Orthopaedic Surgeon Specialising in Spine Surgeries
Key Concerns
Are You Suffering From The Following?

About us
Get Specialised Orthopaedic Services With Dr Gamaliel Tan
Dr Gamaliel Tan is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore who specialises in spine surgery and other orthopaedic conditions. He offers specialised services for the following conditions:
- Endoscopic Spine Surgery
- Motion Preservation Spine Procedures, Including Artificial Disc Replacements
- Spine Degeneration
- Spine Tumours
- Deformity of the Spine
- Infections of the Spine
- Fractures of the Spine
Clinical Expertise
Conditions We Treat

Accurately diagnosing neck pain causes is crucial to starting effective treatment and looking forward to pain relief.

Back pain can arise due to several issues related to the spine and the muscles that support it.

A spinal infection involves inflammation or infection within the spinal structures, such as osteomyelitis, discitis, and epidural abscesses.

Spinal tumours, whether benign or malignant, can significantly impact health due to their location and potential effects on the spinal cord and surrounding structures.

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are severe conditions that impact the spinal cord’s ability to communicate with the brain, affecting motor, sensory, and autonomic functions.

A spine fracture is characterised by a break or cracks in one or more vertebrae, the small bones that make up the spine.

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, is a common spinal condition that can cause significant discomfort and mobility issues.

Facet joint arthritis, or facet arthropathy, involves inflammation of the facet joints between the vertebrae, predominantly in the lumbar and cervical regions.
Our Specialist
About Gamaliel Tan
MBBS (S'pore), MMED (S'pore), FAMS (Ortho), FRCS (Edin)Dr Gamaliel Tan is a spine surgeon in Singapore with over 25 years of experience in designing and providing effective solutions for different orthopaedic problems. He specialises in spine surgery and has experience in endoscopic spine surgery and motion preservation spine procedures (artificial disc replacements).
He is a member of the Singapore Spine Society and AOSpine Society.
Qualifications and Achievements
- Head of Department, Department of Orthopaedics | NTFGH 2009 - 2018
- Council member of the AOSpine East Asia group 2017 – 2020
- Head of the Spine Division | NTFGH 2009 - 2023
- Group Chief Medical Informatics Officer (GCMIO) | NUHS 2020-2023

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May 24, 2024Some times we have to make a difficult decision about our health and this is when we need a very good expert, but as much we need a great human being with a big soul who would help us on... read more this journey with peace of mind and heart. We need a care, not treatment. I am very grateful to Dr Tan who changed my life, which I can fulfil now with activities I have never had before! I wish you Dr Tan 48 hours a day, so you can take care about yourself, your big and beautiful family…. and may be treat a bit more patients! ☺️❤️
September 24, 2024I am 58yo and I came to Dr Gamaliel for a second opinion for chronic pain caused by a cyst in L5S1 that had compressed the nerve. An initial nucleoplasty by another surgeon provided only temporary pain relief, and... read more the pain returned within 3 months. I was told by the first surgeon there was no other surgical recourse except strong painkillers (morning and evening), rest, and stretches. The pain became so bad that I had to use a walking stick to move around, I had to sleep on the floor but was constantly waking due to back pain. The quantity of painkillers was also causing nausea and constipation, making it difficult to work. Dr Gamaliel reviewed my MRIs and after a thorough physical assessment he could pinpoint the issue and gave me surgical options to access and remove the cyst through the L5 facet. I opted for the operation asap, and immediately after the surgery the pain was gone. Now in my 5th month post surgery, I can walk normally without pain, although there is lingering numbness on my sole from the nerve having been compressed for so long. I am indeed thankful to Dr Gamaliel for having given me a chance to walk normally again. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Gamaliel for any orthopedic consultation and procedures.
May 24, 2024 -
Dr Gamaliel Tan -Orthopaedic associates I went to visit Singapore from Dubai as my brother required an immediate spine surgery. We were blessed to find such an amazing and incredible doctor.He took us through the entire process and explained everything... read more thoroughly and his kind words were very assuring to us And now after 1 month post surgery my brother is recovering well and looks betters than ever. All thanks to Dr Tan
September 24, 2024We were referred to Dr. Gamaliel Tan by Dr. Ngian who is the doctor of a friend. We are from the Philippines. Aside from his excellent surgical skills, what was most significant was his responsiveness to all... read more our questions and his constant care of the patient. He listens carefully, dissects the problem, explains each and every concern, detail, and question thoroughly. He is very professional in his ways of caring and treatment of the patient. Despite his expertise, he remains humble. Even better, he continues to care postoperatively even now that we are back home in manila! Indeed it is very difficult at this day and age to come across a doctor with good skills both medically and ethically. He deserves 5 stars.
May 24, 2024Dr Gamaliel Tan is my surgeon for my keyhole L5 herinated disc surgery. It has been 6 months since my surgery, my recovery has been smooth and I am able to resume my exercise regime. As part of the... read more prepwork, Dr Tan shared the surgical process with me which is very important as he was able to alleviate my concerns. It provided me the assurance and confidence that I am in good hands - This is afterall a spinal surgery. Post surgery, I felt good except for soreness at the surgery area. Dr Tan again shared thoroughly what had happened during the procedure and what to expect in the upcoming weeks. It is crucial to identify a doctor that you trust and can be open in sharing any concern as it does help with the overall recovery. I am glad that I found Dr Tan.
December 24, 2024
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FAQs on Orthopaedic Treatment
If you experience any of the following conditions, it is a good idea to seek the services of a Singapore orthopaedic doctor:
- If you feel it is difficult to carry on with your usual daily activities such as getting out of bed, climbing stairs, pushing the trolley in a supermarket, carrying grocery bags, doing laundry, etc.
- If you experience pain that has not resolved for the past several weeks. Some pain is expected in case of an acute injury, but if the pain becomes chronic and persists after 6-8 weeks, you need to see an orthopaedic doctor.
- If you feel stiffness in your joints and your range of motion is restricted. These symptoms can point towards a degenerative condition or arthritis, which needs to be treated by a specialist doctor.
- If you experience joint pains that seem to worsen even at rest, it can point towards severe degenerative conditions and needs to be checked by an orthopaedist.
- If you feel unstable while walking, standing, sitting down, and standing from a sitting position, there might be some problem with your joints that needs to be examined by a specialist.
- If you feel inflammation, redness, or warmth in a particular area of your body, it can indicate an infection. If any of these symptoms are accompanied by fever, do not waste time and get yourself checked by an orthopaedic specialist.
- If you have sustained a soft tissue injury that does not involve any bones and joints, and the pain and inflammation do not seem to subside after two days of doing home remedies and applying the RICE protocol, it is an indication that it could be something serious.
- If you experience any pain in the bones, joints, or soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system that keeps you awake at night, it means you need to get it checked.
Price of MRI Lumbar spine without ($1067.89) and with contrast ($1566.73) done in outpatient setting.
Inpatient scan are about double the price.
Note: Prices stated exclude GST.
If you visit an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore, you can expect the following:
- The doctor will ask about your medical history and any pain or inflammation you may feel.
- He may inquire as to how long you have been experiencing the symptoms.
- He will ask you about any treatments you have ever had.
- The doctor will then ask more questions which he feels are necessary to assess your condition and devise a treatment plan accordingly.
- The doctor will also perform a physical exam to locate and assess the area of injury and determine whether the pain increases or reduces with specific movements.
- The doctor may ask for previous reports of any tests you may have had.
- The doctor may order additional tests to ensure the correct diagnosis is made.
- He may prescribe medication or other remedies until your tests have concluded, after which the proper treatment will commence.
Depending on your particular problem, your doctor will recommend if and when you can continue with your normal daily activities or when you can start your sports activities. Most orthopaedic conditions require the patient to avoid activities that can aggravate the condition. Your orthopaedic doctor can guide you regarding the resumption of activities, and that recommendation should be followed.
Depending on your particular problem, your doctor will recommend whether to manage your pain through conservative measures or if surgery is required. Some orthopaedic conditions, like disc bulges and herniation, can cause severe pain, which may be managed conservatively or through surgery. In some cases, surgery provides faster pain relief than conservative treatments. Nevertheless, some injuries like fractures require immediate surgery and cannot be managed traditionally. Your doctor is the best judge of your problem, and his recommendation should be followed.
Preventing orthopaedic problems calls for proactive measures to create a robust musculoskeletal system. The following steps, if integrated into your lifestyle, can help prevent orthopaedic issues in the future:
- Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can go a long way in ensuring strong bones, muscles, and joints. Cardio exercises like walking, running, swimming, and yoga can significantly improve joint health and flexibility, which are crucial in preventing bone and joint-related problems.
- Healthy Nutrition: A well-balanced diet that offers the right amount of nutrition daily helps build a strong and resilient body. The right amount of protein, dairy, fats, and vitamins can aid in building stronger bones and joints.
- Warm-up and Cool-down: Warming up before starting a physical activity or exercise and cooling down at the end can prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of injury.
- Avoid Overexertion: Giving your body enough time to rest and recover, and avoiding strenuous activities and overexertion can also help prevent orthopaedic injuries and damage.
- Regular Sleep: A good sleep schedule is also essential to give the body enough time to rest and rejuvenate itself. A sleep-deprived body is more prone to musculoskeletal and orthopaedic problems and injuries.
- Good Posture: Finally, maintaining a good posture is crucial in preventing pain and damage to bones, muscles, and joints.
Some common orthopaedic conditions include:
- Shoulder: Shoulder pain can manifest when you have underlying conditions like a frozen shoulder, tendonitis, rotator cuff impingement, and other joint and connective tissue problems.
- Hand: Repetitive use of the hands and wrists can put them at risk of developing painful conditions that may involve the joints or nerves.
- Foot & Ankle: Foot and ankle injuries can arise because of sprains and nerve issues and result in conditions such as plantar fasciitis, ankle sprain, bunion etc.
- Spine: The spine is one of the most important structures that supports the whole body. Injuries to the spine, bad posture, and trauma can cause severely painful and dangerous problems, including nerve pain, slipped or herniated discs, scoliosis, and others.
- Hip: Trauma to the hip in case of a fall and other injuries of the hip can severely restrict one’s mobility and make doing even simple tasks complicated.
- Knee: Knee pain can present itself when suffering from orthopaedic conditions such as ACL tears, meniscal tears, tendons and ligament damage, and other knee problems.
- Elbow: Common orthopaedic problems associated with the elbow are golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow.