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

Fellowship-Trained Elbow Specialist in Singapore

The elbow plays a vital role in positioning the hand during work, sport and everyday activities. Pain, stiffness or instability of the elbow can significantly affect lifting, gripping, throwing and many routine tasks.

Many elbow conditions improve with physiotherapy and rehabilitation, while others may benefit from injections or surgery. Choosing the most appropriate treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis.

Dr Puah Ken Lee is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a subspecialty interest in shoulder surgery, elbow surgery and sports injuries. He provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for both common and complex elbow conditions, combining evidence-based non-operative care with advanced arthroscopic and reconstructive surgical techniques where appropriate.

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with the aim of restoring function, relieving pain and helping patients return safely to work, exercise and sport.

Why Choose Dr Puah Ken Lee?

Dr Puah Ken Lee has a particular clinical interest in shoulder and elbow surgery, with extensive experience treating athletes, active individuals and patients with complex upper limb conditions.

His professional background includes:

Fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery
Former Consultant, Sports Service, Singapore General Hospital
Chair, Chapter of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore
Chair, Singapore Shoulder & Elbow Society
Member of the Global Elbow Network
Published research in shoulder and elbow surgery
Invited faculty and speaker at regional and international meetings
Experience in advanced elbow arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction and tendon surgery

Treatment recommendations are individualised. Surgery is recommended only when it is likely to provide meaningful benefit.

Common Elbow Symptoms

Patients commonly seek assessment for:

Elbow pain
Pain when gripping
Pain during lifting
Pain during sport
Elbow stiffness
Locking or catching
Swelling
Weakness
Elbow instability
Loss of movement

Many different elbow conditions can produce similar symptoms.

Learn more

→ Elbow Pain

Common Elbow Conditions

Dr Ken Lee Puah manages a wide range of elbow conditions, including:

Tendon Disorders

Joint Disorders

Elbow Arthritis
Elbow Stiffness
Cartilage Injuries
Loose Bodies

Ligament Injuries

Elbow Instability
Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injuries

Nerve Conditions

Explore the complete directory of conditions on the Elbow Conditions page.

Elbow Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms and your functional goals.

Many elbow conditions improve without surgery.

Options may include:

Non-Surgical Treatment

Physiotherapy
Activity modification
Rehabilitation
Bracing
Medication
Ultrasound-guided injections

Elbow Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic (“keyhole”) surgery allows many elbow conditions to be treated through small incisions.

Common indications include:

Elbow stiffness
Arthritis
Loose bodies
Cartilage injuries
Selected ligament conditions

Tendon Surgery

Surgery may be recommended for selected patients with:

Surgery may be considered for selected patients with persistent tennis elbow that remains functionally limiting despite appropriate non-operative treatment. Arthroscopic common extensor origin repair is one surgical option in appropriately selected cases.

Ligament Reconstruction

Selected patients with recurrent elbow instability may benefit from ligament reconstruction or repair.

Treatment is tailored to the pattern of instability and individual patient needs.

Learn more

→ Elbow Treatments

Advanced Elbow Surgery

Dr Puah Ken Lee has a particular interest in advanced elbow surgery, including:

Elbow arthroscopy
Arthroscopic treatment of elbow stiffness
Osteocapsuloplasty
Arthroscopic lateral ligament repair
Endoscopic distal triceps repair
Distal biceps repair and reconstruction
Endoscopic cubital tunnel release

These procedures are generally performed only when non-operative treatment is unlikely to provide satisfactory improvement.

My Approach to Treatment

I believe every patient deserves a clear diagnosis, an honest discussion of the available treatment options, and the opportunity to make an informed decision. My role is not simply to interpret an MRI scan or an X-ray, but to understand how your condition affects your work, sport and everyday life. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that reflects your goals, lifestyle and expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see an elbow specialist?

You should consider an assessment if elbow pain persists, interferes with work or sport, or is associated with weakness, stiffness, locking or instability.

Does every case of tennis elbow require surgery?

No. Most patients improve with physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Surgery is considered only when symptoms remain significant despite appropriate non-operative treatment.

Is elbow arthroscopy suitable for every elbow problem?

No. Elbow arthroscopy is recommended only for selected conditions where minimally invasive surgery is likely to improve symptoms or function.

Do tendon ruptures always require surgery?

Not always. The most appropriate treatment depends on the tendon involved, the severity of the injury, your activity level and your goals.

Explore Elbow Care

Common Symptoms

Elbow Pain

Common Conditions

Treatment Options

Arrange a Consultation

If you have persistent elbow pain, weakness, stiffness or instability, an early assessment can help establish the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Dr Puah Ken Lee provides comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment of elbow conditions at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, combining evidence-based non-operative care with advanced arthroscopic and reconstructive elbow surgery where appropriate.