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 Knee Specialist in Singapore
Knee pain can affect people of all ages, from young athletes with sports injuries to active adults with cartilage damage or arthritis.
Choosing the right treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. While many knee conditions improve with physiotherapy and rehabilitation, others may benefit from arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery or knee replacement.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a particular interest in sports knee injuries, knee arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, meniscus preservation and cartilage surgery. He also performs selected unicompartmental (partial) and total knee replacement procedures where appropriate.
Every treatment plan is individualised, with the goal of restoring function while preserving the long-term health of the knee.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
| Sports Injuries | Joint Conditions |
|---|---|
| ACL Injuries | Knee Arthritis |
| Meniscus Tears | Cartilage Injuries |
| Patellar Instability | |
| MCL Injuries |
| Arthroscopic Procedures | Joint Replacement |
|---|---|
| ACL Reconstruction | Partial Knee Replacement (UKA) |
| Meniscus Repair | Total Knee Replacement (TKR) |
| Knee Arthroscopy |
Common Knee Symptoms
Patients commonly seek assessment for:
- Knee pain
- Swelling
- Knee instability
- Locking or catching
- Stiffness
- Difficulty squatting
- Pain during sport
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Clicking within the knee
- Reduced sporting performance
These symptoms may arise from injuries involving the ligaments, menisci, cartilage, tendons or joint surfaces.
Common Knee Conditions
ACL Injuries
ACL tears are among the most common sports-related knee injuries.
Treatment depends on:
- Knee stability
- Activity level
- Sporting goals
- Associated injuries
Some patients recover successfully with rehabilitation, while others benefit from ACL reconstruction.
Learn more:
- ACL Reconstruction Singapore
- ACL Tear Symptoms
- Partial ACL Tear
- Can an ACL Tear Heal Without Surgery?
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus acts as a shock absorber within the knee.
Depending on the type and location of the tear, treatment may include:
- Physiotherapy
- Meniscus repair
- Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy
Whenever appropriate, preserving the meniscus is preferred.
Learn more:
Patellar Instability
Some patients experience recurrent kneecap (patellar) dislocation or instability.
Treatment depends on:
- The number of dislocations
- Underlying anatomy
- Associated cartilage injury
- Activity level
Both non-operative and surgical options are available.
Cartilage Injuries
Damage to the joint cartilage may occur following sports injuries or trauma.
Treatment depends on:
- Size of the defect
- Location
- Symptoms
- Associated injuries
- Patient goals
Preserving the joint surface whenever possible is an important treatment objective.
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis may develop gradually with age or following previous injury.
Many patients improve with:
- Exercise therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Weight management
- Medication
- Ultrasound-guided injections
When symptoms significantly affect quality of life, surgical treatment such as partial knee replacement (UKA) or total knee replacement (TKR) may be considered in selected patients.
Loose Bodies in the Knee
Loose bodies are fragments of cartilage, bone or other tissue within the knee joint that may cause pain, swelling, catching or locking. They can occur following cartilage or osteochondral injuries, osteoarthritis, or conditions such as synovial chondromatosis. Assessment with X-rays or MRI can help identify the loose body and its underlying cause. When loose bodies cause persistent mechanical symptoms, arthroscopic removal may be considered.
Knee Treatments
Treatment is tailored to the individual rather than the MRI scan alone.
Depending on the diagnosis, options may include:
Non-operative Treatment
- Physiotherapy
- Activity modification
- Bracing
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Progressive rehabilitation
Arthroscopic (Keyhole) Surgery
Dr Puah Ken Lee has a particular interest in arthroscopic knee surgery, including:
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair
- Knee arthroscopy
- Treatment of cartilage injuries
- Management of selected patellar instability conditions
Whenever appropriate, minimally invasive techniques are used to reduce soft tissue disruption and facilitate recovery.
Knee Replacement Surgery
For patients with advanced arthritis that no longer responds to non-operative treatment, surgery may be appropriate.
Depending on the pattern of arthritis, options include:
- Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement
- Total knee replacement
Not every patient with knee arthritis requires knee replacement, and treatment recommendations are based on the severity of symptoms, examination findings and imaging studies.
Sports Knee Injuries
Many knee injuries occur during sports involving twisting, pivoting or sudden changes in direction.
Common sporting injuries include:
- ACL tears
- Meniscus tears
- MCL injuries
- PCL injuries
- Patellar instability
- Cartilage injuries
Treatment focuses on restoring knee stability and function while supporting a safe return to sport.
Learn more:
Why Choose Dr Puah Ken Lee?
Dr Puah Ken Lee is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a subspecialty interest in:
- Shoulder surgery
- Elbow surgery
- Sports knee injuries
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Ligament reconstruction
- Meniscus preservation
His approach emphasises:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Evidence-based treatment
- Preservation of healthy tissue whenever possible
- Individualised rehabilitation
- Shared decision-making
Rather than recommending surgery routinely, treatment is tailored to each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all knee injuries require surgery?
No. Many knee conditions improve with physiotherapy, rehabilitation and activity modification. Surgery is recommended only when it is likely to provide meaningful benefit.
When should I see a knee specialist?
You should consider an assessment if you experience:
- Persistent knee pain
- Recurrent swelling
- Knee instability
- Locking or catching
- Difficulty returning to sport
- Symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatment
Do you only treat sports injuries?
No. Although Dr Puah Ken Lee has a particular interest in sports knee injuries and arthroscopic surgery, he also treats degenerative knee conditions and performs selected partial and total knee replacement procedures where appropriate.
Is arthroscopic surgery suitable for every knee problem?
No. Knee arthroscopy is most beneficial when there is a clearly defined structural problem within the knee that can be treated using minimally invasive techniques.
Related Knee Pages
Knee Conditions
- Sports Knee Injuries
- ACL Tear Symptoms
- Partial ACL Tear
- Meniscus Tear
- ACL vs Meniscus Tear
- Loose Body in the Knee
Knee Treatments
- ACL Reconstruction
- Meniscus Repair
- Knee Arthroscopy
- ACL Rehabilitation Timeline
- Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction
- ACL Revision Surgery
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.
Arrange a Consultation
If you have persistent knee pain, swelling, instability or difficulty returning to your usual activities, an early assessment can help identify the underlying cause and guide treatment.
Dr Puah Ken Lee provides comprehensive evaluation of sports-related and degenerative knee conditions, combining evidence-based rehabilitation with arthroscopic surgery and selected knee replacement procedures where appropriate. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with the aim of restoring function, relieving symptoms and helping patients return confidently to work, exercise and sport.
Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach arthroscopic knee surgery
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
Knee 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 knee symptoms are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.