Dr Alan Cheung: Specialised Experience in Sports Surgery, Joint Reconstruction and Robotic Surgery
Orthopaedic surgery encompasses a wide range of treatments for conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. From sports-related injuries to degenerative joint conditions, specialised training and clinical experience play an important role in assessing patients and determining suitable treatment approaches.
In Singapore, Dr Alan Cheung is a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Medical Director of International Orthopaedic Clinic (IOC). With over 20 years of experience in orthopaedics, his clinical interests include sports surgery, adult joint reconstruction and robotic-assisted orthopaedic procedures.
His professional background combines surgical training in the United Kingdom, fellowship training in Australia and involvement in sports medicine, orthopaedic education and developments in surgical technology.
International Training and Experience in Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr Alan Cheung obtained his medical degree from University College London before completing his specialist training in Trauma and Orthopaedics in London, United Kingdom.
He subsequently undertook fellowship training in Joint Reconstruction and Musculoskeletal Oncology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia. This advanced training provided further exposure to the management of complex musculoskeletal conditions and reconstructive surgical techniques.
His professional qualifications include Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS), Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Trauma and Orthopaedics (FRCS), and a Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine from the United Kingdom.
Before establishing International Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr Cheung served as a Consultant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in Singapore.
His training and clinical experience have contributed to his areas of focus in sports injuries, joint reconstruction and robotic-assisted surgery.
Specialised Experience in Sports Surgery and Sports Medicine
Sports injuries can affect individuals across different ages and activity levels, from recreational athletes to those participating in competitive sports.
Common injuries include torn knee ligaments, meniscus tears, shoulder instability, tendon injuries and cartilage damage. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve physiotherapy, rehabilitation, activity modification or surgical intervention.
Dr Cheung's practice covers sports-related musculoskeletal conditions, including injuries that may require procedures such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, meniscus surgery and arthroscopic joint surgery.
His involvement in sports extends beyond his clinical practice. As an active sportsman who participates in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other physical activities, Dr Cheung has personal experience with the physical demands of athletic training.
He has also served in medical roles supporting national and international sporting events. His professional experience includes working as Team Doctor for the Wrestling Federation of Singapore, providing medical coverage for HSBC World Rugby Sevens and Super Rugby events, and participating in medical teams for ONE Championship and ONE Warrior Series events.
He also holds a Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine and has been involved in sports medicine education as a World Rugby Educator.
This combination of clinical practice and direct involvement in sporting environments provides Dr Cheung with insight into the different demands that sports place on the musculoskeletal system.
However, surgery is not always necessary for sports injuries. Treatment decisions depend on the nature of the injury, the patient's symptoms, joint stability and physical activity requirements.
Fellowship Training and Practice in Joint Reconstruction
Joint reconstruction is another area of Dr Cheung's orthopaedic practice. It involves procedures intended to restore or improve joint function when damage, injury or degenerative conditions affect movement and daily activities.
Conditions such as advanced osteoarthritis, joint deformities and certain traumatic injuries may lead to persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. When non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, reconstructive surgery may be considered.
Dr Cheung's fellowship training in Joint Reconstruction and Musculoskeletal Oncology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital provided specialised exposure to reconstructive procedures and the management of complex joint conditions.
His current areas of practice include knee and hip replacement surgery, with both conventional and robotic-assisted approaches considered according to individual patient requirements.
Knee replacement may involve replacing the entire joint surface or only the affected compartment, depending on the extent and location of the damage. Similarly, hip replacement involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components to address selected conditions affecting the hip.
Not every patient with joint pain requires replacement surgery. Factors such as symptom severity, imaging findings, functional limitations and response to conservative treatment help determine whether surgical intervention is appropriate.
Training in Robotic-Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery
Developments in surgical technology have introduced additional tools for planning and performing certain orthopaedic procedures. One example is robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, which combines imaging, computer-assisted planning and robotic guidance to support surgical precision.
Dr Cheung has undertaken training in several robotic-assisted orthopaedic systems, including MAKOplasty, NAVIO and ROBODOC.
He received certification in the MAKOplasty robotic surgical system at the Homer Stryker Centre in Mahwah, New Jersey, United States. He also underwent NAVIO training at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California, and ROBODOC training at Mirae Hospital in Busan, South Korea.
These technologies use different methods to support surgical planning and bone preparation during joint replacement procedures.
For example, MAKOplasty uses CT-based three-dimensional imaging to help surgeons plan implant positioning according to a patient's anatomy. During surgery, robotic-arm guidance assists the surgeon in following the planned bone preparation.
NAVIO uses intraoperative mapping to create a patient-specific surgical plan without requiring a preoperative CT scan. ROBODOC uses CT-based planning and robotic technology for bone preparation in selected joint replacement procedures.
Although robotic systems can assist with surgical planning, alignment and precision, they do not eliminate the need for surgical judgement. The orthopaedic surgeon remains responsible for treatment planning, clinical decisions and overseeing the procedure.
Robotic-assisted surgery is also not necessarily suitable for every patient. Its use depends on the condition being treated, the type of procedure, the patient's anatomy and the availability of appropriate technology.
Dr Cheung's training across these systems reflects his involvement in robotic-assisted approaches to joint reconstruction.
Contributions to Orthopaedic Education and Professional Development
Alongside his clinical practice, Dr Cheung has been involved in medical education, professional training and orthopaedic research.
He previously served as a Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, where he participated in teaching medical students and orthopaedic residents.
He has also worked as an international instructor for Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), a training programme focused on the assessment and management of patients with traumatic injuries.
His involvement in surgical education includes serving as an instructor for a hip and knee reconstruction course in Myanmar and participating in training activities across the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition, Dr Cheung has published in peer-reviewed medical journals and presented at international conferences. His professional affiliations include the Singapore Orthopaedic Association, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Asia Pacific Knee Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Society.
These activities reflect his continued involvement in orthopaedic education, professional collaboration and developments in surgical practice.
Orthopaedic Care at International Orthopaedic Clinic in Singapore
Dr Alan Cheung established International Orthopaedic Clinic to provide assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions in Singapore.
The clinic offers orthopaedic services covering sports injuries, knee and hip conditions, shoulder problems, foot and ankle injuries, joint replacement and other musculoskeletal concerns.
Its services include both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, depending on the patient's condition and clinical needs.
With clinic locations at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre and Farrer Park Hospital, IOC provides access to orthopaedic assessment and treatment planning for individuals experiencing sports-related injuries, degenerative joint conditions and other musculoskeletal problems.
Through his background in international surgical training, sports medicine, adult joint reconstruction and robotic-assisted procedures, Dr Cheung brings experience across several areas of orthopaedic care to his clinical practice.
For individuals experiencing persistent joint pain, instability or limitations in movement, an orthopaedic assessment can help establish the underlying condition and determine appropriate management options.
