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(Ask for Dr Ong)

DR. ONG KEE LEONG

Shoulder Instability

While shoulder instability can greatly disrupt everyday activities and cause immense pain, it can be effectively managed with professional and proper treatment. Speak with Dr. Ong Kee Leong to learn how he can help with your shoulder condition.

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What Is Shoulder Instability?

Shoulder instability is the separation of the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) from the cup-shaped shoulder socket (glenoid) in the shoulder blade (scapula). This separation may be partial and temporary (subluxation) or complete and permanent dislocation.

If left untreated, shoulder instability can lead to other issues such as rotator cuff tears, fractures or cartilage damages.

How Is Shoulder Instability Diagnosed?

Your shoulder specialist will conduct a physical examination to test your shoulder and arm’s range of motion and check for any signs of tenderness and swelling.

Imaging tests such as an x-ray may be performed to show and detect any other possible causes of instability and pain, such as a fracture. Additionally, an MRI scan may be conducted to evaluate your shoulder further by showing detailed images of your shoulder tendons and ligaments.

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Symptoms of Shoulder Instability

  • Sharp pain in your shoulders
  • Inability to move or rotate your shoulders
  • A popping or snapping sensation
  • Swelling
  • A feeling that the shoulder may give way

How Can Shoulder Instability Be Treated?

Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatment methods are usually recommended for the initial treatment of shoulder instability.

These methods may include:

  • Physical therapy. Dr. Ong may recommend an exercise regime that consists of simple stretching and strengthening activities to regain lost motion and strength of the shoulders.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and swelling.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is typically recommended only if physical therapy is insufficient in treating shoulder instability.

The different types of surgery include:

  • Arthroscopy. This minimally invasive surgical technique involves creating small incisions in the shoulder and inserting a tiny fiberoptic scope and surgical instruments to repair soft tissues.
  • Open surgery. This traditional surgical method involves a larger incision in the shoulder, and the repair surgery is performed under direct visualisation.
  • Open labral repair. This procedure is performed by creating small incisions on the front of the shoulder. The torn labrum (a type of cartilage in the shoulder joint) is repaired, and the dislocated anterior shoulder capsule is overlapped to minimise its size.

Why Do Patients Choose Dr Ong Kee Leong?

  • Dr. Ong Is Passionate In Sports, Giving Him A Deep Understanding Of Sports-Related Injuries And How They Can Be Treated
  • Personalised And Professional Approach To Deliver High-Quality Orthopaedic Care Based On The Most Up-To-Date Literature
  • Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure Smooth, Long-Term Recovery
  • Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
  • Problem-Oriented, Well-Organised and Individualized Treatment Plans Catered To Your Specific Needs
  • Specialist In The Management Of Sports Injuries And Degenerative Conditions Of The Shoulder And Knee Joints
  • Knowledgeable And Pleasant Clinical Staff To Assist You With Your Every Need Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure
  • Our Care Is Conveniently Accessible At Mount Elizabeth Novena and Farrer Park Hospital
  • Minimal Waiting Time For Initial Consultation
  • Assistance With Medical Claims (e.g. Medisave & Integrated Shield Plans)

“At our clinic, we generally try to explore non-surgical treatment such as activities modification, physiotherapy and orthotics before recommending invasive intervention options.”

Dr. Ong Kee Leong

About Dr. Ong Kee Leong

Senior Consultant, MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Dr Ong Kee Leong is a senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty training in shoulder, knee, and arthroscopic sports surgery.

  • Completed a fellowship in Germany, gaining focused, hands-on exposure to complex joint conditions beyond the scope of general orthopaedic practice.
  • Served as Director of Sports Service at Changi General Hospital, managing a wide range of sports-related injuries in both recreational athletes and national-level competitors before entering private practice.
  • Subspecialty focus on shoulder and knee conditions, including arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery.
Hospital & Clinic Affiliations

Dr Ong practises at a clinic in Singapore with access to accredited hospital facilities for surgical procedures. Patients have access to diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound), day surgery facilities for arthroscopic procedures, and structured rehabilitation services.

Please contact the clinic directly for the current practice address, nearest MRT station, and details of affiliated surgical facilities.

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr Ong’s clinical approach is grounded in a single principle: exercise and sports are highly beneficial for long-term health. This reflects a genuine belief that physical activity is central to long-term health, and that the goal of orthopaedic care is to return you to the activities that matter to you, not simply to resolve your imaging findings.

In practice, this means prioritising joint preservation wherever possible. Rather than moving quickly to joint replacement or highly invasive procedures, the focus is on treatments that protect and restore the body’s natural structures.

Every plan is shaped by what you want to do with your body, whether that is returning to competitive sport, running at weekends, or simply walking without pain.

Beyond acute treatment, Dr Ong incorporates injury prevention and load management guidance into his consultations. Understanding why an injury occurred, and how to modify training to reduce the risk of recurrence, is part of the long-term care approach.

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    (Please ask for Dr Ong Kee Leong)

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    Mt Elizabeth Novena
    • 38 Irrawaddy Road #06-59/60/61 Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563
    • (65) 6884 6788
    • (Ask for Dr Ong)
    • (65) 9652 5022

    • Mon – Fri :    9:00 am – 5:00 pm
      Sat :    9:00 am – 1:00 pm

    other practice locations
    Farrer Park Hospital
    Mt Alvernia Medical Centre

    Billing & Payment

    Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation, and start from SGD$200 (within 30 minutes).

    Modes of Payment

    We accept the following modes of payment:

    • Cash
    • PayNow & PayLah
    • All major Credit Cards

    If you are insured and would like to use a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us and our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.

    Can I Claim Through My Medisave Account? (For Singaporeans and PR)

    Yes, you can. Our Clinic is an accredited day surgery clinic by the Ministry of Health. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents may use their Medisave for eligible orthopaedic inpatient procedures and hospitalizations.

    The exact amount would depend on the complexity of the procedure. If you have any enquiries, feel free to speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your Medisave account.

    Integrated Shield Plans (Singaporeans and PRs)

    Yes, patients who have purchased Integrated Shield plans with riders for co-insurance and deductibles will be able to use them in our clinic for eligible procedures. For more information, contact us to find out if your procedure is claimable.

    The 5 Approved Integrated Shield Insurers are:

    • NTUC Income’s IncomeShield and Enhanced IncomeShield
    • American International Assurance International Co’s (AIA) HealthShield Gold
    • Great Eastern Life Assurance Co’s SupremeHealth and SupremeHealth Plus
    • Prudential Assurance Co’s PRUShield
    • AXA Shield
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