Joanna Lim
Hand Occupational Therapist
Over 10 years of clinical experience in hand therapy and upper limb rehabilitation. Holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from La Trobe University, Australia.
Hand Specialist in Singapore for Hand, Wrist and Finger Conditions
Spire Hand & Upper Limb Centre is a dedicated hand clinic led by Dr Chee Kin Ghee, a registered Hand Surgeon in Singapore. Our team assesses and manages conditions affecting the hand, wrist and fingers, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and wrist fractures. Diagnostic evaluations, non-surgical therapies, hand surgery and hand therapy are coordinated within a single integrated clinical team.
Hand Surgery SpecialistMount Elizabeth & GleneaglesMedisave-AccreditedDirect Access (No GP Referral Required)
At a glance
Specialist Lead
Dr Chee Kin Ghee, Hand Surgeon, supported by registered hand occupational therapists and physiotherapists
Scope of Care
Hand, wrist and finger conditions, alongside related elbow and shoulder problems
Clinic Locations
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard), Gleneagles Medical Centre (Napier Road), and Rehabilitation at Royal Square (Novena)
Financial Options
Medisave and MediShield Life for eligible surgical procedures; selected Integrated Shield Plans and corporate health networks
What Does a Hand Specialist Do?
A hand specialist, or hand surgeon, is a medical practitioner specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the hand, wrist and fingers. This includes the intricate anatomy of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and skin, managed through both non-surgical and surgical approaches.
In Singapore, hand surgeons undergo dedicated specialist training in the delicate structures of the upper limb, including nerve reconstruction, tendon repair and microsurgery. Because the hand houses numerous small structures in close proximity, accurate clinical evaluation and precise surgical techniques are essential to preserve grip strength, fine motor dexterity and sensation.
Hand, Wrist and Upper Limb Conditions We Treat
Select a condition or symptom below to learn more about its clinical features, diagnostic methods and treatment pathways.
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Arthritis of the Upper Limb
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Bony Mallet Finger
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Carpometacarpal (CMC) Joint Osteoarthritis
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Congenital Hand Differences
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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
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De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
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Dupuytren’s Contracture
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Elbow Olecranon Bursitis
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Ganglion Cyst
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Nerve Compression Syndromes
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Tennis Elbow
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Trigger Finger
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Degloving Injury of the Hand
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Distal Radius Fractures
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Felon Finger
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Fractured or Broken Finger
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Hand and Wrist Fractures
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Soft Tissue & Ligament Injuries
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Nerve Injuries
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Paediatric Hand Injuries
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Scaphoid Fracture
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Scapholunate Ligament Injury
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Soft Tissue Palm Injuries
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Finger Joint Sports Injuries
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Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injury
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Sports Injury of the Hand and Wrist
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Hand Pain
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Wrist Pain
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Limited Range of Joint Motion
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Lumps on Hands and Fingers
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Numbness and Tingling in Fingers
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Growth on Finger
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Painful Conditions of the Thumb
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Swollen Finger Near Nail
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Amputation Injuries
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Complex Hand Trauma
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Fingertip Injuries
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Infected Finger / Paronychia
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Open Hand Fractures
Upper Limb Care Note: As a dedicated hand and upper limb practice, we also evaluate conditions extending to the elbow and shoulder, including tennis elbow, olecranon bursitis, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tears.
When to See a Hand Specialist
Consider booking a consultation if you notice any of the following symptoms:
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Numbness, tingling or pins-and-needles sensations in your fingers, particularly at night or while holding a phone or steering wheel
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A finger that catches, clicks or locks when bending or straightening
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Reduced grip strength, or dropping objects more frequently than usual
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Wrist or hand pain following a fall or sports impact, especially with visible swelling or bruising
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Inability to fully extend or flex a finger joint
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A noticeable lump, bump or localized swelling on the hand or wrist
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Persistent hand or wrist pain that has not resolved after two to three weeks of rest
Go to an Emergency Department (A&E) immediately if you experience:
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A deep cut or laceration to the hand or finger, especially when accompanied by numbness or loss of finger movement
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A partially or completely severed finger (First aid: wrap the detached part in clean, damp gauze, place it inside a sealed plastic bag, and rest the sealed bag on ice without letting the tissue touch ice or water directly)
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A finger or hand that appears pale, cold, blue or lacks sensation
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Rapidly spreading redness, swelling, severe pain or fever following a hand wound, puncture or animal bite
Seeking an evaluation with a hand surgeon does not automatically mean you will require surgery. Many hand and wrist conditions respond well to conservative treatments such as splinting, hand therapy or targeted injections. In Singapore, private specialist consultations can be booked directly without requiring a General Practitioner (GP) referral.
Comprehensive Hand Surgery and Treatment Options
Your treatment plan depends on your diagnosis, daily activity demands, work requirements and preferences. Dr Chee provides thorough explanations of non-surgical and surgical options, detailing expected outcomes, benefits and potential risks.
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Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical examination of the hand and wrist, review of existing diagnostic scans, and targeted imaging where indicated (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI or CT). For suspected nerve compression, nerve conduction studies can be coordinated.
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Non-Surgical Management
Custom splinting and orthoses, structured hand therapy, ergonomic and task modifications, appropriate pharmacological management, and local corticosteroid injections for conditions such as trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Surgical Interventions
Carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, fracture fixation of the hand and wrist, tendon and nerve reconstruction, ganglion cyst excision, wrist arthroscopy, and finger or wrist joint replacement. Where clinically indicated, minimally invasive approaches are utilised. Many hand procedures are performed as day surgery, allowing patients to return home the same day.
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Hand Therapy and Rehabilitation
Post-injury and post-operative rehabilitation focusing on restoring joint mobility, strength and fine motor function, coordinated directly by our hand occupational therapist, Joanna Lim, and physiotherapy team in conjunction with your surgeon.
Meet Our Specialist and Rehabilitation Team
Dr. Chee Kin Ghee
Specialist in Hand Surgery
Dr Chee Kin Ghee is a specialist in Hand Surgery in Singapore. Graduating from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2004, he completed his specialist training in hand and orthopaedic surgery.
His clinical interest includes complex hand, wrist and upper limb injuries, finger and wrist joint replacement, minimally invasive hand surgery, and nerve compression release. He completed a one-year Ministry of Health (MOH) Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) fellowship at the Wrightington Hospital Upper Limb Unit in the United Kingdom, focusing on joint replacement of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.
Hand Therapy and Rehabilitation Team
Justin Lim Xuan Li
Physiotherapist
Focuses on rehabilitation of nerve, muscle and joint conditions. Graduated from Trinity College Dublin.
Chan Jing Cheng (JC)
Physiotherapist
Over 12 years of clinical experience, specializing in orthopaedic and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Dr. Ambrose Yung
Specialist Orthopaedic Consultant
Over 20 years of experience in orthopaedics. Clinical interests include revision knee arthroplasty, partial knee replacement and primary total knee replacement, minimally invasive shoulder, ankle…
Care Network Note: As part of the Spire care network, patients requiring specialized care for lower limb or spine conditions (such as the knee, hip or spine) can be referred to our orthopaedic surgeon colleagues, Dr Ambrose Yung and Dr Low Mun Hon.
What to Expect During Your First Consultation
Your initial visit begins with a discussion of your symptoms, daily routines, work demands and previous medical history. Dr Chee performs a clinical examination of your hand and wrist, checking range of movement, grip strength, joint stability and nerve sensation. Necessary imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasound) can often be arranged on the same day.
Following the assessment, Dr Chee will explain the diagnosis, discuss non-surgical and surgical options, and clarify expected recovery timelines, work leave arrangements and treatment costs. Where indicated, conservative management, such as custom splinting, an injection or a hand therapy referral, can commence during the same visit.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Item
NRIC, FIN or Passport
Previous X-rays, MRI or Scan Reports
Referral Letter (if available)
List of Current Medications
Insurance or Integrated Shield Plan Details
Purpose
Patient registration and identity verification
Provides historical context and helps avoid repeating recent scans
Helpful for clinical context, though not mandatory
Important for planning procedures, injections or prescription safety
Assists our team in verifying claims or Letter of Guarantee (LOG) eligibility
Financial Options and Consultation Fees
Spire Hand & Upper Limb Centre is a Medisave-accredited clinic. Eligible day surgery and inpatient surgical procedures may be claimed under Medisave and MediShield Life, subject to the Ministry of Health Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) and prevailing withdrawal limits. We participate in selected Integrated Shield Plans and corporate health networks, where cashless or Letter of Guarantee (LOG) arrangements may apply.
First Specialist Consultation
First-visit consultation fees typically range from SGD 180 to SGD 300 (excluding GST). Please confirm exact fee structures with clinic staff prior to your visit.
Medisave / MediShield Life
Applicable to eligible surgical procedures, subject to TOSP classification and statutory withdrawal limits set by the Ministry of Health.
Integrated Shield Plans
Selected plans are accepted for eligible procedures. Cashless processing or LOG arrangements depend on individual policy terms.
Corporate Insurance Partners
Book a Consultation
Tell us a little about your symptoms, and our clinic team will help you arrange a consultation at the location that suits you.
Our clinic locations
We see patients from across Singapore at two central locations. Both clinics are accessible by MRT, with the Mount Elizabeth clinic near Orchard and the Royal Square clinic at Novena.
Spire Hand & Upper Limb Centre (Mount Elizabeth)
3 Mount Elizabeth #15-09, Singapore 228510
Weekday: 9.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Spire Orthopaedic Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre (Royal Square, Novena)
Royal Square,
101 Irrawaddy Road, #18-03,
Weekday: 9.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
How We Care for Your Hands
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Care Led by a Specialist Hand Surgeon
Assessment, diagnosis and surgical management are directed by a registered Hand Surgery specialist.
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Integrated Care Network
Your surgeon, hand occupational therapist and physiotherapists communicate directly, coordinating your rehabilitation under one team.
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Conservative Management First
Surgical options are recommended only when clinically indicated, with non-surgical pathways thoroughly explored.
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Financial Clarity
Consultation fees, procedure costs, Medisave eligibility and insurance options are clarified prior to treatment.
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Central Locations
Convenient clinic access at Mount Elizabeth (Orchard) and Royal Square (Novena), with prompt appointment scheduling.
Our Blog
Read our articles on common orthopaedic conditions, symptoms and treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a hand surgeon and an orthopaedic surgeon?
An orthopaedic surgeon manages conditions affecting bones and joints throughout the body. In Singapore, a hand surgeon is a medical practitioner specializing in Hand Surgery, a distinct medical specialty focused on the hand, wrist and forearm, incorporating tendon repair, nerve reconstruction and microsurgery. Complex nerve, tendon and small-joint problems form the core of a hand surgeon’s specialized training.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a hand specialist?
No. Private specialist consultations can be booked directly without a General Practitioner (GP) referral. If you possess a referral letter or previous scan reports, bringing them to your consultation provides helpful clinical context.
How quickly can I schedule an appointment?
Same-day or next-working-day appointments are frequently available depending on clinic schedule capacity. Please contact our clinic via phone or WhatsApp to check the earliest slot. If you sustain a severe, acute hand trauma, proceed directly to an Emergency Department.
Will I need hand surgery?
Not necessarily. Many common conditions, such as early-stage carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger, resolve or improve with conservative management, including custom splinting, hand therapy or targeted corticosteroid injections. Surgery is evaluated when conservative measures are insufficient or when structural repair is required.
Is hand surgery performed under general anaesthesia?
Not always. Many hand procedures, including carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release, are routinely performed as day surgery under local or regional anaesthesia (where only the arm or hand is numbed). Anaesthesia selection depends on the procedure type and your overall health, and is discussed prior to treatment.
Can I use Medisave for my hand surgery?
Eligible surgical procedures can be claimed under Medisave and MediShield Life, subject to the Ministry of Health Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) and prevailing withdrawal limits. Our clinic staff can assist in verifying your eligibility prior to your procedure.
What is the expected recovery timeline after hand surgery?
Recovery duration varies depending on the specific condition, the procedure performed, tissue health, and compliance with rehabilitation. Dr Chee will provide a clear recovery outline, including guidance on when you can safely return to work, driving and physical activities.
Do you treat hand conditions in children?
Yes. We evaluate and manage paediatric hand injuries, fractures, and congenital hand differences in children.
Do you treat conditions affecting the elbow and shoulder?
Yes. As a hand and upper limb practice, we assess and treat upper limb conditions extending to the elbow and shoulder, such as tennis elbow, cubital tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tears.