If you’ve heard about knee or hip replacement surgery — but worry about pain, long hospital stays, or a slow recovery — there’s good news. In Singapore, new surgical techniques under the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) approach are changing the way patients heal. We spoke with Dr Jerry Chen from ALPS Medical Centre, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (#06-05) on how this approach helps patients walk earlier and recover faster.

What Is ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)?

ERAS is a modern surgical care pathway designed to minimise pain, shorten hospital stays, and help patients regain mobility sooner. It focuses on:

  • Advanced surgical techniques that reduce soft tissue damage

  • Structured nursing and physiotherapy support before and after surgery

  • Improved pain control with less reliance on strong painkillers

Compared to traditional knee replacement surgery — where patients may stay in the hospital for 3–4 days — ERAS patients often stand and walk on the same day and may be discharged within 18 hours to rest comfortably at home.

Hip Replacement: The “Surgery of the Century”

Hip replacement is one of the most successful procedures in modern medicine. It relieves pain caused by arthritis and restores mobility in people whose joint has worn out.

The damaged cartilage and bone are replaced with medical-grade implants made of durable metal and plastic.

Anterior vs Posterior Hip Replacement Approach

Surgical Approach Scar Location Recovery Speed Walking Ability Early On
Direct Anterior Approach Front of the hip Faster (especially first 6 weeks) Patients walk more steps, reduce walking aids sooner
Posterior Approach Back of the hip Slower early recovery phase May rely on aids longer

Patients who undergo the anterior approach often regain function faster in the short term.

Partial vs Total Knee Replacement

Condition Recommended Surgery Benefits
Arthritis affecting only one compartment of the knee Partial Knee Replacement Smaller incision, quicker recovery, less post-op pain
Arthritis affecting all three compartments Total Knee Replacement Long-term pain relief using durable implants

Modern knee implants often include:

  • Cobalt-chrome alloy (upper component)

  • Titanium alloy (lower component)

  • Cross-linked polyethylene (smooth, durable cushion)

Can Knee Replacement Be a Day Surgery in Singapore?

Yes. Many patients — especially active individuals — can undergo same-day discharge knee replacement under the ERAS pathway.

For Overseas Patients

  • Fly in 1 day before surgery

  • 1-night hospital stay after the procedure

  • Return home within 1 week if the wound is healing well

  • Follow-up wound checks and physiotherapy can be done via telemedicine

This makes Singapore a convenient medical travel destination for joint replacement surgery. PRIME

About Dr Jerry Chen

Dr Jerry Chen is an orthopaedic surgeon at ALPS, located at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre #06-05, specialising in knee and hip replacement using minimally invasive and ERAS techniques to support faster, safer recovery.

Author

  • PRIME is a bi-monthly health and lifestyle magazine for those aged 40 and above. Published since 2006 by Spring Publishing, it features inspiring cover stories of celebrities, as well as other health and lifestyle information. Prime has also featured leading celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, Mary Buffett, and many others.

    Each issue contains a Special Feature that covers a specific theme or topic, a Cover Story, an Ask the Doctor section (where doctors answer readers’ questions), Nutrition and Well-being segments, and Leisure and Lifestyle content.

    Celebrate your best years with Prime today!

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