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
Treatment Options for Elbow Conditions
Elbow pain may result from tendon injuries, ligament damage, arthritis, stiffness, cartilage injuries or nerve compression.
Many elbow conditions improve with physiotherapy and rehabilitation, while others may benefit from injections or surgery.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, activity level and your personal goals.
Treatment recommendations should always be based on a comprehensive clinical assessment rather than MRI findings alone.
How Are Elbow Conditions Treated?
Treatment generally falls into three categories:
- Non-surgical treatment
- Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery
- Reconstructive tendon and ligament surgery
The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis rather than the symptom alone.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many elbow conditions improve without surgery.
Treatment may include:
- Physiotherapy
- Activity modification
- Strengthening programmes
- Bracing
- Medication
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Progressive return to sport
Non-operative treatment is commonly recommended for:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Mild elbow arthritis
- Early ligament injuries
- Selected nerve conditions
Surgery is considered only when it is likely to provide meaningful improvement.
Ultrasound-Guided Elbow Injections
Ultrasound enables accurate visualisation of tendons, bursae and joints, helping guide injections to the intended location.
Depending on the diagnosis, injections may be considered for selected cases of:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Elbow arthritis
- Bursitis
- Other inflammatory conditions
Image-guided injections should form part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes rehabilitation and activity modification where appropriate.
Elbow Arthroscopy
Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive (“keyhole”) procedure performed through small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments.
Potential advantages include:
- Smaller incisions
- Less soft tissue disruption
- Excellent visualisation of the joint
- Faster recovery for many procedures
Common indications include:
- Elbow stiffness
- Loose bodies
- Elbow arthritis
- Cartilage injuries
- Selected ligament conditions
Learn more
Treatment of Tennis Elbow
Most patients with tennis elbow improve without surgery.
Treatment may include:
- Physiotherapy
- Activity modification
- Progressive strengthening
- Bracing
- Ultrasound-guided injections
Surgery is reserved for selected patients with persistent symptoms despite appropriate non-operative treatment.
Persistent symptoms should prompt reassessment of the diagnosis and consideration of whether additional treatment is appropriate.
→ Learn more about Tennis Elbow Treatment
Tendon Surgery
Distal Biceps Repair
A complete distal biceps rupture often results in weakness bending the elbow and turning the forearm.
Early surgical repair may restore strength and function in appropriate patients.
Learn more
Distal Triceps Repair
Distal triceps ruptures are uncommon but may significantly affect elbow extension strength.
Selected patients may benefit from surgical repair.
Where appropriate, minimally invasive or endoscopic techniques may be considered.
Learn more
→ Endoscopic Distal Triceps Repair
Ligament Reconstruction
Patients with recurrent elbow instability may require ligament repair or reconstruction.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:
- Arthroscopic ligament repair
- Arthroscopic plication
- Ligament reconstruction
The choice of procedure depends on the pattern of instability and associated injuries.
Osteocapsuloplasty
Patients with elbow arthritis or stiffness may develop painful bone spurs that limit movement.
Osteocapsuloplasty removes impinging bone and releases contracted soft tissues to improve elbow motion and reduce pain in appropriately selected patients.
Learn more
Cubital Tunnel Release and Ulnar Nerve Transposition
Cubital tunnel release relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow and may be performed endoscopically in suitable patients. If the nerve is unstable or subluxing, ulnar nerve transposition may be used to move it to a more stable position.
Learn more
→ Cubital Tunnel Release and Ulnar Nerve Transposition
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
Treatment recommendations are based on:
- Your diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Occupation
- Sporting activities
- Functional goals
- Imaging findings
- General health
Two patients with the same MRI findings may require different treatment depending on their symptoms and expectations.
Treatment Pathways
| Condition | Common Treatment Options |
|---|---|
| Tennis elbow | Physiotherapy, rehabilitation, injections, selected surgery |
| Golfer’s elbow | Physiotherapy, injections, selected surgery |
| Distal biceps rupture | Surgical repair or reconstruction in appropriate patients |
| Distal triceps rupture | Surgical repair in appropriate patients |
| Elbow stiffness | Physiotherapy, elbow arthroscopy, osteocapsuloplasty |
| Elbow arthritis | Physiotherapy, injections, arthroscopy, osteocapsuloplasty |
| Elbow instability | Rehabilitation, ligament repair or reconstruction |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every case of tennis elbow require surgery?
No. Most patients improve with physiotherapy, activity modification and rehabilitation. Surgery is considered only when symptoms remain significant despite appropriate non-operative treatment.
Is elbow arthroscopy suitable for everyone?
No. Elbow arthroscopy is recommended only when there is a condition that can be effectively treated using minimally invasive surgery.
When is surgery recommended for a distal biceps rupture?
Early assessment is important because timely repair may provide the best opportunity to restore strength and function in suitable patients.
Can elbow stiffness improve without surgery?
Many patients improve with physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Surgery is reserved for selected patients with persistent stiffness or mechanical blockage that limits function.
Related Pages
Elbow Conditions
- Elbow Conditions
- Elbow Pain
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Elbow Arthritis
- Elbow Stiffness
- Distal Biceps Rupture
- Distal Triceps Tear
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Subluxing Ulnar Nerve
Elbow Procedures
- Elbow Arthroscopy
- Osteocapsuloplasty
- Distal Biceps Repair
- Endoscopic Distal Triceps Repair
- Endoscopic Cubital Tunnel Release
- Ulnar Nerve Transposition
Meet the Specialist
Arrange a Consultation
Choosing the right treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Whether your elbow condition is best managed with rehabilitation, an image-guided procedure or surgery, the aim is to recommend the least invasive treatment that is likely to provide the best long-term outcome.
Dr Puah Ken Lee provides comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment for elbow conditions at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, with a particular interest in elbow arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, tendon repair and joint preservation surgery.
Why Choose Dr Puah Ken Lee
- Specialist in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries
- Fellowship-trained in advanced arthroscopic techniques
- Focus on evidence-based, patient-specific treatment
- Practising at Mount Elizabeth Novena
Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach elbow surgery internationally
Book a Consultation
Book a consultation or contact the clinic via WhatsApp to discuss your elbow condition.
Book a consultation at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena
Elbow conditions are common but treatable. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can improve outcomes and prevent long-term problems.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena. Patients with persistent elbow symptoms are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.