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Best Orthopaedic Surgeons in Singapore: Editorial Directory by Sub-Specialty

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Best Orthopaedic Surgeons in Singapore: Editorial Directory by Sub-Specialty
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A neutral, editorial directory of notable orthopaedic surgeons practising in Singapore, grouped by sub-specialty to help you find the right expertise. This is not a ranking and not a paid listing.

How we compiled this directory

We list established, currently-practising orthopaedic surgeons with a clear public professional footprint, chosen to cover the main areas of bone, joint and musculoskeletal care — not by who pays. Profiles are compiled from public sources and we omit ratings and prices, which we cannot independently verify. This is an independent editorial selection, not an advertisement — see our editorial policy. Always verify a doctor’s current registration on the SMC public register and choose based on your own needs, your GP’s referral and your insurance.

Sports & knee surgeons (ACL, arthroscopy, cartilage)

Spine surgeons (back & neck)

Hand, shoulder & upper limb surgeons

  • Dr Foong Wei Sheng — Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Shoulder & elbow)
  • Dr Lim Yeow Wai — Raffles Orthopaedic Centre (Shoulder, elbow & hand (upper limb) surgery)
  • Dr Luke Peter — Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Shoulder & elbow)
  • Prof Tan Mann Hong — Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Musculoskeletal tumours & limb salvage)

Hip & knee joint replacement surgeons

Foot & ankle surgeons

General orthopaedic surgeons

How to choose

  • Match the sub-specialty to your problem — a sports/knee surgeon for ACL and cartilage, a spine surgeon for back or neck, a hand & upper-limb surgeon for shoulder/hand, a hip & knee surgeon for joint replacement, or a foot & ankle surgeon.
  • Try conservative care first where suitable — physiotherapy, injections and activity changes often help before surgery is considered.
  • Check registration on the SMC public register and confirm fees and hospital affiliations directly with the clinic; a GP referral helps with subsidies.
  • Costs — some procedures (e.g. knee replacement) are MediSave-claimable; see specialist consultation costs and public vs private specialists.

Looking for a clinic rather than a named doctor? See our shortlist of orthopaedic clinics in Singapore.

Independent editorial directory — not a paid listing or ranking, and not medical advice. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.

What an orthopaedic surgeon treats and when to see one

An orthopaedic surgeon manages conditions of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and spine — from sports injuries and fractures to arthritis, back and neck pain, and joint replacement. Many musculoskeletal problems improve with conservative care first, so a GP, physiotherapist or sports physician is often the right starting point. Consider an orthopaedic specialist for a significant injury, a joint that locks or gives way, pain that limits daily activity despite treatment, or symptoms such as numbness, weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control, which need prompt review.

What to look for when choosing an orthopaedic surgeon

Confirm Singapore Medical Council registration and inclusion on the Register of Specialists in Orthopaedic Surgery. Orthopaedics is highly sub-specialised, so fit matters.

  • A sports and knee surgeon for ACL, cartilage and arthroscopy.
  • A spine surgeon for back and neck conditions.
  • A hand, shoulder and upper-limb surgeon for those regions.
  • A hip and knee surgeon for joint replacement, or a foot and ankle surgeon.

Ask about non-surgical options, the surgeon’s experience with your procedure, rehabilitation support and hospital affiliation.

Public vs private orthopaedic care

Public hospital orthopaedic departments provide subsidised care through a GP or polyclinic referral, while private clinics offer faster scheduling and continuity at higher cost. Both are staffed by SMC-registered specialists, so weigh wait times, subsidy eligibility and your preferences.

Costs and financing

Many orthopaedic operations, including joint replacement and arthroscopy performed as inpatient or day surgery, are MediSave-claimable within prevailing limits, and MediShield Life may help with larger hospital bills. Consultations and elective items are generally paid out of pocket. Confirm fees, implant costs and claim eligibility with the clinic beforehand.

Common questions

Do I always need surgery for joint or back pain?

No. Many conditions respond to physiotherapy, injections or activity changes; surgery is considered when conservative care does not help.

Do I need a referral to see an orthopaedic surgeon?

Not for private care, but a referral supports subsidised public-hospital care and appropriate initial imaging.

How long is recovery after joint replacement?

It varies by procedure and individual; your surgeon and physiotherapist will outline an expected rehabilitation timeline.

Related sub-specialty directory

Looking for a more specific focus? See our Best spine surgeons in Singapore — back and neck surgery, from orthopaedic and neurosurgical spine specialists.

Part of our Bones, joints, spine & sports guides · Browse all health topics

Listed here, or want to be? If you are a doctor or clinic featured on this page and would like your entry corrected, updated or removed — or you would like to be added or featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right orthopaedic surgeon?

Match the sub-specialty to your problem — sports/knee surgeon for ligament and cartilage issues, spine surgeon for back or neck, hand & upper-limb surgeon for shoulder/hand, hip & knee surgeon for joint replacement, or foot & ankle surgeon. A GP referral helps direct you and supports subsidies.

Do I need surgery, or can physiotherapy help first?

Many orthopaedic problems improve with conservative care — physiotherapy, activity modification and sometimes injections — before surgery is considered. A surgeon can advise when surgery is genuinely needed versus when to try non-surgical options first.

Is this a ranking of the best bone surgeons?

No. This is a neutral editorial directory grouped by sub-specialty, not a ranking and not a paid listing. We list established specialists to help you find the right expertise, and we encourage you to verify details and choose based on your own needs.

Do I need a referral to see an orthopaedic surgeon?

You can see a private orthopaedic surgeon directly, but a GP or polyclinic referral is recommended — it ensures the right initial assessment and imaging, may be needed for subsidised public-hospital care, and supports insurance claims.