor

Your Health Magazine Contributor

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Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery in Singapore

Preparing for orthopaedic surgery can feel stressful, especially if it is your first operation. You may have questions about tests, fasting, medication, hospital admission, costs, recovery and how much help you will need at home.

Orthopaedic surgery may be planned for conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles or cartilage. This may include knee surgery, hip replacement, shoulder surgery, fracture fixation, ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery, foot and ankle procedures or other treatments.

Good preparation can help patients understand what to expect and reduce avoidable stress before the procedure.

What Is Orthopaedic Surgery?

Orthopaedic surgery is surgery for conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. This includes the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage.

It may be recommended when:

• Pain affects daily movement
• A fracture needs stabilisation
• A tendon or ligament is torn
• A joint is unstable
• Arthritis causes severe pain or loss of function
• Non-surgical care has not provided enough relief
• The injury is unlikely to heal well without surgery

Surgery is not always the first option. Many orthopaedic problems can be managed with medication, physiotherapy, bracing, injections or activity changes. When surgery is recommended, patients should understand why it is needed, what alternatives exist and what recovery may involve.

What Should You Ask Before Surgery?

Before agreeing to surgery, patients should have a clear discussion with their orthopaedic doctor. This helps you understand the aim of treatment and make an informed decision.

Useful questions include:

• What is my diagnosis?
• Why is surgery being recommended?
• Are there non-surgical options I can consider first?
• What happens if I delay surgery?
• What type of surgery will be done?
• What are the possible risks and benefits?
• How long will recovery take?
• Will I need physiotherapy?
• When can I return to work, driving, exercise or sport?
• What costs should I expect?

It may help to write these questions down before the consultation.

How Can Patients Prepare Their Health Before Surgery?

Your general health can affect surgery and recovery. Before the procedure, the care team may review your medical history, medication use and fitness for anaesthesia.

Medical Conditions

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Asthma or lung disease
• History of blood clots
• Bleeding disorders
• Sleep apnoea
• Previous problems with anaesthesia
• Any current infection, fever or open wound

Some conditions may need to be better controlled before surgery. For example, patients with diabetes may need blood sugar management because poor control can affect healing and infection risk.

Medication and Supplements

Bring an updated list of all medicines and supplements. Include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products and traditional remedies.

This is important because some medicines may affect bleeding, blood pressure, blood sugar or anaesthesia.

Ask your doctor what to do with:

• Blood thinners
• Diabetes medication
• Blood pressure medication
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers
• Steroids
• Supplements such as fish oil or ginkgo
• Traditional or herbal products

Do not stop prescribed medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Smoking and Alcohol

If you smoke, your doctor may advise stopping before surgery. Smoking can affect wound healing and recovery. Alcohol intake should also be discussed, especially if you drink regularly.

Fitness and Strength

For some planned procedures, gentle exercise or “prehabilitation” may be recommended before surgery. This means improving strength, flexibility and general fitness before the operation.

Prehabilitation may help patients prepare for:

• Joint replacement
• ACL reconstruction
• Meniscus surgery
• Shoulder surgery
• Foot and ankle surgery
• Other procedures that need rehabilitation after surgery

Only do exercises that are safe for your condition.

What Pre-Surgery Tests Might Be Needed?

Tests depend on the type of surgery, age, health condition and hospital requirements. Not every patient needs the same tests.

Pre-surgery checks may include:

• Blood tests
• X-rays
• MRI or CT scans, if needed for planning
• ECG to check heart rhythm
• Chest X-ray in selected cases
• Urine tests
• Anaesthesia review
• Medical clearance from another specialist, if needed

These tests help the team plan surgery and reduce risks where possible.

What Should You Know About Anaesthesia?

Anaesthesia is used to keep you comfortable during surgery. The type depends on the procedure, health condition and anaesthetist’s assessment.

Common types include:

• General anaesthesia: You are asleep during the operation.
• Regional anaesthesia: A specific area of the body is numbed.
• Spinal or epidural anaesthesia: Often used for some lower limb procedures.
• Local anaesthesia with sedation: Used for selected minor procedures.

Before surgery, the anaesthetist may ask about allergies, medication, past anaesthesia problems, medical conditions and fasting. Follow the fasting instructions carefully because eating or drinking too close to surgery may increase anaesthesia risks.

What Should Patients Know About Fasting?

Patients are usually given instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. The timing can vary depending on the hospital, type of anaesthesia and procedure.

Follow the instructions given by your surgical or hospital team. Do not guess. If you accidentally eat or drink after the allowed time, inform the team before surgery.

You should also ask:

• When should I stop solid food?
• Can I drink plain water?
• What time should I stop drinking water?
• Which medicines should I take on the morning of surgery?
• What should I do if I have diabetes medication?

How Should You Prepare for Hospital Admission?

The clinic or hospital will usually give instructions before admission. These may include where to report, what time to arrive and what documents to bring.

You may need to bring:

• NRIC or identification document
• Insurance details, if applicable
• Referral letter, if applicable
• Previous scans or reports
• Medication list
• Comfortable clothing
• Non-slip footwear
• Mobility aids, if already using them
• Personal items for an overnight stay, if needed

Avoid bringing valuables. Remove jewellery, nail polish or contact lenses if advised.

How Can You Prepare Your Home for Recovery?

Home preparation is especially important if surgery affects walking, balance, arm use or daily movement.

Before surgery, consider:

• Clearing walkways of clutter
• Removing loose rugs or trip hazards
• Preparing a firm chair with armrests
• Placing daily items within easy reach
• Arranging help with meals and chores
• Setting up a sleeping area that is easy to access
• Preparing non-slip bathroom mats
• Ensuring good lighting at night
• Asking about toilet or shower aids, if needed
• Arranging transport home after discharge

If you will use crutches, a walker, sling or brace, ask the care team how to use it safely.

How Should You Plan for Recovery Time?

Recovery varies depending on the surgery and your general health. Some procedures allow same-day discharge, while others need a hospital stay. Some patients return to light activities within weeks, while others may need months of rehabilitation.

Ask your doctor about:

• Expected hospital stay
• Wound care
• Pain control
• Weight-bearing restrictions
• Use of crutches, braces or slings
• When stitches or dressings are reviewed
• Physiotherapy schedule
• Time off work
• Driving restrictions
• Return to exercise or sport
• Follow-up appointment dates

Planning ahead can help reduce stress after surgery.

Will Physiotherapy Be Needed?

Physiotherapy is often part of recovery after orthopaedic surgery. It helps restore movement, strength, balance and function.

Physiotherapy may focus on:

• Walking safely
• Reducing stiffness
• Improving joint movement
• Building strength
• Regaining balance
• Learning safe movement techniques
• Returning to work or sport gradually
• Reducing the risk of repeat injury

The type and timing of physiotherapy depend on the surgery. Follow the plan given by your doctor and physiotherapist.

How Can Patients Understand Surgery Costs in Singapore?

Costs can vary depending on the type of surgery, hospital setting, surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia, implants, scans, medication, ward choice and length of stay.

Patients should ask for a cost estimate before surgery where possible.

Useful questions include:

• What is the estimated total cost?
• What does the estimate include?
• Are implants or special consumables needed?
• Are anaesthetist fees included?
• Are hospital charges included?
• Will physiotherapy or follow-up visits cost extra?
• Can MediSave be used?
• What does my insurance cover?
• Are there possible additional costs?

Where Can Patients Discuss Orthopaedic Surgery Preparation?

Patients preparing for surgery should receive instructions that are specific to their diagnosis, procedure and health condition. General advice can help, but it should not replace guidance from the treating doctor.

At HC Orthopaedic Surgery, an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, patients may discuss what to expect before orthopaedic surgery, including the diagnosis, treatment options, pre-surgery checks, possible risks, rehabilitation needs and recovery planning. This helps patients understand the process and prepare questions before making care decisions.

What Happens on the Day of Surgery?

On the day of surgery, patients usually report to the hospital or day surgery centre at the instructed time. After registration, the team may confirm your identity, procedure, consent, fasting status, medication use and allergies.

You may be asked to:

• Change into a surgical gown
• Remove jewellery or accessories
• Confirm the operation site
• Speak with the anaesthetist or surgical team
• Have your vital signs checked
• Receive an intravenous line
• Wait before being brought to the operating area

It is normal to feel nervous. If you are unsure about anything, ask the team before the procedure begins.

What Warning Signs Should You Watch For After Surgery?

Before discharge, ask your care team what symptoms are expected and which signs need urgent attention.

Seek medical advice promptly if you notice:

• Fever
• Worsening wound redness, warmth or swelling
• Pus or unusual wound discharge
• Heavy bleeding from the wound
• Sudden severe pain
• Pain that does not improve with prescribed medication
• Calf pain or swelling
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Numbness, weakness or loss of movement
• A fall after surgery
• A brace, cast or dressing that feels too tight
• Cold, pale or blue fingers or toes beyond a cast or dressing

These symptoms may suggest infection, blood clot, circulation problems or another complication that needs review.

Preparing for orthopaedic surgery in Singapore involves more than booking a procedure date. Patients should understand the diagnosis, treatment options, anaesthesia plan, medication instructions, fasting requirements, costs and recovery timeline.

Good preparation can make the surgery journey clearer and less stressful. Patients should ask questions, follow pre-surgery instructions, prepare the home environment and plan for rehabilitation. After surgery, follow-up care and physiotherapy may help support recovery and return to daily activities.

This article is for general information only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.