Knee Specialist In Singapore

Knee pain that doesn’t improve, keeps returning, or affects your walking, sport, or sleep may need a closer look. A knee specialist can help identify the underlying cause and guide you toward a suitable treatment approach.

Dr Dennis Ng is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore with experience diagnosing and treating knee pain and sports-related knee injuries, including minimally invasive keyhole techniques for most cases.

Dr Dennis Ng Zhaowen

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Specialist

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Symptoms | Conditions We Treat | Diagnosis | Treatment | FAQ

When Should You See a Knee Specialist in Singapore?

Not all knee pain needs specialist input, but certain signs suggest it’s worth getting checked.

Pain that doesn’t improve with rest
Symptoms that limit daily movement or affect sport
Pain that returns repeatedly
Symptoms appearing after a twist, fall or collision
Swelling, instability or difficulty bearing weight

A knee specialist can help assess whether symptoms are likely linked to the ligament, meniscus, cartilage, kneecap, tendon, joint lining or bone, since the right approach for a runner’s knee problem may differ from the right approach for an ACL tear, meniscus tear or knee osteoarthritis.

How Dr Dennis Ng Assesses Knee Conditions

Dr Dennis Ng takes a step-by-step approach to find out what’s causing your knee symptoms and an appropriate way forward.

Understanding Your Symptoms

The assessment starts by exploring how your knee pain began, whether from a sports injury, a fall, or gradual wear and tear. Checking how your symptoms affect your daily activities, work, sleep and sport helps point to the likely cause, whether it’s arthritis or an injury to the ACL, meniscus or cartilage.

Physical Examination

Next, your knee is checked for swelling, tenderness, alignment, range of motion, strength and stability. Specific tests are performed to check for ligament or meniscus injuries, kneecap problems, tendon issues or arthritis. This helps decide if you need conservative treatment or further imaging.

Scans And Diagnosis

If needed, X-rays can show bone alignment, arthritis or fractures, while an MRI can reveal soft tissue issues like ACL, meniscus or cartilage damage. Dr Dennis reviews your scans alongside your symptoms and exam findings, since scans alone don’t always tell the full story. In some cases, arthroscopy may be used to look inside the joint directly. This way, your treatment plan is based on a clear diagnosis.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

Knee pain can appear in various ways, depending on the cause. Here are some common symptoms:

Sudden Pain
Pain can range from a mild ache to intense, sharp pain. The pain might be localised to a specific area of the knee or spread throughout the entire joint. It can worsen with activity or even be present at rest.
Swelling
Swelling happens when there is fluid buildup in or around the knee joint. This can make the knee look more prominent than usual and feel tender or sore at the touch. Swelling might occur immediately after an injury or develop slowly over time.
Redness and Warmth
Redness and warmth around the knee are signs of inflammation. The skin over the knee might appear red and feel warmer than the surrounding areas. This can happen due to injury or infection.
Weak Knees
Weakness in the knee can make it feel like it could give way or buckle under your weight. This can make walking or standing uncertain and increase the risk of falling.
Grinding or Popping Sounds
You might hear or feel popping or grinding noises when you move your knee. These sounds can be caused by damage to the cartilage or other structures within the knee joint.
Inability to Fully Straighten the Knee
If you cannot extend your knee fully, it may indicate a serious injury, such as a torn ligament or damaged cartilage. This can severely impair your capacity to carry out daily tasks.
Locking Knees
Locking occurs when the knee gets stuck in one position, and you cannot move it. This can be caused by loose fragments of bone or cartilage within the joint, preventing smooth movement.

Knee Symptoms That May Need Further Assessment

Some knee symptoms may need earlier assessment, especially after a fall, twist, sports injury or sudden change in activity. These may include swelling, warmth, difficulty bearing weight, repeated buckling, locking, or trouble fully bending or straightening the knee.

A knee specialist can help identify whether the symptoms are linked to the ligament, meniscus, cartilage, kneecap, tendon or joint surface, then recommend suitable next steps.

What to Expect at Your First Knee Consultation

Your first knee consultation gives you a clearer understanding of your knee condition and the care options available. Dr Dennis will discuss your symptoms, activity level, past treatments and medical background, then assess your knee movement, strength, stability and walking pattern. If further checks are useful, the clinic may recommend an X-ray, MRI or other tests before guiding you through suitable options.

Physical Examination

During the physical examination, the knee specialist will check your knee by looking for swelling, tenderness, and how well you can move it. The knee specialist will also ask about your medical history and any activities that might have caused the pain.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests allow the knee specialist to view inside your knee to determine the cause of your pain.

X-rays: X-rays are used to look at the bones in your knee. This method can help if there are any fractures or breaks in the bone. X-rays also allow the knee specialist to check the alignment of the bones in your knee.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make detailed pictures of the inside of your knee. It shows soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, helping to identify tears or damage.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A CT scan takes many X-ray images from different angles and combines them to create a detailed picture of your knee. CT scans can reveal complex bone fractures and other bone issues not easily seen on standard X-rays.

Laboratory Tests

Sometimes, blood tests or testing the fluid from your knee joint are needed to diagnose infections or inflammation. If arthritis or infection is suspected, a sample of knee fluid may be taken using a needle to check for symptoms.

Common Knee Conditions We Treat

Here are some of the common knee issues we assess and manage:

Meniscus Tear - A meniscus tear affects the knee's cushioning cartilage and often happens when the knee twists suddenly during sports or physical activity. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, locking, or difficulty bending and straightening the knee.
Cartilage Damage - Cartilage damage may happen after an injury or develop gradually from wear and tear. It can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury - An ACL tear can happen during sports involving pivoting, jumping, or sudden stops. Dr Dennis assesses knee stability and may recommend an MRI to confirm the injury, with treatment options ranging from physiotherapy to ACL reconstruction depending on your activity level and goals.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee - Knee osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in the joint gradually wears down. This can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with daily activities like walking or climbing stairs.
Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee) - Patellar tendinitis affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It's often linked to repeated jumping, running, or overuse, and may cause pain at the front of the knee.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee) - Patellofemoral pain syndrome causes discomfort at the front of the knee or around the kneecap, common in runners, cyclists, and active adults. Treatment is usually non-surgical and may include physiotherapy and activity adjustments.
Knee Bursitis - Knee bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs around the knee become inflamed. This can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain, especially when kneeling or bending.
Knee Fractures - A knee fracture is a break in one or more bones around the knee joint, often from falls, accidents, or sports injuries. Prompt assessment is important to determine the extent of the injury.
Knee Dislocations - A knee dislocation happens when the bones of the knee are forced out of position, usually from significant trauma. It may involve damage to ligaments, blood vessels, or surrounding soft tissues.
Knee Tendonitis - Knee tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons around the knee, often linked to overuse or repetitive strain. Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, or discomfort when bending the knee or climbing stairs.
Baker’s Cyst - A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that forms behind the knee. It's often linked to underlying conditions such as arthritis or meniscus tears.
Chondromalacia Patellae - Chondromalacia patella occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap softens or wears down. It may cause pain at the front of the knee, especially when climbing stairs or squatting.
Complex Knee Trauma - Complex knee trauma may involve multiple injuries such as fractures, ligament tears, or cartilage damage. These cases often require detailed assessment and a personalised treatment plan.

Diagnostic Approaches

Identifying the cause of knee pain helps guide an appropriate treatment plan. A range of diagnostic methods may be used to assess knee problems.

Physical Examination

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests allow the knee specialist to view inside your knee to determine the cause of your pain.

X-rays: X-rays are used to look at the bones in your knee. This method can help if there are any fractures or breaks in the bone. X-rays also allow the knee specialist to check the alignment of the bones in your knee.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make detailed pictures of the inside of your knee. It shows soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, helping to identify tears or damage.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A CT scan takes many X-ray images from different angles and combines them to create a detailed picture of your knee. CT scans can reveal complex bone fractures and other bone issues not easily seen on standard X-rays.

Laboratory Tests

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Treatment Options

We offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific condition. These treatments can be broadly categorised into surgical and non-surgical options.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments for knee pain are often the first line of defence. This includes pain management strategies, methods to reduce inflammation, and approaches to support knee function. These less-invasive methods work well for many knee issues.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involves exercises and treatments designed to improve knee strength, flexibility, and function. A personalised exercise program aims to help you recover from injury or surgery and manage future knee problems.

Medication Management

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage knee pain and reduce inflammation. If required, stronger medications can be prescribed, or over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen can be recommended.

Knee Injections

Pain and inflammation may be temporarily managed with knee injections in suitable candidates. Common injections include corticosteroids, which aim to reduce inflammation, and hyaluronic acid, which lubricates joints and may alleviate arthritis discomfort.

Joint Lubricant Injection for OA Knee

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is commonly treated by hyaluronic acid injections, often called joint lubricant injections. Hyaluronic acid injections aim to lubricate and cushion the knee joint and may help reduce discomfort and improve the range of motion in some patients. Clinical studies report mixed findings on how consistently these injections help, and a doctor can advise whether this option is suitable, particularly for patients who have not responded well to other treatments.

Heat and Ice Therapy

Heat or ice therapy can relieve knee discomfort and swelling. Ice packs reduce inflammation and dull acute pain, while heat relaxes muscles and increases blood flow. This at-home knee pain therapy works well if done in 15-20 minutes several times daily.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery may be considered when non-surgical approaches are not suitable, symptoms persist, or there is significant structural damage.

ACL Reconstruction

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This surgery involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon graft, usually taken from another part of your leg. It is an option often considered for athletes and other physically active individuals.

Meniscus Surgery

Each knee has two menisci. They are rubbery, C-shaped cushions that serve as shock absorbers in the knee joint. Meniscus repair is a common procedure for repairing a torn meniscus. In cases of severe degenerative tears that are not reparable, the torn, damaged portion will be removed.

The surgery requires a few small incisions and typically takes around an hour, depending on the complexity of the repair. The procedure may help reduce pain and improve mobility and stability, supporting a return to daily activities. Individual results vary depending on the extent of the tear and overall knee condition.

Cartilage Resurfacing / Repair

Articular cartilage can be damaged by a traumatic injury, progressive wear or systemic disease. Loss or erosion of articular cartilage causes pain, weakness and dysfunction. If left untreated, cartilage damage can progress and lead to symptomatic arthritis. Cartilage repair (regeneration) surgery aims to encourage the formation of cartilage-like tissue in areas where cartilage has worn away or been damaged.

Techniques vary and may include stimulating the body’s own repair response, transplanting cartilage tissue, or using scaffold-based methods, depending on the size and location of the defect and individual patient factors.

Computer-Assisted Robotic Knee Surgery

This approach may enhance precision during surgery, which can contribute to more consistent alignment and placement of the artificial implants. Clinical studies suggest robotic assistance improves alignment accuracy, though functional outcomes are generally comparable to conventional knee replacement techniques.

Joint Revision Surgery (Complex Joint Replacement)

Joint revision surgery replaces or repairs a failed or worn-out knee replacement. This treatment becomes necessary when the initial knee replacement ceases to operate correctly.

Knee Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery where a small camera (arthroscope) and surgical tools are inserted through small cuts in the knee. This surgery assesses and treats various knee conditions, including ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and meniscus tears.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee joint replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged parts of the knee with artificial implants. This surgery is typically recommended for severe arthritis or joint damage and aims to relieve pain and restore function. There are two types of knee replacement surgeries:

Total Knee Replacement (TKR): This procedure replaces the entire knee joint with artificial components.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): This procedure replaces only the damaged portion of the knee, preserving the healthy parts.

Related Knee Services

For more specific information, read about ACL Reconstruction Singapore, Meniscus Repair Singapore and Sports Knee Injury Treatment.

WHY CHOOSE DR DENNIS NG

Effective & Evidence-Based Orthopaedic Care

Dr. Dennis Ng is dedicated to understanding your unique needs, focusing on restoring
your active lifestyle and overall well-being.

Specialised Experience In Complex Procedures

PATIENT-CENTRED & PERSONALISED APPROACH

Dedicated Aftercare For Optimal Recovery

AFFORDABLE & TRANSPARENT PRICING

Publications

Selected Publications and Presentations

Morey VM, Chua KHZ, Ng ZD, Tan HMB, Kumar VP. Management of the floating shoulder: does the glenopolar angle influence outcomes? A systematic review. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2018;104(1):53 to 58.
Ng DZ, Lau BPH, Tan BHM, Kumar VP. Single-portal technique for knotless arthroscopic Bankart repair. Arthroscopy Techniques. 2017;6(5):e1989 to e1992.
Kumar K, Makandura M, Leong NJJ, Ng ZD, et al. Is the apprehension test sufficient for the diagnosis of anterior shoulder instability in young patients without magnetic resonance imaging? Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. 2015;44(5):178 to 184.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a knee specialist do in Singapore?

A knee specialist assesses, diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the knee joint, including ligament injuries, meniscus tears, cartilage damage, kneecap pain, arthritis, fractures and sports-related injuries. Treatment may include physiotherapy, medication, injections, bracing, keyhole surgery, ligament reconstruction, cartilage procedures or knee replacement, depending on the diagnosis.

When should I see a knee specialist?

You may consider seeing a knee specialist if knee pain lasts more than a few days after injury, keeps returning, affects walking or sport, causes swelling, locking, instability, difficulty bearing weight, or prevents you from fully bending or straightening the knee. Severe swelling, fever, redness, warmth or trauma-related symptoms may require urgent medical care.

Should I see a knee specialist or a physiotherapist first?

A physiotherapist can help with many mild overuse or strengthening-related knee issues. A knee specialist may be more appropriate when there is significant swelling, instability, locking, a sudden sports injury, suspected ligament or meniscus tear, worsening arthritis, or when symptoms do not improve despite physiotherapy.

How much does a knee specialist consultation cost in Singapore?

Private knee specialist consultation fees in Singapore commonly vary by clinic, appointment type and whether imaging or procedures are needed. As a general guideline, initial consultation may range from around SGD 180 to 300 or more, excluding scans, medication or procedures. Confirm the latest fee with the clinic before booking.

Do I need an MRI for knee pain?

Not always. Some knee problems can be assessed through history, physical examination and X-rays. MRI may be recommended when a soft tissue injury is suspected, such as an ACL tear, meniscus tear, cartilage injury or unexplained persistent pain.

Can knee pain recover without surgery?

Yes, many knee conditions can improve with physiotherapy, activity modification, medication, bracing or injections. Surgery is usually considered when there is significant structural injury, persistent instability, mechanical symptoms, severe arthritis, or limited improvement after appropriate non-surgical care.

Is knee surgery covered by MediSave or insurance?

Some approved knee surgeries may be claimable under MediSave, subject to TOSP classification, withdrawal limits, patient eligibility and available balance. Integrated Shield Plans may cover eligible private hospital treatment depending on policy terms, panel requirements, co-payment and pre-authorisation.

What is the difference between a meniscus repair and a meniscus removal?

Meniscus repair aims to stitch and preserve the torn meniscus when the tear pattern and blood supply allow healing. Partial meniscus removal, or meniscectomy, removes the damaged portion when repair is not suitable. The decision depends on tear type, location, tissue quality, symptoms and overall knee condition.

What should I bring to my first knee consultation?

Bring your NRIC, FIN or passport, insurance details, referral letter if any, previous X-rays or MRI scans, medication list, allergy information and a clear description of when symptoms started. For sports injuries, note the movement or incident that caused the pain.

Can I return to sport after an ACL tear or meniscus injury?

Return to sport depends on the diagnosis, treatment type, strength, movement control, healing, rehabilitation progress and sport demands. Dr Dennis can discuss realistic milestones after assessment. Patients should avoid rushing back before the knee is ready, as this may increase reinjury risk.

Book A Knee Consultation In Singapore

Knee pain, swelling, locking or instability should not be left to guesswork. Arrange a consultation with Dr Dennis Ng to understand the cause of your symptoms and the treatment options suitable for your condition.

For severe trauma, fever, intense swelling or inability to bear weight, seek urgent medical care.

Book a Knee Consultation

Dr Dennis Ng Zhaowen

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Specialist

MBBS (Singapore)

MRCSEd

MMED

FRCSEdOrth (Gold Medal Award)

Before private practice, Dr Dennis Ng was the former Deputy Head of the Shoulder & Elbow Division and Sports Knee Division in National University Hospital.

He completed his fellowship at the prestigious Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Centre in London, Ontario, Canada, and has rich experience treating professional athletes and returning them to sports.

Special areas of interests include keyhole and reconstructive procedures of the knee and ankle.

Common procedures include ACL Reconstruction, Meniscus repair, Cartilage resurfacing, Knee preservation etc.

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Insurance

Our clinic is on the specialist panels of the following Health Networks/Insurance Plans, and we are happy to assist with your claims or
attend to any query you may have.