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
Minimally invasive surgery for shoulder pain, instability and sports injuries
What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat a range of shoulder conditions.
It involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) into the shoulder joint through small incisions. Specialised instruments are then used to perform the required procedure under direct visualisation.
Compared to traditional open surgery, shoulder arthroscopy typically results in:
- Smaller incisions
- Less tissue disruption
- Faster recovery in selected cases
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is commonly used to treat:
- Biceps tendon pathology
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement
- Shoulder instability and dislocation
- Labral tears (e.g. Bankart lesions)
- Frozen shoulder (selected cases)
When is Shoulder Arthroscopy Recommended?
Not all shoulder conditions require surgery.
Shoulder arthroscopy may be considered when:
- Symptoms persist despite physiotherapy and non-surgical treatment
- There is significant structural damage (e.g. tendon tear or labral injury)
- Shoulder instability affects daily activities or sports
- Pain limits function and quality of life
Careful assessment is important to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
Evidence-Based Shoulder Surgery
Dr Puah Ken Lee integrates clinical research and surgical experience when deciding whether shoulder arthroscopy is appropriate.
Clinical studies have shown that outcomes depend on:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Appropriate patient selection
- Surgical technique
- Rehabilitation
Not all patients benefit from surgery, and treatment is tailored based on individual needs.
Types of Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedures
Depending on the condition, shoulder arthroscopy may involve:
- Rotator cuff repair – reattaching torn tendons
- Labral repair (Bankart repair) – stabilising the shoulder joint
- Subacromial decompression – relieving impingement
- Capsular release – improving movement in frozen shoulder
- Biceps procedures – tenotomy or tenodesis
- Stabilisation procedures for complex shoulder instability (including bone reconstruction techniques)
What to Expect from Shoulder Arthroscopy
Before surgery
- Clinical assessment and imaging
- Discussion of treatment options
- Explanation of risks and benefits
During surgery
- Performed under anaesthesia
- Small incisions (keyhole technique)
- Procedure duration depends on condition
After surgery
- Sling may be required
- Physiotherapy is important
- Gradual return to daily activities and sport
Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy
Recovery depends on the type of procedure performed.
In general:
- Simple procedures → faster recovery
- Tendon or labral repairs → longer rehabilitation
Return to sport or full activity varies and will be guided based on healing and progress.
Risks of Shoulder Arthroscopy
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including:
- Infection
- Stiffness
- Re-tear or incomplete healing
- Persistent pain
These are discussed during consultation as part of informed decision-making.
Specialist Shoulder Care
Dr Puah Ken Lee is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries.
He is regularly invited as faculty at regional and international meetings to teach shoulder and arthroscopic surgical techniques.
Book a Consultation
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or have been advised to consider surgery, you may schedule a consultation at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore.
Orthopaedic conditions can affect function, performance and quality of life. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve outcomes.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries, and patients are encouraged to seek evaluation for persistent symptoms.