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Orthopaedic Surgery

​Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

We are a tertiary level referral centre which takes care of disorders of the bones, joints and the musculoskeletal system in both children and adults. With more people getting involved in sporting activities and a rapidly ageing population, the level of injuries and degenerative disorders of bones and joints is set to rise to new highs. We believe that "Movement is Life" and our department is well-equipped with the specialists to help keep you active and healthy.


We are sub-divided into seven Clinical Divisions:

  • Adult Reconstruction & Joint Replacement Surgery
  • Foot and Ankle Surgery 
  • Musculoskeletal Oncology
  • Orthopaedic Trauma 
  • Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Sports, Shoulder & Elbow Surgery 
  • University Spine Centre
Our surgeons usually sub-specialise in the treatment of surgical conditions in one or two of the sub-specialties. This ensures that they are proficient in their particular field of interest. Our surgeons are supported by a dedicated team of housemen, anaesthetists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, social workers, case managers, administrators and other allied health staff who work as a team to ensure quality care for our patients.
 

Our History

 

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at NUH has its roots and origins in the University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, set up in 1952 at the Singapore General Hospital with Professor J A P Cameron as the Head of Department. The Orthopaedic and Traumatic Surgery service established was one of the earliest in this region. At that time, it served a population of nearly one million people, including some patients from the surrounding countries. Undergraduate teaching started at the same time, with a comprehensive, broad-based, clinically oriented programme emphasising practical and basic common problems in Orthopaedic and traumatic surgery. The Department also became closely associated with the training of Orthopaedic surgeons from countries under the Colombo Plan, and this association developed to an international level when the World Orthopaedic Concern was formed in Singapore. This commitment to teaching and patient care resulted in the recognition of the University Department as one of the finest Orthopaedic Surgery programmes in East Asia in the 1960s through early 1980s.

On 24 June 1985, the University Department moved into the newly-built National University Hospital, and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at NUH was formally established under the leadership of Professor Kamal Bose. In the 30 years since its inception, the Department has continued its tradition of combining specialised medical care in orthopaedics, with a well-designed teaching programme for undergraduates and postgraduates. Under the keen stewardship of Professor Bose (1985-1998), Professor Lee Eng Hin (1998-2001), Professor K. Satkunanantham (2001-2004), Professor Wong Hee Kit (2004-2015), A/Prof Wilson Wang (2015-2019) and presently Prof James Hui (1 Jan 2020). The Department has flourished and developed into the well-known modern tertiary level referral centre which provides a comprehensive range of orthopaedic services.




 

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