the major knee ligaments are preserved , in contrast to total knee replacement , which sacrifices most of the joint , including major ligaments . As a consequence , patients describe a much more natural-feeling knee after partial knee replacement .
In addition , patients are able to bend their knees significantly more after a partial knee replacement , which is particularly useful for patients who have to squat or kneel as part of their work , or for cultural and religious practices . This can often be more problematic after a total knee replacement .
“ In short , partial knee replacement is safer , better , and offers faster recovery than total knee replacement ,” said Dr Wee .
Bunion surgery A bunion is a painful bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when it begins to drift outwards , leading to limitations in activity and footwear . Bunion surgery is another area where minimally invasive techniques are gaining traction , with a move towards using very small sub-centimetre incisions to relieve pain and correct the deformity .
After minimally invasive bunion surgery , the patient experiences much less pain and swelling , and is typically able to walk right away using protective shoes . The small sub-centimetre incisions allow for rapid healing and lower infection rates , avoiding the perennial wound problems seen in traditional open bunion surgery .
In bunion surgery , cosmetic appearance is an important factor . Minimally invasive bunion surgery reliably results in tiny scars that are barely visible , providing a decisive advantage over the prominent scars seen in open surgery .
Treating ankle sprains and arthritis Arthroscopy , or “ keyhole ” surgery , is an important minimally invasive technique used around the foot and ankle . This is done through an incision of less than a centimetre to insert a camera into the joint . Another similar sub-centimetre incision is made to insert surgical instruments , allowing the surgeon to both view and manipulate the instruments within the joint .
“ From these “ keyhole ” portals , you can do a considerable amount of work . We use arthroscopy to treat foot and ankle injuries by making repairs and correcting arthritic deformities without having to resort to the big incisions that have been traditionally used .
“ We get better results than open surgery simply because , by protecting the tissue envelope around the joints , we preserve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications . Patients heal better and faster , and can return to activity much quicker ,” said Dr Wee .
In recent years , there has been a shift towards minimally invasive surgery utilising two or three small incisions in treating patients with recurrent ankle sprains and instability , with better results than open surgery .
“ My team and I have developed the “ Lasso ” technique to reconstruct damaged ankle ligaments through a single one-centimetre incision , with an even lower risk of skin complications after surgery and very little pain . Most patients are back at work within one to two weeks after surgery , and can return to sports within a couple of months or earlier .”
Choosing the right surgeon In Singapore , the equipment and facilities available to both public and private healthcare institutions is comparable , so the real differentiating factor when it comes to outcomes after surgery lies chiefly in the experience and skill of the surgeon .
In Dr Wee ’ s case , he has a wealth of expertise as the complete lower limb surgeon , achieving a rare dual sub-specialisation in both Hip & Knee Surgery and Foot & Ankle Surgery after completing Fellowships at Oxford University Hospitals and the Royal National
Orthopaedic Hospital in the UK . As a high-volume surgeon in both minimally invasive partial knee replacement and “ keyhole ” surgery of the foot and ankle , Dr James Wee is uniquely placed to offer the optimal solutions to problems afflicting the hip , knee , foot and ankle . He is a firm advocate in affording his patients safer , better and faster recovery through minimally invasive surgery . n
“ My team and I have developed the “ Lasso ” technique to reconstruct damaged ankle ligaments through a single one-centimetre incision , with an even lower risk of skin complications after surgery and very little pain .”
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com JUNE 2021
5