Specializing in Lower Limb Surgery and Knee Pain
MBBS • MRCS (Edin) • MMed (Ortho) • FRCSEd (Ortho) Orthopaedic
Dr. Sean Leo is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore with over 25 years of clinical experience, specialising in knee and lower limb surgery. His practice includes the management of both sports-related injuries and degenerative joint conditions, with a particular focus on the knee. He also has a subspecialty interest in joint preservation techniques, such as arthroscopic repair and resurfacing-established procedures used to help maintain joint function and mobility.
As an orthopaedic surgeon with experience in treating a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal issues, Dr. Sean Leo provides comprehensive care for patients experiencing joint pain, instability, or limited mobility. His clinical expertise includes ACL tears, osteoarthritis, meniscus injuries, kneecap instability, trauma, and other sports-related conditions.
Our clinic team will arrange your appointment after you complete the booking form. The staff will assist in understanding your knee condition and confirm your preferred consultation time.
Dr. Sean Leo will evaluate your knee condition, review your medical history, and discuss appropriate treatment options for your sports injury or knee pain. Patients are encouraged to ask questions during this consultation.
Our orthopaedic team will schedule follow-ups and provide guidance on your treatment plan, supporting your recovery from ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, or other knee conditions with specialized care.
Seek professional evaluation for knee pain persisting beyond one week, noticeable swelling, joint instability, or difficulty with daily activities. When pain disrupts sleep or normal functioning, or fails to improve with rest and ice, specialized assessment becomes important. Sports injuries affecting the knee should be promptly examined, as early diagnosis typically leads to better treatment outcomes and faster recovery.
Orthopaedic specialists treat various knee conditions, including sports injuries (ACL tears, meniscus tears, PCL and MCL injuries), degenerative conditions (osteoarthritis, cartilage degeneration, patellofemoral pain syndrome), and other knee issues (fractures, patellar tendonitis, Baker’s cysts, bursitis, IT band syndrome).
Each condition requires proper diagnosis and treatment. If you experience knee pain or discomfort, consult a knee specialist for professional medical advice.
Many knee conditions can be managed effectively with non-surgical approaches, including physical therapy, medication management, minimally invasive procedures, and supportive measures.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation involve customized exercise programs, gait training, and manual therapy techniques to improve strength and mobility. Medication management may include anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relief options, and joint supplements when suitable.
For some patients, minimally invasive procedures like corticosteroid injections or viscosupplementation may provide relief. Supportive measures such as bracing, activity modification, weight management, and proper footwear can also help.
A comprehensive assessment by a knee specialist ensures the most suitable non-surgical approach for each condition.
Surgical intervention may be considered when non-surgical treatments are insufficient, the knee’s structural integrity is compromised, or specific conditions such as complete ligament tears, symptomatic meniscus tears, advanced osteoarthritis, severe cartilage damage, or fractures require surgical fixation.
The decision for surgery is patient-centered, considering factors like overall health, activity level, age, occupation, lifestyle, and personal preferences after a thorough discussion of options.
Modern surgical techniques in Singapore often include minimally invasive approaches, providing effective treatment with reduced recovery time when suitable.
Singapore’s orthopaedic specialists utilize cutting-edge techniques to enhance surgical precision, recovery, and long-term function.
Minimally invasive approaches such as arthroscopic surgery, computer-assisted navigation, and patient-specific instrumentation help reduce tissue damage and improve implant positioning. Advanced repair techniques, including biological augmentation, all-inside meniscus repair, cartilage restoration, and anatomic ligament reconstruction, support better healing and joint function.
For patients requiring knee replacement, modern options like partial knee replacement, total knee arthroplasty with advanced implants, kinematic alignment, and robotic-assisted surgery offer improved precision and outcomes.
These innovations contribute to faster recovery and better long-term knee function when suitable for the patient’s condition.
For arthroscopic procedures, basic activities resume in 1-2 weeks, daily activities in 4-6 weeks, and sports in 3-6 months.
For ligament reconstruction (ACL, PCL), mobility returns in 2-4 weeks, rehabilitation takes 3-6 months, and sports return in 9-12 months. Full ligament maturation may take up to 2 years.
Knee replacement surgery involves a 2-5 day hospital stay, walking with assistance in 1-2 weeks, independent walking in 4-6 weeks, and full recovery in 6-12 months.
Factors like fitness, rehabilitation adherence, age, and procedure complexity influence recovery. A structured rehab program is key to optimal outcomes.
Comprehensive rehabilitation is crucial for optimal recovery and is tailored to individual needs, goals, and surgical procedures.
In the early phase, focus is on pain management, range of motion exercises, basic strengthening, and gait training with assistive devices. Progressive rehabilitation includes advanced strengthening, balance training, functional exercises, and sport-specific training as needed.
Rehabilitation can take place in inpatient settings for complex cases, outpatient physical therapy, or home exercise programs with professional guidance. Return-to-sport training is available for active individuals.
Modern rehabilitation is evidence-based to ensure safe and effective recovery.