Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery in Singapore

Orthopaedic surgery may be considered for conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, or nerves. These may include knee arthritis, hip arthritis, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, shoulder conditions, fractures, foot and ankle problems, and sports-related injuries.Preparing for surgery involves clinical, practical, and financial planning. Patients may need medical tests, anaesthesia assessment, medication review, fasting instructions, hospital admission planning, home preparation, and recovery arrangements.

Why Preparation Matters Before Orthopaedic Surgery

Preparation helps patients understand the procedure, reduce uncertainty, and plan for recovery. Orthopaedic surgery may affect walking, driving, work, caregiving duties, exercise, and daily routines, depending on the type of procedure.Before surgery, patients should understand:

• The diagnosis
• Why surgery is being considered
• What the procedure involves
• Whether non-surgical options remain suitable
• What type of anaesthesia may be used
• What risks and complications may apply
• What recovery may involve
• Whether physiotherapy is needed
• What costs and insurance matters need to be checked

Clear preparation also helps patients arrange transport, home support, medical leave, and follow-up care.

1. Understand the Reason for Surgery

Before proceeding, patients should understand why surgery is being recommended. Orthopaedic surgery may be performed to repair damaged tissue, stabilise a joint, treat a fracture, replace a worn joint, relieve nerve compression, or address a condition that has not responded to non-surgical care.Questions to ask include:

• What is my diagnosis?
• What problem is surgery intended to address?
• Is the surgery urgent, time-sensitive, or elective?
• What may happen if I delay surgery?
• Are there non-surgical options available?
• What symptoms may surgery help with?
• What symptoms may remain after surgery?
• What outcome is realistic for my condition?

Patients should also ask the orthopaedic surgeon to explain imaging findings, such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or ultrasound results, in relation to their symptoms.

2. Review Your Medical History and Medications

A medical review is usually part of surgery preparation. This helps the healthcare team assess whether any medical conditions or medications may affect surgery, anaesthesia, bleeding risk, wound healing, or recovery.Patients should inform the doctor about:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Lung conditions
• Previous blood clots
• Stroke history
• Bleeding disorders
• Allergies
• Previous anaesthesia issues
• Smoking history
• Current infection or fever
• Pregnancy, where relevant

Patients should also bring a full medication list. This should include prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, supplements, traditional medicines, and blood thinners.Do not stop or change medication unless instructed by the doctor. Some medications may need to be adjusted before surgery, while others may need to be continued.

3. Attend Pre-Surgery Assessments

Depending on the type of orthopaedic surgery and the patient’s medical condition, pre-surgery assessment may involve:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• ECG
• Chest X-ray, where needed
• Anaesthesia assessment
• Review of medical conditions
• Medication instructions
• Functional assessment
• Discussion of hospital admission and discharge planning

Patients undergoing major procedures, such as knee replacement, hip replacement, spine surgery, or fracture surgery, may need additional checks. Patients with existing medical conditions may also need clearance or review before surgery.

4. Discuss Anaesthesia

Orthopaedic surgery may be performed under different types of anaesthesia. The type used depends on the procedure, health condition, surgical plan, and anaesthetist’s assessment.Anaesthesia options may include:

• General anaesthesia
• Regional anaesthesia
• Spinal or epidural anaesthesia
• Local anaesthesia
• Sedation, where suitable

Patients may ask:

• What type of anaesthesia may be used?
• Will I be awake or asleep during the procedure?
• What side effects may occur after anaesthesia?
• Do my medical conditions affect anaesthesia planning?
• What fasting instructions should I follow?
• What medication should I take on the morning of surgery?

Patients should follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare team.

5. Follow Fasting Instructions

Fasting instructions are important before many procedures, especially when anaesthesia or sedation is used. These instructions reduce the risk of food, fluid, or stomach contents entering the lungs during anaesthesia.Patients may receive instructions on when to stop:

• Solid food
• Milk or milky drinks
• Clear fluids
• Chewing gum
• Sweets or lozenges

Fasting instructions may differ depending on the hospital, type of anaesthesia, timing of surgery, and patient factors. Patients should follow the exact fasting instructions given by the hospital or surgical team.If fasting instructions are not followed, surgery may be delayed or rescheduled for safety reasons.

6. Prepare Documents and Medical Records

Before admission or day surgery, patients may need to prepare relevant documents.Items to bring may include:

• Identification document
• Admission documents
• Insurance information
• Referral letter, if any
• Previous X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or reports
• Medication list
• Allergy information
• Medical reports from other doctors
• Payment or pre-authorisation documents
• Consent forms, where already provided

Patients should confirm with the clinic or hospital what documents are needed before the surgery date.

7. Plan Costs, Insurance, and MediSave Matters

Orthopaedic surgery costs in Singapore may vary depending on the procedure, hospital setting, ward type, surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees, implants, medication, length of stay, imaging, and rehabilitation needs.Before surgery, patients may ask:

• What is the estimated cost of surgery?
• What does the estimate include?
• Are hospital, surgeon, anaesthetist, implant, and medication fees billed separately?
• Are follow-up visits included?
• Will physiotherapy be billed separately?
• Can MediSave be used?
• Can MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan apply?
• Is insurer pre-authorisation required?
• Is the doctor or hospital on the insurer’s panel?
• What out-of-pocket payment may be expected?

Patients should check directly with the clinic, hospital, and insurer. Coverage depends on the treatment, policy terms, claim limits, panel arrangements, and eligibility.

8. Prepare Your Home for Recovery

Orthopaedic surgery may temporarily affect movement, balance, lifting ability, and daily tasks. Preparing the home before surgery can make the early recovery phase easier to manage.Depending on the procedure, patients may consider:

• Arranging a sleeping area that is easy to access
• Removing loose rugs or floor clutter
• Placing frequently used items within reach
• Preparing simple meals in advance
• Arranging help with groceries, childcare, or housework
• Setting up a stable chair with arm support
• Preparing ice packs if advised
• Checking bathroom safety
• Making space for walking aids
• Keeping medication and wound supplies organised

Patients having lower limb surgery may need crutches, a walker, a brace, or a walking boot. Patients having upper limb surgery may need help with dressing, bathing, cooking, and carrying items.

9. Arrange Transport and Support

Patients should not drive themselves home after surgery if they have had anaesthesia, sedation, or procedures that affect safe movement. Even after day surgery, someone may need to accompany the patient home.Patients may need support for:

• Transport after discharge
• Moving around at home
• Wound care reminders
• Medication schedules
• Meals and household tasks
• Follow-up appointments
• Assistance with mobility aids

Patients should ask the doctor when they may resume driving, as this depends on the procedure, pain control, mobility, medication use, and ability to react safely.

10. Understand Wound Care and Infection Signs

After orthopaedic surgery, wound care instructions may be provided before discharge. Patients should follow the dressing, bathing, and wound care instructions given by the healthcare team.Patients should ask:

• When should the dressing be changed?
• Can the wound get wet?
• When can I shower?
• When are stitches or staples removed?
• What wound changes should I watch for?
• Who should I contact if there is discharge or bleeding?

Possible signs that need medical advice include:

• Increasing redness
• Worsening swelling
• Pus or discharge
• Fever
• Wound opening
• Increasing pain around the wound
• Bleeding that does not settle
• Warmth spreading around the wound

Patients should seek advice early if they are concerned about wound healing.

11. Prepare for Pain Control

Some pain or discomfort is expected after orthopaedic surgery. Pain control helps patients rest, move safely, participate in rehabilitation, and recover according to the plan.Patients may ask:

• What pain medication will I receive?
• How often should I take it?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• Can I take my usual medication at the same time?
• What should I do if pain is not controlled?
• Should I avoid any medication after surgery?

Patients should take medication as instructed and avoid exceeding the recommended dose.

12. Understand Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy may be part of recovery after many orthopaedic procedures. It may be especially relevant after joint replacement, ligament surgery, tendon repair, fracture fixation, shoulder surgery, knee surgery, hip surgery, and foot or ankle surgery.Rehabilitation may focus on:

• Restoring movement
• Reducing swelling
• Building strength
• Improving balance
• Supporting walking
• Training safe transfers
• Returning to work or sport gradually
• Reducing stiffness
• Guiding use of walking aids or braces

Patients should ask when physiotherapy should begin and what exercises are safe after surgery.

13. Plan Return to Work and Daily Activities

Time away from work depends on the type of surgery, job demands, pain control, wound healing, and mobility. Desk-based work may resume earlier than manual work, depending on the procedure and medical advice.Patients may ask:

• How much medical leave may be needed?
• Can I work from home during recovery?
• Will I need modified duties?
• When can I climb stairs?
• When can I drive?
• When can I exercise?
• When can I carry heavy items?
• When can I return to sport?

Patients should avoid rushing back into activity without medical advice, especially after joint, tendon, ligament, or fracture surgery.

14. Know When to Seek Medical Advice After Surgery

Patients should know what symptoms require review after discharge.Seek medical advice if there is:

• Fever
• Worsening wound redness or discharge
• Sudden increase in pain
• Calf pain or swelling
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden numbness or weakness
• Severe swelling
• Persistent vomiting
• Bleeding that does not settle
• New difficulty moving the operated limb
• Concern about the cast, brace, or dressing

For severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, or major bleeding, urgent medical care may be needed.

Questions to Ask Before Orthopaedic Surgery

Patients may prepare these questions before the pre-surgery consultation:

• What procedure am I having?
• Why is this procedure recommended?
• Are there non-surgical options?
• What are the risks in my case?
• What type of anaesthesia may be used?
• What tests do I need before surgery?
• What medication should I stop or continue?
• What fasting instructions should I follow?
• How long will I stay in hospital?
• Will I need physiotherapy?
• When can I walk, work, drive, or exercise?
• What costs should I expect?
• Can insurance or MediSave apply?
• What symptoms after surgery need urgent attention?

Preparing for orthopaedic surgery in Singapore involves medical assessment, anaesthesia planning, medication review, fasting instructions, cost and insurance checks, hospital admission preparation, home planning, and recovery arrangements.Patients should understand why surgery is being recommended, what the procedure involves, what risks may apply, and what recovery may require. A clear discussion with the orthopaedic doctor, anaesthetist, hospital team, and insurer can help patients prepare for the procedure and the recovery period.This article is for general information only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

FAQ

What should I do before orthopaedic surgery?

You may need to attend pre-surgery assessments, review medication, follow fasting instructions, prepare documents, arrange transport, check costs and insurance, and prepare your home for recovery.

Do I need to fast before orthopaedic surgery?

Fasting may be needed if anaesthesia or sedation is used. Patients should follow the exact fasting instructions given by the hospital or surgical team.

What should I bring on the day of surgery?

Patients may need to bring identification, admission documents, insurance information, previous scans or reports, medication list, allergy information, and any documents requested by the hospital.

Can I use MediSave for orthopaedic surgery in Singapore?

MediSave may be used for eligible hospitalisation and day surgery expenses, subject to applicable limits and eligibility. Patients should check with the clinic, hospital, and insurer before surgery.

When can I return to work after orthopaedic surgery?

Return to work depends on the type of surgery, job demands, pain control, wound healing, mobility, and medical advice. Manual work may require a different recovery timeline from desk-based work.

Will I need physiotherapy after orthopaedic surgery?

Physiotherapy may be needed after many orthopaedic procedures, especially surgery involving joints, tendons, ligaments, fractures, or mobility. The doctor will advise when rehabilitation should begin.