Hip Arthroscopy
in Singapore
Hip pain or stiffness can make everyday activities such as walking, sitting for long periods or participating in sports increasingly uncomfortable. Some people may notice clicking, catching or a reduced range of motion in the hip joint, which can gradually affect mobility and physical activity.
When these symptoms persist despite rest, physiotherapy or medication, further evaluation may be needed to determine the underlying cause. In some cases, hip arthroscopy may be recommended to assess and treat problems within the hip joint. This minimally invasive approach allows doctors to address certain hip conditions while aiming to relieve pain, improve joint function and help patients return to their daily activities more comfortably.
What Is Hip Arthroscopy and Who Needs It?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the hip joint. During the procedure, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted through tiny incisions, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the joint and use specialised instruments to address the underlying problem.
Hip arthroscopy is often considered when persistent hip pain, stiffness or mechanical symptoms such as clicking or catching do not improve with conservative treatments like rest, physiotherapy or medication.
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
A condition in which abnormal bone growth around the hip joint causes the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain and joint damage.
Loose Bodies
Small fragments of bone or cartilage that become trapped within the joint, potentially causing pain, locking or limited motion.
Labral Tears
Tears in the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the hip socket and helps stabilise the joint.
Snapping Hip Syndrome
A condition where tendons or muscles move over bony structures in the hip, creating a snapping sensation during movement.
Cartilage Damage
Injury or gradual wear of the smooth cartilage that lines the hip joint, which can cause pain and restricted movement.
When imaging tests and clinical evaluation confirm a treatable hip condition, hip arthroscopy may help relieve pain, improve joint function and support a return to daily activities.
What to Expect From Hip Arthroscopy
How to Prepare
- Temporarily stop certain medications, particularly blood thinners
- Avoid food and drinks for a specified period before surgery
- Arrange for assistance at home during the early recovery phase
Procedure Overview
- A thin camera is inserted to provide a clear view of the hip joint
- Sterile fluid is introduced to expand the joint space for better visualisation
- Damaged cartilage or labral tears may be repaired
- Loose fragments of bone or cartilage may be removed
- Other soft tissue abnormalities may be treated
Aftercare and Recovery
- Gradually increase activity as the hip heals
- Begin physiotherapy to restore mobility and strength
- Use pain-relief medication and cold therapy to manage swelling
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor recovery
Treatment Benefits
Hip arthroscopy can help by addressing structural problems within the hip joint that cause pain, stiffness or instability. This minimally invasive procedure may provide several benefits, including:
Treatment Benefits
How Does Hip Arthroscopy Improve Hip Function?
Hip arthroscopy can help by addressing structural problems within the hip joint that cause pain, stiffness or instability. This minimally invasive procedure may provide several benefits, including:
Pain Relief
By repairing torn cartilage, treating labral injuries or correcting impingement, hip arthroscopy can help relieve persistent hip pain.
Improved Hip Mobility
Treating structural problems within the joint can improve range of motion, making everyday activities such as walking, bending or sitting more comfortable.
Faster Recovery
Because hip arthroscopy uses small incisions and causes minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, many patients experience a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Better Joint Function
Restoring proper joint mechanics can improve hip stability and support smoother movement during daily activities.
Helps Prevent Further Joint Damage
Addressing underlying problems early may help slow the progression of joint damage and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Understanding the Risks
As with any surgical procedure, hip arthroscopy carries certain risks. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss these with you before the procedure and take appropriate steps to minimise complications.
Although hip arthroscopy is generally considered safe, possible risks may include:
Understanding the Risks
Potential Risks and Complications of Hip Arthroscopy
As with any surgical procedure, hip arthroscopy carries certain risks. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss these with you before the procedure and take appropriate steps to minimise complications.
Although hip arthroscopy is generally considered safe, possible risks may include:
- Infection at the incision sites or within the hip joint
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Temporary nerve irritation or numbness around the hip or thigh
- Persistent pain or stiffness after surgery
- Damage to surrounding cartilage, ligaments or soft tissues
- Fluid accumulation or swelling in the joint
Careful surgical planning, proper post-operative care and adherence to rehabilitation instructions help reduce these risks. Regular follow-up appointments allow your doctor to monitor recovery and address any concerns promptly.
Cost of Hip Arthroscopy in Singapore
The cost of hip arthroscopy in Singapore can vary depending on several factors related to the procedure, hospital setting and the patient’s individual condition. These factors influence the overall cost of treatment and recovery.
Key Cost Drivers
Key factors that may influence the overall cost of hip arthroscopy include:
Type and complexity of the procedure
Hospital or surgical facility
Surgeon’s expertise and professional fees
Pre-operative tests and imaging
Length of hospital stay
Post-operative rehabilitation
Insurance and Financing
Patients in Singapore may also be able to use MediSave, MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans to help offset certain medical expenses, depending on eligibility and insurance coverage. During your consultation, your orthopaedic specialist can provide a more personalised estimate based on your condition and treatment plan.
Explore Minimally Invasive Hip Care at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Persistent hip pain, stiffness or reduced mobility can gradually affect daily activities and quality of life if left untreated. Early assessment allows doctors to identify the underlying cause of hip symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment before the condition progresses. When conservative treatments are no longer effective, minimally invasive procedures such as hip arthroscopy may help address structural problems within the joint, relieve discomfort and support improved hip function.
Explore Minimally Invasive Hip Care at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Persistent hip pain, stiffness or reduced mobility can gradually affect daily activities and quality of life if left untreated. Early assessment allows doctors to identify the underlying cause of hip symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment before the condition progresses. When conservative treatments are no longer effective, minimally invasive procedures such as hip arthroscopy may help address structural problems within the joint, relieve discomfort and support improved hip function.
Our Specialised Team
At HC Orthopaedic Surgery, patients receive personalised care for a wide range of hip conditions, including labral tears, impingement and cartilage injuries. Dr Henry Chan is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon with extensive expertise in joint preservation and minimally invasive techniques. Dr Nicholas Yeoh specialises in advanced hip and knee reconstruction, including arthroscopic procedures for hip conditions. The orthopaedic team also includes Dr Toon Dong Hao and Dr Tang Zhi Hao, who provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s condition and recovery goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hip Arthroscopy
How long does the procedure take?
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Can I walk immediately after surgery?
Can hip arthroscopy help with cartilage damage?
Can both hips be treated at the same time?
Meet Our Specialist Team
Our team comprises Dr Henry Chan, Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao, and Dr Tang Zhi Hao — experienced orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialty experience and a patient-centred approach to care.
Dr Henry Chan
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Henry Chan is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in joint replacement and complex revision surgery. Trained at the renowned Helios Endo-Klinik in Germany under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he has performed over 1,000 joint replacements and specialises in computer-assisted and robotic joint replacement techniques for precise outcomes.
Dr Nicholas Yeoh
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Edinburgh), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Nicholas Yeoh is an MOH-accredited orthopaedic specialist and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in hip and knee reconstruction in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he specialises in minimally invasive joint replacement, robotic surgery and advanced techniques that enhance recovery and surgical outcomes.
Dr Toon Dong Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Leeds), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Toon Dong Hao is a skilled orthopaedic surgeon and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in Advanced Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, Dr Toon specialises in sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery and complex shoulder, elbow and knee procedures to restore function and mobility.
Dr Tang Zhi Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Tang Zhi Hao is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He completed his Foot and Ankle Surgery fellowship at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System in Seoul under Professor Jin Woo Lee. Prior to private practice, he served as Consultant and Deputy Head of Orthopaedics at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.