Appointments by prior arrangement

Introduction

Visiting an orthopaedic surgeon for the first time can feel unfamiliar, particularly if you are experiencing persistent pain or have recently sustained an injury.

At 360 Orthopaedics, our goal is to understand your concerns, identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and discuss the treatment options that are most appropriate for your individual needs.

Every consultation is personalised. Some patients require only reassurance and advice, while others may benefit from further investigations, rehabilitation or, in selected cases, surgery.

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Before your appointment

To help us make the most of your consultation, it is useful to bring:

• Previous X-rays, MRI scans or ultrasound images (if available)
• Imaging reports
• Referral letters from your doctor or physiotherapist
• A list of current medications
• Details of previous shoulder, elbow or sports injuries
• Any questions you would like to discuss

If you have digital copies of your imaging studies, please bring them along whenever possible.

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What happens during the consultation?

Your consultation usually consists of several stages.

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1. Understanding your symptoms

The first step is listening to your story.

We will discuss:

• Where your pain is located
• When it started
• Whether there was an injury
• Activities that worsen symptoms
• Previous treatment
• Your work
• Sporting activities
• Your personal goals

Understanding how your symptoms affect your daily life is just as important as identifying the diagnosis.

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2. Physical examination

A detailed examination helps determine which structures may be responsible for your symptoms.

Depending on your condition, this may include assessment of:

• Joint movement
• Muscle strength
• Stability
• Areas of tenderness
• Ligament function
• Tendon function
• Nerve function

Special examination tests may be performed depending on whether your symptoms involve the shoulder, elbow or another joint.

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3. Point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound (when appropriate)

For many shoulder and elbow conditions, musculoskeletal ultrasound can provide valuable real-time information during the consultation.

Ultrasound may help assess:

• Rotator cuff tendons
• Biceps tendon
• Bursitis
• Tendon tears
• Calcific tendinitis
• Dynamic movement of soft tissues

Not every patient requires ultrasound, but it can complement the clinical examination in selected cases.

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4. Do I need an X-ray or MRI?

Not every patient requires advanced imaging.

Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend:

X-rays

Useful for assessing:

• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Joint alignment
• Calcific tendinitis

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Ultrasound

Useful for dynamic assessment of soft tissue structures, particularly around the shoulder and elbow.

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MRI

MRI provides detailed assessment of:

• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Cartilage
• Labrum
• Muscles

MRI is recommended only when the findings are likely to influence diagnosis or treatment.

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Will I receive a diagnosis during the first visit?

In many cases, yes.

A diagnosis can often be made based on:

• Your history
• Physical examination
• Initial imaging where appropriate

Occasionally, additional investigations may be required before a diagnosis can be confirmed.

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What treatment options might be discussed?

Treatment depends entirely on your diagnosis.

Options may include:

• Education about your condition
• Activity modification
• Physiotherapy
• Medication where appropriate
• Ultrasound-guided injections
• Further imaging
• Surgery for selected conditions

Our aim is to recommend the least invasive treatment that is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

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Is surgery always necessary?

No.

Many shoulder, elbow and sports injuries improve without surgery.

When surgery is discussed, it is because:

• Symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative treatment
• Structural damage is significant
• Function remains substantially limited
• Surgery is likely to provide meaningful benefit

The decision is made together after discussing the potential benefits, risks and expected recovery.

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How long will the consultation take?

Most first consultations last approximately 20 to 30 minutes, although more complex cases may require additional time.

Our focus is on understanding your condition rather than rushing through the appointment.

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Questions you may wish to ask

Many patients find it helpful to ask:

• What is causing my symptoms?
• Do I need further investigations?
• Can I continue exercising?
• Is physiotherapy recommended?
• Will my condition improve without surgery?
• What treatment options are available?
• What happens if I do nothing?
• How long is recovery likely to take?

We encourage questions and shared decision-making throughout your consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?

Many patients attend directly without a referral, while others are referred by their general practitioner, physiotherapist or another specialist.

If you intend to claim through your insurance, please check your policy requirements beforehand.

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Should I have an MRI before seeing an orthopaedic surgeon?

Not necessarily.

An MRI is not required for every shoulder or elbow problem. In many cases, a clinical assessment helps determine whether MRI is likely to be useful.

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Should I continue exercising before my appointment?

This depends on your symptoms.

Gentle movement is often encouraged, but activities that significantly worsen pain should generally be avoided until you have been assessed.

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Will I receive treatment during my first visit?

Many patients receive advice and a treatment plan during their first consultation.

Where appropriate, treatments such as ultrasound-guided injections may also be discussed or performed, depending on the diagnosis and individual circumstances.

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Why choose 360 Orthopaedics?

At 360 Orthopaedics, every consultation is centred on achieving an accurate diagnosis before recommending treatment.

Our approach combines:

• Fellowship-trained expertise in shoulder and elbow surgery
• Evidence-based clinical assessment
• Point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound where appropriate
• Clear explanations in plain language
• Individualised treatment plans aligned with your lifestyle, work and sporting goals

We believe that understanding your condition is the first step towards recovery.

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Related pages

• Shoulder Pain – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
• Shoulder Specialist Singapore
• Elbow Specialist Singapore
• Ultrasound-Guided Shoulder Injections
• Shoulder Pain at Night
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Frozen Shoulder

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Ready to take the first step?

Whether you are experiencing shoulder pain, an elbow injury or a sports-related problem, an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.

At 360 Orthopaedics, we take the time to understand your concerns, explain your condition clearly and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Contact 360 Orthopaedics to arrange your first consultation.

Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach surgery internationally

Specialist Care for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Injuries in Singapore

Dr Puah is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries. He provides personalised care tailored to each patient’s condition and activity level.

Consultations are available at Mount Elizabeth Novena.

“I believe that every patient deserves a clear diagnosis, an honest discussion of the available treatment options, and sufficient time to ask questions. My aim is not simply to treat an MRI scan or an X-ray, but to understand how your condition affects your work, sport and daily life, so that together we can choose the treatment approach that best suits your goals.”

Book a consultation or contact the clinic to discuss your condition.

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

Book a Consultation

Book a consultation or contact the clinic via WhatsApp to get started

Book a consultation at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena

Shoulder and elbow conditions and sports injuries 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 shoulder and elbow symptoms or persistent pain or instability after a sports injury are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.