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
Knee Treatments
Treatment Options for Knee Conditions
Knee pain can result from sports injuries, ligament tears, meniscus injuries, cartilage damage or arthritis.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, activity level and your individual goals.
Many knee conditions improve with rehabilitation and non-surgical treatment, while others may benefit from arthroscopic surgery or, in selected cases, knee replacement.
Treatment recommendations should always be based on the overall clinical assessment rather than MRI findings alone.
How Knee Conditions Are Treated
Treatment generally falls into three categories:
- Non-surgical treatment
- Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery
- Knee replacement surgery
The most appropriate option depends on the underlying condition.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many knee 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:
- Mild ligament injuries
- Degenerative meniscus tears
- Early knee arthritis
- Patellofemoral pain
- Selected cartilage injuries
Surgery is considered only when it is likely to provide meaningful improvement.
Ultrasound-Guided Knee Injections
Image-guided injections may be appropriate for selected knee conditions.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include injections for:
- Knee arthritis
- Synovitis
- Selected tendon disorders
- Other inflammatory conditions
Injections are used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than as a standalone solution.
Arthroscopic (Keyhole) Knee Surgery
Knee arthroscopy allows many knee conditions to be treated through small incisions using specialised instruments.
Potential advantages include:
- Smaller incisions
- Less soft tissue disruption
- Faster recovery for many procedures
- Earlier rehabilitation
Not every knee problem requires arthroscopy. The procedure should be recommended only when appropriate for the diagnosis.
Learn more
Ligament Reconstruction
ACL Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction restores knee stability after selected anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Surgery may be considered for patients with:
- Knee instability
- Pivoting sports
- Associated meniscus injury
- High activity demands
Related pages
- ACL Reconstruction
- ACL Graft Options
- ACL Rehabilitation Timeline
- Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction
PCL Reconstruction
Most posterior cruciate ligament injuries improve without surgery.
Reconstruction is reserved for selected patients with persistent instability or complex ligament injuries.
Meniscus Preservation
Whenever appropriate, preserving the meniscus is preferred.
Depending on the tear pattern, treatment may include:
- Meniscus repair
- Partial meniscectomy
- Rehabilitation
The most appropriate option depends on the location, stability and pattern of the tear.
Learn more
Cartilage Restoration
Cartilage injuries may develop following trauma or sports injuries.
Treatment depends on:
- Size of the defect
- Location
- Symptoms
- Associated injuries
- Activity level
Whenever possible, preserving the joint surface is an important goal.
Patellar Stabilisation
Patients with recurrent kneecap dislocation may require surgical stabilisation.
Treatment depends on:
- Number of dislocations
- Underlying anatomy
- Cartilage injury
- Alignment
- Sporting demands
The procedure is tailored to the underlying cause of instability.
Partial Knee Replacement (UKA)
Some patients with arthritis affecting only one compartment of the knee may be suitable for a partial knee replacement.
Potential advantages include:
- Smaller operation
- Faster recovery
- Preservation of healthy bone and ligaments
Suitability depends on the pattern of arthritis and overall knee function.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Total knee replacement may be considered for selected patients with advanced arthritis who have not improved with appropriate non-operative treatment.
The decision to proceed with surgery is based on:
- Symptoms
- Functional limitations
- Examination findings
- Imaging
- Patient goals
Not every patient with knee arthritis requires knee replacement.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
Treatment recommendations are based on:
- Your diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Activity level
- Occupation
- Sporting goals
- Age
- General health
- Imaging findings
Two patients with the same MRI may require completely different treatment depending on their symptoms and expectations.
Treatment Pathways
| Condition | Common Treatment Options |
|---|---|
| ACL tear | Rehabilitation, ACL reconstruction |
| Meniscus tear | Physiotherapy, meniscus repair, partial meniscectomy |
| PCL injury | Rehabilitation, selected reconstruction |
| Patellar instability | Rehabilitation, stabilisation surgery |
| Cartilage injury | Rehabilitation, cartilage restoration procedures |
| Knee arthritis | Physiotherapy, injections, UKA, TKR |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every ACL tear require surgery?
No. Some patients regain satisfactory knee function with rehabilitation alone. Surgery is considered when instability persists or when the patient’s activity level and goals make reconstruction appropriate.
Is knee arthroscopy suitable for everyone?
No. Arthroscopy is most beneficial for specific structural problems such as meniscus tears, ligament injuries and selected cartilage lesions. It is not an appropriate treatment for every cause of knee pain.
When is meniscus repair possible?
Repair is generally considered when the tear pattern, location and tissue quality make healing likely. In other situations, partial meniscectomy or rehabilitation may be more appropriate.
Do all patients with knee arthritis need a knee replacement?
No. Many patients improve with physiotherapy, weight management, activity modification and injections. Knee replacement is considered only when symptoms significantly affect quality of life despite appropriate non-operative treatment.
Related Pages
Knee Conditions
- Knee Conditions
- Sports Knee Injuries
- ACL Tear Symptoms
- Partial ACL Tear
- Meniscus Tear
- ACL vs Meniscus Tear
- Loose Body in the Knee
- Patellar Instability
- Knee Arthritis
Knee Procedures
- Knee Arthroscopy
- ACL Reconstruction
- ACL Graft Options
- Meniscus Repair
- ACL Rehabilitation Timeline
- Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction
- Failed ACL Reconstruction
- ACL Revision Surgery
Meet the Specialist
Arrange a Consultation
Choosing the right treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Whether your knee 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 achieve the best outcome.
Dr Puah Ken Lee provides comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment for sports-related and degenerative knee conditions at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, with a particular interest in arthroscopic knee surgery, ligament reconstruction, meniscus preservation and joint preservation.
Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach knee surgery
Book a consultation at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena
Knee injuries can affect both daily function and athletic performance. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term joint damage.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in sports and knee injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena. Patients with persistent knee symptoms are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.