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
Meniscus Tear Treatment in Singapore
Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries, affecting both athletes and active individuals. They can cause pain, swelling and mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching of the knee.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is a Singapore-based orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, located at Mount Elizabeth Novena. He treats meniscus injuries using both non-surgical management and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, with a focus on preserving knee function.
WHAT IS A MENISCUS TEAR?
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia).
A tear can occur due to:
- Twisting injuries (common in sports)
- Sudden pivoting movements
- Degenerative changes over time
Types of tears include:
- Longitudinal tears
- Bucket-handle tears
- Radial tears
- Meniscal Root tears
- Meniscus RAMP lesions
- Degenerative tears
SYMPTOMS OF MENISCUS TEAR
- Knee pain, especially with twisting
- Swelling
- Locking or catching sensation
- Reduced range of motion
- Feeling of instability
If symptoms persist, evaluation by a sports knee specialist in Singapore is recommended.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A SPECIALIST?
You should seek specialist evaluation if:
- Knee pain persists beyond a few weeks
- There are mechanical symptoms (locking, catching)
- Swelling recurs
- You are unable to return to sports
At 360 Orthopaedics in Singapore, Dr Puah Ken Lee assesses meniscus injuries using clinical examination and MRI where necessary.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
Not all meniscus tears require surgery.
Non-surgical options include:
- Physiotherapy
- Activity modification
- Pain management
Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
Some tears, particularly small or degenerative tears, may improve with non-surgical treatment depending on their location and blood supply.
WHEN IS SURGERY NEEDED?
Surgery may be recommended when:
- There are persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment
- The knee is locking or catching
- The tear is large or unstable
- The patient wishes to return to sports
Do I need surgery for a meniscus tear?
Not all meniscus tears require surgery. However, symptomatic tears causing mechanical issues or limiting activity may benefit from arthroscopic treatment.
Dr Puah Ken Lee performs arthroscopic meniscus surgery in Singapore, aiming to preserve as much of the meniscus as possible.
Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach arthroscopic knee surgery
MENISCUS REPAIR VS TRIMMING (IMPORTANT DECISION)
Treatment depends on the type of tear:
- Meniscus repair → preserves tissue, longer recovery
- Partial Meniscectomy (trimming) → faster recovery, removes damaged portion
Whenever possible, preserving the meniscus is preferred to protect long-term knee health.
RECOVERY AFTER MENISCUS SURGERY
Recovery depends on the procedure:
After meniscus trimming:
- Walking: within days
- Return to activities: ~4–6 weeks
After meniscus repair:
- Protected weight-bearing
- Physiotherapy required
- Return to sports: ~3–6 months
Recovery varies based on tear type and patient factors.
RETURN TO SPORTS
Return to sports depends on:
- Type of surgery
- Rehabilitation progress
- Knee strength and stability
As a sports injury specialist in Singapore, Dr Puah Ken Lee focuses on safe return to sport while preserving long-term knee function.
COST OF MENISCUS TREATMENT IN SINGAPORE
Costs depend on:
- Non-surgical vs surgical treatment
- Type of procedure performed
- Hospital and insurance coverage
Patients are provided with detailed financial counselling prior to surgery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I walk with a meniscus tear?
Yes, many patients can walk, but may experience pain or mechanical symptoms.
What happens if I don’t treat a meniscus tear?
Untreated tears may lead to:
- Persistent pain
- Mechanical symptoms
- Increased risk of joint degeneration
Is meniscus surgery safe?
Arthroscopic meniscus surgery is commonly performed and generally safe, with good outcomes when appropriately indicated.
How long before I can return to sports?
This depends on the procedure—typically 4–6 weeks after trimming and longer after repair.
Do all meniscus tears need MRI?
MRI is often used to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
Meniscus tears are common but treatable injuries. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can improve outcomes and prevent long-term knee problems.
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.