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
Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in Singapore
Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain, weakness and difficulty with overhead activities.
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 patients with rotator cuff injuries using both non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical techniques tailored to activity level and severity.
WHAT IS A ROTATOR CUFF TEAR?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint and allow smooth movement. A tear occurs when one or more of these tendons are damaged, either from:
- Degeneration over time
- Acute injury (e.g. fall, sports injury)
Rotator cuff tears can range from partial tears to full-thickness tears.
SYMPTOMS OF ROTATOR CUFF TEAR
Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain, especially at night
- Pain when lifting the arm
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
If symptoms persist, assessment by a shoulder specialist in Singapore is recommended.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A SPECIALIST?
You should consider seeing an orthopaedic surgeon if:
- Pain lasts more than 4–6 weeks
- There is significant weakness
- You are unable to lift your arm normally
- Symptoms affect sleep or daily function
At 360 Orthopaedics in Singapore, Dr Puah Ken Lee evaluates rotator cuff injuries with clinical examination and imaging where necessary.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
Many rotator cuff tears can initially be treated without surgery.
Options include:
- Physiotherapy
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Image-guided injections (where appropriate)
Non-surgical treatment is often suitable for:
- Partial tears
- Degenerative tears with preserved strength
WHEN IS SURGERY NEEDED?
Surgery may be recommended when:
- There is a full-thickness tear
- Significant weakness is present
- Symptoms persist despite conservative treatment
- The patient is active or involved in sports
Do I need surgery for a rotator cuff tear?
Small or partial tears may improve with physiotherapy, but full-thickness tears—especially in active individuals—often require surgical repair to restore strength and function.
Dr Puah Ken Lee performs arthroscopic (keyhole) rotator cuff repair in Singapore, aiming for pain relief and return to activity.
RECOVERY AFTER ROTATOR CUFF SURGERY
Recovery typically involves:
- Sling immobilisation (4-6 weeks)
- Physiotherapy rehabilitation
- Gradual return to activities
General timelines:
- Daily activities: ~6–8 weeks
- Light sports: ~3–4 months
- Full return to sports: ~6 months
Recovery varies depending on tear size and patient factors.
RETURN TO SPORTS
Return to sports depends on:
- Size of the tear
- Type of repair
- Rehabilitation progress
For athletes, a structured rehabilitation programme is essential.
As a sports injury specialist in Singapore, Dr Puah Ken Lee focuses on safe return to sport while minimising re-injury risk.
COST OF ROTATOR CUFF TREATMENT IN SINGAPORE
Costs vary depending on:
- Severity of the tear
- Type of treatment (non-surgical vs surgical)
- Hospital and insurance coverage
Patients are typically provided with a detailed financial counselling before surgery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can a rotator cuff tear heal on its own?
Partial tears may improve with non-surgical treatment, but full-thickness tears generally do not heal without surgery.
What happens if I delay treatment?
Delaying treatment may lead to:
- Tear progression
- Muscle atrophy
- Reduced success of later surgery
Is rotator cuff surgery painful?
Post-operative pain is expected initially but is managed with medication and improves over time.
How long is physiotherapy needed?
Physiotherapy typically continues for several months and is essential for optimal recovery.
Can I return to the gym after surgery?
Yes, most patients return to gym activities after rehabilitation, usually around 4–6 months depending on progress.
Rotator cuff tears are treatable, and early assessment can improve outcomes.
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 pain are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.