More Knee Surgeries in Singapore as Older Adults Seek Active Lifestyles

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and other medical facilities are performing more knee surgeries as the population, especially older adults, seeks to maintain active lifestyles. This trend includes both knee replacement and knee preservation surgeries.

Diana Chin, 64, underwent knee preservation surgery at SGH in 2022. The procedure, which realigned her leg bones to reduce joint load, allowed her to resume weight training and gardening within months, aiming to return to a pain-free and active life.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) reported performing 760 knee replacement operations in 2023, up from 670 in 2022, with over 90% being total knee replacements and a median patient age of 68. TTSH also saw an increase in knee preservation operations, from about 50 in 2022 to around 65 in 2023.

SGH conducted over 2,000 total knee replacements in 2023, an increase of about 50 from the previous year. Associate Professor Jerry Chen Yongqiang from SGH attributes the growing demand to an aging population, greater awareness of treatment options, and increased physical activity leading to more joint stress and damage.

Knee surgery is often recommended for conditions like osteoarthritis, which erodes joint cartilage and causes pain and mobility issues. The goal of these surgeries is to enable patients to return to hobbies such as tennis, golf, or hiking, thereby supporting a healthy lifestyle at older ages.