Dr Puah Ken Lee 潘健理
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Shoulder, Elbow & Sports Injuries
Practising at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore
Appointments by prior arrangement
Dr Puah Ken Lee 潘健理
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Shoulder, Elbow & Sports Injuries
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore
✔ Subspecialty Focus in Shoulder & Elbow, Sports Injuries
✔ Practising at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
✔ Evidence-based treatment, Individualised Care
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury Treatment in Singapore (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear)
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries in athletes and active individuals. They can lead to knee instability, reduced performance and long-term joint damage if not properly managed.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is a Singapore-based orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, located at Mount Elizabeth Novena. He treats ACL injuries using both non-surgical rehabilitation and arthroscopic reconstruction, with a focus on safe return to sport.
WHAT IS AN ACL INJURY?
The ACL is a key ligament in the knee that provides stability, especially during pivoting and cutting movements.
An ACL injury occurs when the ligament is:
- Stretched (sprain)
- Partially torn
- Completely torn
Common causes include:
- Sudden change in direction
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- Direct impact during sports
SYMPTOMS OF ACL TEAR
- A “pop” sound at the time of injury
- Immediate swelling
- Knee instability (“giving way”)
- Pain and reduced range of motion
- Difficulty returning to sports
If these symptoms are present, evaluation by a sports knee specialist in Singapore is recommended.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A SPECIALIST?
You should seek specialist evaluation if:
- You experience knee instability
- Swelling persists after injury
- You are unable to return to sports
- You wish to maintain an active lifestyle
At 360 Orthopaedics in Singapore, Dr Puah Ken Lee assesses ACL injuries using clinical examination and MRI where necessary.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
Not all ACL injuries require surgery.
Non-surgical options may include:
- Physiotherapy
- Strength and stability training
- Activity modification
Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?
The ACL does not typically heal on its own if completely torn. However, some patients can function well without surgery depending on activity level and stability requirements.
Non-surgical management may be suitable for:
- Less active individuals
- Partial tears
- Patients without instability symptoms
WHEN IS ACL SURGERY NEEDED?
Surgery (ACL reconstruction) is often recommended when:
- There is a complete tear
- The knee is unstable
- The patient wishes to return to sports or high-demand activities
- There are associated injuries (e.g. meniscus tears)
Do I need ACL surgery?
Active individuals and athletes with knee instability typically benefit from ACL reconstruction to restore stability and prevent further joint damage.
Dr Puah Ken Lee performs arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Singapore, using grafts tailored to the patient’s needs and activity goals.
RECOVERY AFTER ACL RECONSTRUCTION
Recovery is structured and progressive:
- Early phase: swelling control and range of motion
- Mid phase: strength and stability training
- Late phase: sport-specific rehabilitation
General timelines:
- Walking without aids: ~2–4 weeks
- Running: ~3 months
- Return to sports: ~6–9 months (12 months to contact sports)
Recovery depends on rehabilitation and individual progress.
RETURN TO SPORTS
Return to sports requires:
- Full knee strength
- Good neuromuscular control
- Completion of rehabilitation programme
As a sports injury specialist in Singapore, Dr Puah Ken Lee focuses on safe return to sport and reducing re-injury risk, particularly for athletes.
COST OF ACL TREATMENT IN SINGAPORE
Costs depend on:
- Surgical vs non-surgical treatment
- Type of graft used
- Hospital and insurance coverage
Patients are provided with detailed financial counselling prior to surgery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I walk with a torn ACL?
Yes, many patients can walk, but may experience instability during pivoting or sports activities.
What happens if I don’t fix my ACL?
Untreated ACL tears can lead to:
- Recurrent instability
- Meniscus injury
- Early knee degeneration
Is ACL surgery safe?
ACL reconstruction is a commonly performed procedure with good outcomes when combined with proper rehabilitation.
How long before I can play sports again?
Most patients return to sports at around 6–12 months, depending on recovery and sport type.
Do I need physiotherapy after surgery?
Yes, rehabilitation is essential for restoring strength, stability and function.
ACL injuries can significantly impact knee stability and long-term joint health. Early assessment and appropriate treatment can improve outcomes and facilitate return to activity.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in sports and knee injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena. Patients with knee instability are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.