Request an Appointment With a Hand Specialist
Consultations are available at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard) and Royal Square at Novena. Call +65 9657 2268 or use the appointment form to arrange a consultation.
Hand Specialist in Singapore
When pain, numbness, or stiffness in your hand or wrist disrupts your daily life, a specialist assessment can help identify the cause and guide your treatment.
Spire Hand & Upper Limb Centre provides coordinated diagnosis, surgery, and hand therapy under one roof. Led by Dr Chee Kin Ghee, a fellowship-trained surgeon with over 20 years of experience, we treat conditions ranging from nerve compressions and fractures to arthritis. Visit our MOH-licensed clinics at Mount Elizabeth or Novena for comprehensive upper-limb care designed to support your recovery.
Dr. Chee Kin Ghee
What a Hand Specialist Does
A hand specialist diagnoses and treats disorders of the hand, wrist and forearm, where bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves and blood vessels are closely arranged within a small, intricate region. Many hand specialists in Singapore have a background in orthopaedic surgery with further sub-specialty training in hand and upper-limb surgery, including microsurgical techniques used to repair small nerves, vessels and tendons.
Typical reasons patients consult a hand specialist include persistent pain or stiffness, numbness or tingling, weakness of grip, a lump or swelling, a finger that catches or locks, and injuries from sport, falls or work. A specialist assessment aims to confirm the diagnosis and set out both non-surgical and surgical options, so you can make an informed decision about your care.
When to Consult a Hand Specialist in Singapore
Clinical assessment by an accredited hand surgeon is generally worth considering if upper-limb symptoms persist beyond two to six weeks, or do not improve with rest and conservative measures. Consider arranging an appointment if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent pain or stiffness during everyday tasks such as gripping, typing, lifting or writing.
- Localised swelling, tenderness or a visible change in the shape of a finger, knuckle or wrist.
- A finger or thumb that catches, clicks or locks when bending or straightening.
- Numbness, tingling or pins and needles, or loss of strength, in the thumb, index or middle fingers, often worse at night.
- Reduced grip strength or difficulty with fine tasks such as buttons, keys or handwriting.
- An acute injury from a fall, sporting impact or workplace accident, including suspected fractures and cuts to tendons or nerves.
Symptoms vary in cause and severity, and not every symptom indicates a serious problem. Early assessment can, however, help identify conditions that may benefit from earlier treatment.
Hand and Wrist Conditions We Treat
Spire Hand & Upper Limb Centre assesses and manages a range of musculoskeletal and nerve conditions of the upper limb. Select a condition below to read a detailed page on its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Nerve Compression
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, night-time tingling and hand weakness.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, causing numbness or weakness in the ring and little fingers.
Tendon and Ligament Conditions
- Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis) - A finger or thumb that catches or locks in a bent position.
- De Quervain's Tenosynovitis - Painful inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
- Mallet Finger - A fingertip that droops after a tendon injury and cannot straighten on its own.
- Tendon Injuries - Cuts or ruptures of the flexor or extensor tendons requiring precise repair.
Joint and Bone Conditions
- Hand Arthritis - Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the small joints, causing pain, swelling and reduced movement.
- Ganglion Cyst - A non-cancerous, fluid-filled lump that commonly forms over the wrist or hand.
- Hand and Wrist Fractures - Breaks or dislocations of the finger, hand or wrist bones, including the scaphoid.
- Dupuytren's Contracture - Thickening of tissue in the palm that gradually pulls one or more fingers towards the palm.
- Nail-bed Injuries - Injuries to the nail and surrounding tissue, often after a crush injury to the fingertip.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Pathways
Many hand and wrist conditions can be managed without surgery. Where surgery is appropriate, it can often be combined with hand therapy for recovery. Spire Hand & Upper Limb Centre provides clinical pathways that bring diagnosis, procedures and rehabilitation together.
Diagnostic and Clinical Assessment
- In-clinic ultrasound imaging for real-time assessment of soft tissue.
- Physical and neurological examination, including provocative tests.
- Referral for MRI, CT or nerve conduction studies where clinically indicated.
Non-Surgical and Rehabilitative Care
- Custom thermoplastic splinting, fabricated in-house by certified hand therapists to support, rest or guide joint movement.
- Hand therapy: occupational therapy and physiotherapy protocols designed to help restore grip strength, coordination and flexibility.
- Ultrasound-guided injection therapy directed at a joint or tendon sheath to help reduce inflammation.
Surgical Treatment
- Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
A minimally invasive technique aimed at relieving pressure on the median nerve through a small incision. - Trigger Finger Release
Division of the A1 pulley designed to help restore smooth tendon gliding, performed percutaneously or open. - Microsurgical nerve and tendon reconstruction
Repair of nerves and tendons using an operating microscope. - Wrist arthroscopy
Keyhole assessment and treatment of ligament tears or cartilage damage within the wrist.
The choice of treatment depends on your diagnosis, symptoms and circumstances. Your hand surgeon will explain the options, expected recovery and any risks during your consultation.
What to Expect at Your First Consultation
Your first visit follows a structured assessment designed to help you understand your potential diagnosis and options clearly:
- Medical history review: a discussion of how and when your symptoms began, how they affect daily activities, and any previous treatment.
- Clinical examination: assessment of movement, stability, strength and nerve function.
- On-the-spot diagnostics: where helpful, an X-ray or in-clinic ultrasound may be reviewed or performed to help confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment discussion: a clear explanation of non-surgical and surgical options, expected recovery, possible risks and an outline of fees.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery varies by condition, the treatment chosen and individual factors, so timelines are indicative rather than guaranteed. Many minor procedures allow a return to light activity within days, while tendon, nerve or fracture repairs may require several weeks of protected movement and structured hand therapy.
Because rehabilitation plays a key role in supporting functional outcomes, in-house hand therapists work alongside the surgical team. A therapy plan may include splinting, graded exercises and activity modification, with progress reviewed at follow-up appointments. Your surgeon and therapist will give you a recovery plan specific to your situation.
Fees, Medisave, MediShield Life and Insurance
Spire Hand & Upper Limb Centre is a Medisave-accredited institution approved by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board. Fees depend on the consultation, investigations and any procedure required. A consultation fee covers the specialist assessment; a surgical fee is itemised separately and typically comprises the surgeon’s fee, facility or day-surgery fee, anaesthesia and any consumables or implants.
| Component | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Specialist consultation | Clinical assessment by the hand surgeon, including examination and discussion of findings. |
| Investigations | X-ray, in-clinic ultrasound, or referral for MRI, CT or nerve conduction studies where indicated. |
| Procedure / surgery | Surgeon’s fee, facility or day-surgery fee, anaesthesia, and any consumables or implants, itemised before the procedure. |
| Hand therapy | Occupational therapy, physiotherapy and custom splinting where part of your treatment plan. |
Medisave and MediShield Life
Eligible day-surgery and inpatient procedures may be claimable against Medisave and MediShield Life, subject to the Ministry of Health’s Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) and prevailing withdrawal limits. In line with MOH regulations, routine outpatient consultations and diagnostic scans are generally not claimable from Medisave unless bundled within an eligible day-surgery procedure.
Integrated Shield Plans and Corporate Panels
The clinic is listed on selected Integrated Shield Plan specialist panels and corporate health networks. Depending on your policy, a Letter of Guarantee or cashless arrangement may be possible. Our clinic coordinators provide an itemised breakdown of costs and help you check coverage before any planned procedure.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
Bringing the following helps your hand specialist assess your condition efficiently:
| Item | When It Is Needed |
|---|---|
| Identification (NRIC / FIN / passport) | All patients, for registration. |
| GP referral letter | Not required for private patients to book. May be requested by your insurer for some Integrated Shield Plan claims or corporate cards. |
| Insurance / Integrated Shield Plan details | If you intend to claim; helps coordinators check coverage and arrange a Letter of Guarantee where applicable. |
| Previous scans or reports | If you have had X-rays, MRI, ultrasound or prior treatment for the same condition. |
| List of current medications | Particularly blood thinners and any drug allergies, relevant if a procedure is planned. |
Our Clinic Locations
Spire Hand & Upper Limb Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #15-14
Singapore 228510
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Spire Orthopaedic Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre
101 Irrawaddy Road, #18-03
Singapore 329565
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Get Started
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does a hand specialist treat?
A hand specialist treats conditions of the hand, wrist and forearm, including nerve compressions such as carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome, tendon conditions such as trigger finger and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, arthritis of the small joints, ganglion cysts, and fractures and tendon or nerve injuries.
Do I need a GP referral to see a hand specialist in Singapore?
Private patients do not need a referral letter to make an appointment and may contact the clinic directly. If you are claiming under certain Integrated Shield Plan policies or using a corporate health card, your insurer may ask for a GP referral to validate coverage.
What is the difference between a hand specialist and a general orthopaedic surgeon?
A general orthopaedic surgeon manages the wider musculoskeletal system, while a hand specialist has further sub-specialty training focused on the hand, wrist and forearm. This includes microsurgical techniques used to repair small nerves, vessels and tendons in this region.
Can I use Medisave for hand surgery or my consultation?
Eligible day-surgery and inpatient procedures may be claimable against Medisave, subject to MOH’s Table of Surgical Procedures and withdrawal limits. Routine outpatient consultations and scans are generally not claimable from Medisave unless they are part of an eligible day-surgery procedure.
Does MediShield Life or my Integrated Shield Plan cover hand surgery?
Eligible procedures may be claimable under MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans, depending on your policy and ward or facility type. The clinic is on selected Integrated Shield Plan panels, and coordinators can help you check coverage and arrange a Letter of Guarantee where applicable.
How much does hand surgery cost in Singapore?
Cost depends on the procedure, the facility and whether implants or therapy are needed. Fees are itemised into the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, anaesthesia and consumables. An itemised quotation is provided at financial counselling before any treatment, and eligible procedures may be claimable against Medisave, MediShield Life or insurance.
Will I need surgery, or are there non-surgical options?
Many hand and wrist conditions are managed without surgery, using splinting, hand therapy or injection treatment. Surgery is considered when non-surgical care is not suitable or has not helped. Your surgeon will explain which options apply to your diagnosis.
How long does recovery take after hand or wrist surgery?
Recovery varies with the condition and procedure. Minor procedures may allow a return to light activity within days, while tendon, nerve or fracture repairs can require several weeks of protected movement and hand therapy. Your surgeon and therapist will give you a plan specific to your situation.
Where are your clinics located?
Consultations are available at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard), near Orchard MRT, and at Royal Square at Novena, near Novena MRT. Both clinics offer parking and step-free lift access.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring your identification, any previous scans or reports, a list of current medications, and your insurance or Integrated Shield Plan details if you intend to claim. A GP referral is only needed if your insurer requires one.
Why Patients Choose Spire Hand & Upper Limb Centre
| Feature | What It Means For You |
|---|---|
| MOH-licensed specialist clinic | Care is provided within a clinic licensed under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act. |
| Fellowship-trained hand surgeon | Assessment and treatment led by Dr Chee Kin Ghee, with sub-specialty training in hand and upper-limb surgery. |
| Two clinic locations | Appointments at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard) and Royal Square at Novena, near MRT stations. |
| Integrated surgery and therapy | Surgical and non-surgical care coordinated with in-house certified hand therapists and on-site splinting. |
| In-clinic diagnostics | Ultrasound assessment and ultrasound-guided injection therapy available within the clinic. |
| Transparent financial counselling | Itemised fee breakdown, Medisave accreditation, and support with MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plan claims. |
Arrange a Consultation With a Hand Specialist
Speak with our team to arrange an assessment of your hand or wrist condition at either of our Singapore clinics.
