The People Involved in Providing Orthopaedic Care

In cases of injuries and other musculoskeletal diseases, seeking orthopaedic treatment is essential to restoring mobility, function, and overall well-being. Alongside specialist orthopaedic surgeons are other medical professionals who collaborate together to provide a well-rounded treatment and recovery programme for patients.

Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic surgeons are specialist doctors focused on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of injuries and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons have the most in-depth knowledge of the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, including the soft tissues supporting the bones and joints. In Singapore, in order to become qualified as an orthopaedic specialist by the Specialists Accreditation Board, one will need to pursue additional years of specialist education and fulfil stringent working, academic and training requirements following their general medical degree. Some Specialists are selected for fellowships where they undergo further sub-specialist training at international centres. It is common for other medical professionals to refer patients to an orthopaedic surgeon if they require more complex orthopaedic treatments or a specialist’s second opinion. Patients may also consult directly with these specialists if they experience acute or chronic symptoms or conditions.

Sports Medicine Doctors

Sports medicine doctors are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage injuries arising from sports and exercise. They provide care to athletes and non-athletes with active lifestyles. Unlike orthopaedic surgeons, however, they generally do not perform surgeries. Beyond injury management, sports medicine doctors also guide patients on injury prevention, weight management, athletes’ pre-participation screening, sports nutrition, sports psychology, exercise physiology and so on.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists work closely with patients – especially following orthopaedic surgery – to design personalised rehabilitation programmes and exercises that help restore function and movement. They play a crucial role in post-surgery recovery; and in mild orthopaedic injuries, may even be the primary form of treatment itself, if conservative treatment is deemed sufficient. Physiotherapists help manage pain, enhance balance, and improve flexibility and strength through exercises, muscle stretches, and other stimulation devices.

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists provide practical advice and strategies for patients to help them regain their independence in performing day-to-day activities. Occupational therapists focus on improving patients’ fine motor skills, helping them master or relearn activities of daily living (ADLs), advise on activity modifications, and help rehabilitate patients from injuries, medical conditions, and surgeries. Ultimately, the goal is to enable patients to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Orthopaedic Nurses

Orthopaedic nurses are nurses skilled in providing orthopaedic care. The duties of orthopaedic nurses span from monitoring patient’s vitals, administering medications and performing wound care, assisting patients in various tasks, and coordinating surgeries and rehabilitation sessions. Sometimes, they may also assist during an orthopaedic surgery. They are also usually responsible for the early identification of post-surgical complications, such as infections and sepsis, for prompt management.

Rheumatologists

Rheumatologists are specialist doctors who are skilled in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other rheumatic or autoimmune diseases. Rheumatic diseases are conditions primarily affect the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues; and can sometimes even impact various organ systems. If your condition is deemed to have a rheumatic or autoimmune source, or require surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will work with your rheumatologist to provide more comprehensive care.

Podiatrists

Podiatrists focus on issues relating to the foot, ankles, and lower extremities. Besides the joints, they also treat skin, nail and biomechanical problems in the area. Podiatrists can treat conditions such as heel and arch pain, flat feet, ingrown toenails, plantar warts, knee pain, fungal nails, toe walking, diabetic foot ulcers, and more. However, if the issue is deemed too severe or requires more advanced intervention, such as bone and joint surgery, the patient may be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon.

Physiatrists

Also known as rehabilitation physicians, physiatrists provide comprehensive care for patients dealing with disabilities, chronic pain, and various physical and cognitive challenges arising from immobility, chronic illness or injury. Physiatrists are experienced in formulating an all-rounded treatment plan to alleviate patients’ symptoms and enhance their quality of life and daily functioning. This usually involves collaborating with other medical specialists and allied health professionals.

Dr Wang Lushun

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)

An orthopaedic surgeon with over 18 years of experience, Dr Wang Lushun has garnered accolades for his exemplary patient outcomes following surgery, service quality to patients, and contributions to enhanced recovery programmes. He is skilled in advanced orthopaedic surgery, including complex knee and hip replacement, minimally invasive techniques, and robotic surgery. Dr Wang collaborates closely with medical professionals across various fields and has experience treating national athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Dr Wang Lushun or Dr LS Wang is Dual Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon having received subspecialist training in UK and France.