Dr Lim Chin Tat
Dr Lim Chin Tat
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon | Joint Replacement & Sports Surgery Specialist in Singapore
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Foot & Ankle Specialist in Singapore
Specialty: Orthopaedic Surgery
Subspecialty Focus
- Complex joint replacement
- Robotic-assisted joint replacement
- Sports orthopaedic surgery
- Hip and knee reconstruction
Qualifications
- MBBS – National University of Singapore
- MRCS – Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh)
- MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery) – National University of Singapore
- FRCS (Orthopaedics) – Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh)
- FAMS (Orthopaedics) – Academy of Medicine Singapore
- FACS – American College of Surgeons
Practice Location
- The Orthopaedic Practice and Surgery (TOPS), Singapore
- StarMed Specialist Centre
Previous Hospital Role
-
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
National University Hospital -
Assistant Professor
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS
Common Conditions Treated
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Knee ligament injuries
- Meniscus injuries
- Hip labral injuries
- Sports-related knee injuries
- Joint degeneration
- Hip and knee cartilage injuries
Procedures Performed
- Total hip replacement
- Total knee replacement
- Robotic-assisted joint replacement
- Revision joint replacement
- Hip arthroscopy
- Sports ligament reconstruction
Looking for a Joint Replacement Specialist in Singapore?
Dr Lim Chin Tat is a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a special interest in complex hip and knee joint replacement, robotic-assisted joint replacement, and sports surgery.
He is Singapore Ministry of Health accredited and has completed advanced orthopaedic fellowship training in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Before entering private practice, Dr Lim served as:
- Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at National University Hospital
- Assistant Professor at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
His clinical work focuses on helping patients with hip and knee problems restore mobility and function, through treatment options that may include physiotherapy, minimally invasive procedures, or joint reconstruction surgery.
What Conditions Does Dr Lim Chin Tat Treat?
Dr Lim commonly assesses patients with hip and knee pain, joint degeneration, and sports injuries.
Hip Conditions
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Hip cartilage damage
- Hip labral tears
- Hip degeneration
- Hip conditions requiring joint replacement
Knee Conditions
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Meniscus tears
- Knee ligament injuries
- Knee cartilage damage
- Sports-related knee injuries
- Knee instability
Surgical Procedures
- Total hip replacement
- Total knee replacement
- Robotic-assisted joint replacement
- Complex joint reconstruction
- Revision joint replacement
- Hip arthroscopy
When Should You See a Joint Replacement Surgeon?
Hip and knee problems often develop gradually but can significantly affect daily life.
You may consider seeing an orthopaedic surgeon if you experience:
- Persistent hip or knee pain while walking
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Joint stiffness or swelling
- Knee instability or giving way
- Pain that limits sports or exercise
- Reduced mobility affecting daily activities
An orthopaedic consultation usually involves clinical assessment and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to identify the cause of the symptoms.
Training and Fellowship
Dr Lim was awarded a Ministry of Health Scholarship for advanced fellowship training.
Oxford Fellowship
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom
Training included:
- Complex hip replacement
- Knee replacement surgery
- Hip arthroscopy
- Sports orthopaedic surgery
- Uni-compartmental knee replacement
Stanford Fellowship
Stanford Hospital and Clinics
Stanford University, California, United States
Training included:
- Complex hip replacement
- Revision hip replacement
- Complex knee replacement
- Outpatient joint replacement surgery
Academic and Research Contributions
Dr Lim has been actively involved in teaching medical students, orthopaedic residents, and specialist doctors across the region.
He previously served as:
- Deputy Undergraduate Medical Education Director
- Core Faculty Member of the NUHS National PGY1 Programme
He has published over 30 peer-reviewed research articles.
His research interests include:
- Biomechanical analysis of hip and knee prostheses
- Improving implant longevity
- Designing joint replacement implants suited for Asian populations
- Surgical instrument design for improved ergonomics
During his time in public practice, he secured over SGD 400,000 in research funding from the National Medical Research Council.
Sports Medicine and
Professional Roles
Dr Lim has supported several sports organisations in Singapore.
His appointments include:
- Chief Medical Officer — Singapore Rugby Union
- Medical Director — Handball Federation of Singapore
- Medical Director — Singapore Floorball Association
- Medical Committee — Barcelona Football Academy Singapore
Ask Dr Lim Chin Tat
Knee replacement may be considered when arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that does not improve with non-surgical treatments.
Recovery varies between patients. Many people are able to walk soon after surgery, but full recovery and rehabilitation may take several months.
Certain ligament or cartilage injuries can increase the risk of joint degeneration over time, which may eventually require surgical treatment.
Robotic-assisted joint replacement uses computer guidance to help surgeons plan and perform joint replacement procedures with improved accuracy.
Professional Memberships
- Fellow, Academy of Medicine Singapore
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
- Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons (Orthopaedics)
- Member, Singapore Orthopaedic Association
- Member, Singapore Medical Association
Beyond the Clinic
Outside of his clinical work, Dr Lim Chin Tat is actively involved in community outreach and public education on orthopaedic health. He regularly participates in initiatives that aim to increase awareness of joint conditions, injury prevention, and the importance of maintaining mobility throughout life.
Dr Lim also enjoys staying connected to sports. As a keen football enthusiast, he appreciates the discipline and teamwork that sport encourages, and this perspective often informs his interest in helping individuals remain active and mobile.
Beyond his professional commitments, Dr Lim values spending time with his family. He enjoys travelling and exploring new places, taking the opportunity to recharge and spend meaningful time with his loved ones.
Book a Consultation with Dr Lim Chin Tat
If you are experiencing persistent shoulder or elbow pain, sports injuries, or difficulty moving your arm, a consultation can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment options.If you are experiencing persistent hip or knee pain, sports injuries, or reduced mobility, an orthopaedic consultation can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment options.
Book an appointment with Dr Lim Chin Tat at The Orthopaedic Practice and Surgery (TOPS).
