Hand Surgery

Common Conditions I Treat
 

• Nerve Problems: Carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome, or neuromas and other peripheral nerve problems can treated with splints, steroid injections, or minimally invasive surgery to relieve pressure and restore sensation and strength.
   

• Tendon Issues: Trigger finger and De Quervain’s disease, treated initially with splints or injections. When surgery is needed, small-incision techniques are used, often followed by a 3D-printed splint to support recovery and prevent stiffness.

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• Lumps & Growths: Glomus tumours, ganglion cysts, giant cell tumours, and other hand lumps, with surgery designed to remove the growth while preserving or restoring hand function and appearance.

 

• Trauma & Injuries: Broken bones, cut tendons (see my hand drawn picture below), and nerve or blood vessel injuries. Post-surgery, 3D-printed splints can provide tailored support to protect healing tissues while allowing safe movement​​
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

• Dupuytren’s Disease: Early cases may be treated with needle release, while advanced cases may require surgical removal of affected tissue, sometimes with a skin graft for optimal results.​
   

• Other Conditions: Arthritis of the hand and wrist, and hand rejuvenation procedures for cosmetic improvement.​

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By combining advanced surgical techniques, 3D-printed splints, and point-of-care ultrasound, I aim to restore not only the appearance of your hand, but also its function, comfort, and strength, so you can return to your daily activities with confidence.​

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A Note on Fees

Fees for hand surgery are determined on a case-by-case basis and are generally guided by the Ministry of Health Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP), where applicable.

 

My Research & Publications

Alongside my clinical practice, I’ve published internationally on:

• Joint fusion in hand arthritis (Journal of Hand Surgery American, 2025)

• Hand surgery under local anaesthetic (Journal of Hand Surgery Asian Pacific, 2024)

• Approach to hand trauma (Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 2015)​
   

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is surgery necessary for hand or wrist problems?

Many hand conditions can be managed without surgery at first, with splinting, activity modification, therapy or injections. Surgery is considered when pain, functional limitation or structural compression persists despite these measures, or when imaging and examination show that early intervention will offer a better long-term outcome.

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2. What is WALANT, and why might it be used for my procedure?

WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet) allows many hand procedures to be performed safely without general anaesthesia. You remain comfortable and awake, which often helps with intraoperative movement checks, reduces anaesthetic risks and can support a smoother recovery. Not every procedure is suitable for WALANT, but when it is, it can be an elegant and efficient option.

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3. Will I need imaging such as ultrasound, X-rays, CT or MRI?

Imaging is often helpful. In clinic, I use point-of-care ultrasound to assess tendon movement, nerve compression and soft-tissue masses in real time. X-rays or CT and MRI scans may be required for fractures or alignment issues. Imaging helps confirm the diagnosis and guides whether surgery or conservative treatment is more appropriate.

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4. How long is recovery after hand surgery?

Recovery varies widely depending on the condition and the procedure performed. Some releases allow functional use almost immediately, while tendon or fracture repairs require more structured rehabilitation over weeks to months. I will guide you through what to expect at each stage, including splinting, movement progression and return to work or activity.

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5. Will I need therapy after my operation?

Many hand procedures benefit from early, guided therapy to restore motion, reduce stiffness and optimise outcomes. I work closely with dedicated and experienced hand therapists, and when appropriate, create custom 3D-printed splints to improve support, fit and comfort during recovery.

6. Is hand surgery painful?

Most hand operations are well-tolerated. WALANT or regional anaesthesia greatly reduces discomfort during the procedure, and postoperative pain is usually manageable with simple pain medications. My aim is to ensure comfort, maintain circulation and promote early gentle movement where safe, to optimise your functional outcomes.

7. When can I return to work or sport?

This depends on your job demands and the specific procedure. Light desk work may resume within days for simpler conditions. Manual work, gripping, lifting or sports generally require a more gradual return. I’ll provide you with personalised timelines so you can plan appropriately.

8. Do all hand symptoms require surgery?

Not at all. Many concerns, particularly early nerve compression, tendon irritation or degenerative changes, respond well to conservative management. Surgery is only recommended when it is clearly the most effective and proportionate option.

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I provide hand surgery in Singapore for a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, with a focus on accurate diagnosis, anatomical precision and functional recovery.