Subchondroplasty Treatment in Singapore
Subchondroplasty is a minimally invasive orthopaedic procedure designed to address bone marrow lesions associated with joint degeneration or injury. It involves targeted treatment of underlying bone changes that may contribute to joint pain and dysfunction. Read more below:
What is Subchondroplasty For The Knee And Ankle?
Our ankle and knee joints are covered by articular cartilage, which is a smooth, white tissue covering the ends of bones where they come into contact with one another, to enable the bones to glide over each other with very little friction.
Subchondroplasty means ‘surgical repair below the cartilage’ and is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be done for painful bone marrow lesions beneath joint cartilages.
What symptoms do bone marrow lesions (BMLS) cause?
BMLs can be a source of significant pain and functional impairment, and when left untreated, these microfractures in the subchondral bone may weaken the bone and cause fractures of the joint cartilage, collapse of the articular surfaces in the joint and progression of arthritis.
How can bone marrow lessions (BMLS) be treated?
Your orthopaedic doctor will normally recommend conservative treatment options first such as resting the affected leg through use of joint braces and crutches. You will be prescribed analgesia to relieve the pain. Physiotherapy may also help by teaching you how to off-load weight from the affected leg. Some BMLs, especially those associated with bone impaction and bleeding caused by trauma, are reversible and resolve in approximately 2 to 4 months.
However, if there is persistent and worsening pain, a surgical procedure such as the minimally invasive subchondroplasty treatment in Singapore may be recommended.
What is Subchondroplasty?
Subchondroplasty in Singapore is a minimally-invasive surgery that can help relieve pain arising from bone marrow lesions. The procedure targets subchondral bone defects by injecting Bone Substitute Material (BSM) into the area of bone edema via a special needle under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance.
BSM is an artificial mineral compound that hardens quickly when injected and mimics properties of cancellous bone. The goal is to improve the structural quality of the affected subchondral bone to prevent further bone collapse and progression of arthritis. As the bone heals, the BSM is absorbed and completely replaced by the new bone itself.
What are the risks for Subchondroplasty?
Is Subchondroplasty Painful?
What is the recovery process like?
Is Subchondroplasty a replacement for total joint replacement surgery?
How do I get started?
About Dr Seng Chusheng
Dr Seng Chusheng
About Dr Seng Chusheng
Dr Seng Chusheng is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Axis Orthopaedic Centre, specialising in foot and ankle surgery. His expertise includes minimally invasive bunion correction, complex foot and ankle fracture fixation, keyhole ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than a thousand surgeries and manages a broad range of conditions, including general orthopaedic trauma and sport-related knee injuries.
Dr Seng received advanced fellowship training at the Assal Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on complex deformities, trauma and minimally invasive techniques. Before entering private practice, he served as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Singapore General Hospital and continues as a visiting consultant. His dedication to patient care has been recognised with the SingHealth Service With A Heart Award. Actively involved in research and education, Dr Seng regularly presents at local and international conferences and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing orthopaedic practice.
Our Orthopaedic Clinic Locations
With three conveniently located clinics across Singapore, Dr Seng provides accessible and comprehensive orthopaedic care closer to where you live and work. Each location is equipped to deliver accurate diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Medical Centre
#06-33
Singapore 329563
Medical Centre
#04-08
Singapore 427989
Medical Centre A
#03-08
Singapore 574623
Teleconsult Available
For foreign patients, a tele-consult on Zoom or WhatsApp can be done if pre-arranged in advance. Please email or WhatsApp first to enquire.
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