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Experienced Spine Surgeons in Singapore
Spine Surgery
Whether you are living with chronic back pain, a herniated disc, scoliosis, or a spinal injury, an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. At Orthopaedics International, our spine specialists draw on decades of surgical experience to assess your condition and guide you through your options.
Orthopaedic Spine Specialists Singapore
Our Spine Surgeons
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon
With over 20 years of experience in orthopaedic and spine surgery, Dr. Tan Chong Tien is one of Singapore’s most experienced spine specialists. He served as Director of the Spine Service at Singapore General Hospital from 1989 to 2005, where he was instrumental in establishing the spine subspecialty and introducing a range of innovative spinal procedures. During that time, he also mentored a generation of local and international spine surgeons.
Dr. Tan’s expertise spans the full spectrum of spinal conditions, with a particular focus on spinal injuries, scoliosis, endoscopic spine surgery, and complex orthopaedic surgery.
Conditions treated: Spine injuries, degenerative spinal disease, scoliosis, and general orthopaedic conditions.
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Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Ngian Kite Seng brings deep clinical knowledge to the management of spinal conditions, alongside a strong record in academic orthopaedics. His published work includes research on cervical fusion in rheumatoid arthritis and burst fractures of the lumbar spine—both complex conditions that demand precision and experience.
Beyond the spine, he has extensive experience managing high-risk and complex orthopaedic cases and has co-authored book chapters on orthopaedic surgery.
Conditions treated: Spine injuries, lumbar and cervical conditions, scoliosis, and general orthopaedic conditions.
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Specialist Neurosurgeon
Dr. Tan Siah Heng is a neurosurgeon with a focus on minimally invasive spine techniques, spinal disc replacement, and the treatment of degenerative conditions affecting the cervical and lumbar spine. He completed two prestigious scholarships: first in London, training in spinal surgery, and subsequently in Zurich, Switzerland, where he trained specifically in minimally invasive spine techniques under Professor Dieter Grob.
Dr. Tan was the first surgeon in Southeast Asia to use the Bryan Artificial Cervical Disc and has performed approximately 50 artificial disc implantations. He remains actively involved in teaching and has been an invited speaker and instructor at surgical courses and conferences.
Conditions treated: Prolapsed discs, spondylosis, myelopathy, radiculopathy, degenerative cervical and lumbar spine disease, and spinal tumours.
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Spine Surgeries Available at Orthopaedics International
Discectomy / Microdiscectomy
Removal of a herniated disc fragment that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord. The minimally invasive (micro) version uses a small incision and causes less disruption to surrounding muscles, leading to a faster recovery.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
A highly minimally invasive approach using a small camera and specialised instruments to treat conditions such as disc herniations and spinal stenosis. Patients typically experience less post-operative pain and a significantly shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.
Spinal Fusion
Two or more vertebrae are permanently joined to eliminate movement between them. This is commonly used to treat instability, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, or following a discectomy in the cervical or lumbar spine.
Laminectomy / Laminotomy
Removal of part or all of the lamina (the back portion of a vertebra) to decompress the spinal canal and relieve pressure caused by spinal stenosis or thickened ligaments.
Cervical Disc Replacement (Artificial Disc Surgery)
An alternative to cervical fusion is where a damaged disc in the neck is replaced with an artificial implant that preserves natural movement in the spine.
Scoliosis Correction Surgery
For significant curves that have not responded to non-surgical management, spinal instrumentation and fusion are used to straighten and stabilise the spine. Both adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and adult degenerative scoliosis are managed.
Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty
Minimally invasive procedures for compression fractures of the spine, often caused by osteoporosis, in which bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilise it.
Spinal Cord Tumour Surgery
Tumours affecting the spinal cord or the space around it may cause progressive neurological symptoms, including weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder and bowel control. Surgical removal aims to decompress the spinal cord and, where possible, achieve full resection of the tumour.
Spinal Injections
A non-surgical intervention used to diagnose and manage neck and back pain. Depending on the source of pain, injections may be administered into the epidural space, facet joints, or around specific nerve roots. They can provide relief on their own or be used as part of a broader treatment plan.
Patient / Case Anecdotes
The following cases illustrate the range of conditions our spine specialists treat and the outcomes patients have experienced. The cases shown are the results of spine surgery for different spine diagnoses. The results shown are specific to that case, and may not apply to other cases with similar diagnoses.
Patient details have been anonymised.
Relief from four years of back pain
Spine Decompression and Fusion
A 61-year-old patient came to Dr. Tan Chong Tien in 2023 after four years of worsening low back pain that radiated down both legs. By the time she sought help, she could only walk for about ten minutes before the pain became too much. An MRI confirmed very severe L4-5 and moderately severe L5-S1 spinal canal narrowing.
Dr. Tan performed a L4 to S1 decompression and a pedicle screw instrumentation with interbody fusion procedure to address the compression.
Following surgery, she had excellent relief of her back pain and sciatica and she was walking comfortably again.
Relief from four years of back pain
A 61-year-old patient came to Dr. Tan Chong Tien in 2023 after four years of worsening low back pain that radiated down both legs. By the time she sought help, she could only walk for about ten minutes before the pain became too much. An MRI confirmed very severe L4-5 and moderately severe L5-S1 spinal canal narrowing.
Dr. Tan performed a L4 to S1 decompression and a pedicle screw instrumentation with interbody fusion procedure to address the compression.
Following surgery, she had excellent relief of her back pain and sciatica and she was walking comfortably again.
Scoliosis correction in a teenage patient
Corrective Scoliosis Surgery
A 14-year-old girl was brought in after her family noticed a progressive hump on her right side and an uneven shoulder line over six months. Clinically she had a large right thoracic hump and elevated right shoulder. X-rays confirmed a moderately severe thoracic curve consistent with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.
Dr. Tan Chong Tien performed a surgical correction with instrumentation and fusion from T4 to L1, using a navigation system (O Arm) for precise pedicle screw placement and intraoperative spinal cord monitoring throughout the procedure. The surgery was done with very high degree of safety with regards to her neurological function.
The procedure resulted in an excellent correction of her spinal curve.
Scoliosis correction in a teenage patient
A 14-year-old girl was brought in after her family noticed a progressive hump on her right side and an uneven shoulder line over six months. Clinically she had a large right thoracic hump and elevated right shoulder. X-rays confirmed a moderately severe thoracic curve consistent with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.
Dr. Tan Chong Tien performed a surgical correction with instrumentation and fusion from T4 to L1, using a navigation system (O Arm) for precise pedicle screw placement and intraoperative spinal cord monitoring throughout the procedure. The surgery was done with very high degree of safety with regards to her neurological function.
The procedure resulted in an excellent correction of her spinal curve.
Spine Surgery in Singapore — For Patients Across the Asia-Pacific Region
Singapore’s healthcare system operates under strict regulatory standards, and its surgeons typically complete postgraduate training at institutions overseas before returning to practice. For patients across the APAC region, this means access to surgical techniques and clinical protocols that align with international norms.
At Orthopaedics International, we treat patients travelling from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, and beyond. Many come seeking a second opinion on a diagnosis received at home. Others are looking for procedures, such as endoscopic spine surgery, that may have limited availability in their country.
Practical Considerations for International Patients
English is widely spoken in Singapore, making communication with your care team straightforward. The country is a well-connected travel hub with direct flights from most major APAC cities. For many patients, the combined cost of travel and treatment in Singapore is comparable to receiving equivalent care in Australia, Japan, or South Korea.
Before You Travel
Telemedicine consultations are available for international patients who wish to speak with a specialist before making travel arrangements. Our team can review existing scans or reports and advise on whether an in-person visit is the appropriate next step. We can also help coordinate consultations, pre-operative assessments, and any administrative requirements ahead of your arrival.
Our Mission
To provide patient-focused, comprehensive care in Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, and Sports Medicine.
Our Core Values
We prioritise respect, empathy, integrity, continuous improvement, and teamwork to deliver exceptional patient care.
Our Vision
To be the leading provider of private specialist care. We are driven to set the standard for healthcare excellence both locally and internationally.
Hear from our patients
Disclaimer:
All reviews displayed on The Orthopaedics International Specialist Group’s website are provided directly by our patients via our Patients Experience Survey.
We adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth by Singapore’s Healthcare Services (Advertisement) Regulations 2021 (“Advertisement Regulations”) to ensure the authenticity and integrity of all patient feedback.
JP
8 months ago
Excellent. Dr Ong Joo Haw had a warm disposition, which was reassuring for my son, the patient. He asked clear questions and performed a detailed physical examination to rule out certain things. I appreciated his methodical approach. He explained the various possibilities for my son’s pain in clear, layman, terms. All in, a pleasant experience.
A.H.
8 months ago
Dr Leslie Leong provided a sincere and undivided attention to my son’s injury, and I also want to compliment the nurse (Chris Quek), she is very attentive and very caring towards the patient and family member. Good job
C.L.
8 months ago
Extremely positive experience. Dr Tan Chong Tien is extremely skilful and experienced. He was able to explain my condition in an easy to understand manner. He is also very empathetic and understanding which helps when you’re in discomfort.
B.F
8 months ago
My overall experience with Dr Patrick Goh and his staff was excellent. I was attended to promptly, the staff were warm and reassuring, Dr Goh explained the treatment and procedure clearly to me before administering it. Dr Goh is my “go-to” Sports physician.
E.L
9 months ago
Dr Ivan Chua is excellent, very knowledgeable, good listener and understands patient’s need. Receptionist is also very kind and polite
O.Pl
9 months ago
Dr Chan is a patient, knowledgeable and caring doctor. Always cheerful and going that extra mile to explain any questions posed. His staff are pleasant and most helpful. A wonderful and great team.
Why Choose Orthopaedics International for Spine Surgery
Many of our doctors pursued advanced training overseas, gaining exposure to complex cases, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and international best practices in orthopaedic care.
Subspecialties under one roof
Our spine surgeons work alongside specialists in sports medicine, joint reconstruction, neurosurgery, and more. Complex cases can be directed to exactly the right care without unnecessary referrals.
Advanced surgical techniques
Our surgeons are trained in minimally invasive and endoscopic approaches, which can mean less pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
A track record you can trust
With a combined team experience of over 353 years and more than 10,000 patients treated, our specialists bring deep, practical expertise to every consultation.
Experienced Spine Specialists in Singapore
Get a Consultation for Your Spinal Condition
If you are experiencing back or neck pain or have already received a diagnosis and wish to discuss your surgical options, our spine specialists are available for consultation. Please bring any existing scans or reports, and we will work through your options with you.