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Elbow Specialist in Singapore
Dr Kau is a Fellowship trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with more than 15 years of experience. He is experienced in trauma and fracture management, sports injuries, and joint replacement surgery. For patients suffering from elbow conditions, Dr Kau offers elbow replacement surgery and is skilled in robotic assisted surgery. Make an appointment with Dr Kau for a consultation and a personalised elbow treatment plan.
Dr Kau Chung Yuan (许医生)
MBBS (S’PORE)
MRCS (Ireland)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCSEd (Ortho)
The Role of Elbow Specialists
Elbow specialists are orthopaedic surgeons with advanced training in diagnosing, treating, and managing elbow disorders and injuries. They are adept at handling everything from acute injuries, such as fractures and dislocations, to chronic conditions like arthritis and tendonitis.
They play a pivotal role in restoring functionality, alleviating pain, and preventing future complications associated with elbow health. This enables patients to resume everyday activities with minimal interruption, emphasising the specialists’ importance in comprehensive elbow care.
The Elbow
The elbow joint is an intricate structure that allows for the bending and straightening of the arm, as well as rotational movements. Composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, the elbow is a crucial link between the upper arm and forearm.
For specialised elbow care, Dr Kau offers a range of services to help diagnose, treat, and restore optimal function to your elbow.
Common Elbow Conditions
Elbow specialists deal with a range of conditions, from acute to chronic. Key issues include:
Tennis Elbow
This condition is marked by pain and tenderness on the elbow’s outer part, often due to overuse of forearm muscles.
Golfer’s Elbow
This condition presents as pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, affecting different muscles compared to tennis elbow.
Elbow Arthritis
This is characterised by stiffness, pain, and limited movement due to degenerative changes in the elbow joint.
Elbow Bursitis
An inflammation of the bursa over the elbow joint causes pain, swelling, and sometimes redness on the elbow’s back.
Fractures and Dislocations
These acute injuries, resulting from trauma, lead to severe pain, swelling, and movement difficulty.
Diagnostic Techniques
These diagnostic techniques are used to identify the underlying causes of elbow conditions:
- Physical Examination: A thorough examination is conducted first to assess pain, swelling, range of motion, and elbow functionality.
- X-rays: Radiographic images help detect fractures, dislocations, and signs of arthritis in the elbow joint.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans offer detailed images of soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, aiding in diagnosing soft tissue injuries.
- Ultrasound: This non-invasive technique uses sound waves to produce images of the elbow’s soft tissues, and it is useful for diagnosing conditions like tendon tears or inflammation.
Elbow Conditions We Treat
- Distal Humerus Fractures
- Elbow Arthritis
- Elbow Bursitis
- Elbow Instability & Dislocation
- Nerve Compression Injuries Around The Elbow
- Radial Head Fractures
- Golfer’s & Tennis Elbow
- Forearm Fractures
Treatment Options
Non-surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments are often the first line of defence in managing elbow disorders. These approaches aim to reduce symptoms and improve joint function without surgery.
Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in elbow rehabilitation, offering a range of exercises tailored to enhance joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall arm function.
Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to alleviate inflammation and pain associated with elbow conditions.
Bracing or Splinting:
To support the healing process, elbow specialists may recommend braces or splints. These devices help to immobilise the elbow, reduce strain on the affected area, and prevent further injury.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical intervention may be necessary when non-surgical methods do not provide sufficient relief or in cases of severe injury.
Injections for Elbow Tendinopathies:
For conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Steroid injections can offer rapid relief from pain and swelling. In contrast, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections enhance the body’s natural healing response by using the patient’s growth factors.
Elbow Replacement Surgery:
In cases of severe arthritis or significant joint damage, elbow replacement surgery may be considered. This procedure involves replacing the damaged parts of the elbow with artificial components, aiming to restore joint function and reduce pain.
Elbow Fracture Fixation:
Elbow fracture fixation is a surgical technique used to repair and stabilise fractures within the elbow joint. This may involve the use of metal plates, screws, or wires to hold the bones in proper alignment as they heal.
Radial Head Fixation:
This procedure focuses on fixing radial head fractures, a critical component of the elbow joint. Surgical intervention can help to restore the joint’s stability and function, especially in complex fractures.
Distal Humerus Fixation:
This surgical procedure aims to repair distal humerus fractures, the lower end of the upper arm bone that forms part of the elbow joint. Fixation devices such as plates, screws, or pins are used to realign and stabilise the fractured bones.
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Elbow Treatments We Offer
- Distal Humerus Fixation
- Injections For Elbow Tendinopathies (Steroid & Platelet-rich Plasma)
- Elbow Replacement Surgery
- Elbow Fracture Fixation
- Radial Head Fixation
When To See A Elbow Specialist
- Persistent or Severe Pain
If you experience persistent or severe pain in your elbow that does not improve with rest, over-the-counter pain medication, or basic self-care measures, it may be time to consult an elbow specialist. - Limited Range of Motion
If you have difficulty fully extending or flexing your elbow, or if you experience a decrease in your range of motion, it is advisable to seek the expertise of an elbow specialist. - Elbow Injuries
If you have suffered a recent injury to your elbow, such as a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain, it is important to see an elbow specialist for a proper evaluation and management.
Dr. Kau Chung Yuan
MBBS (S’pore)
MRCS (Ireland)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCSEd (Ortho)
Dr Kau (许医生) is a Fellowship trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a subspecialty interest in Hip and Knee surgery and has been in practice for more than 15 years.
He is experienced in trauma and fracture management, sports injuries, and joint replacement surgery.
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, Orthopaedics (FRCS, Edin) 2014
- Master of Medicine (Orthopaedics), Singapore (MMed) 2013
- Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (MRCS, Ire) 2009
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS, Singapore) 2004
Patient Journey with Dr Kau
Consultation
During the initial consultation, Dr Kau will evaluate your medical history, assess your condition and advise you on the next course of action.
Investigation
After consultation, Dr Kau will decide which tests are needed. Most conditions will benefit from an X-ray and MRI of the affected region to aid in your diagnosis.
Treatment
After diagnosis, Dr Kau will recommend a personalised non-invasive or surgical treatment plan, depending on your condition.
Partnered Programs & Insurance Plans
For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.
Patient Feedback
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Visit Us Today
1
Mount Elizabeth Novena
Specialist Centre
Specialist Centre
2
Mount Alvernia
Hospital
Hospital
3
Farrer Park
Hospital
Hospital
1, #02-01 Farrer Park Station Rd,
Connexion, Singapore 217562
Connexion, Singapore 217562
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will elbow pain go away on its own?
Elbow pain may resolve on its own for minor strains or overuse, but persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated by a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How do I know if my elbow pain is serious?
Severe or persistent elbow pain, swelling, limited range of motion, numbness or tingling, and difficulty with daily activities may suggest a more serious condition. Seek medical attention from an orthopaedic specialist or healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
How long is recovery after elbow surgery?
Recovery time after elbow surgery varies depending on the procedure, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Complete healing and return to normal activities may take several months or longer.
Are there any risks associated with elbow surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, elbow surgery carries potential risks such as infection, nerve damage, blood clots, and complications related to anaesthesia. Discussing these risks with your surgeon will help you make an informed decision.
How effective are steroid injections for elbow tendinopathies?
Steroid injections can provide significant relief from pain and inflammation for elbow tendinopathies. However, their effectiveness may diminish with repeated use, and they are generally used in conjunction with other treatments like physical therapy.
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and how does it work?
PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s own platelets into the injured area to stimulate and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. It can promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
When can I return to sports or physical activities after elbow treatment?
The timeline for returning to sports or physical activities depends on the specific condition, treatment method, and individual recovery progress. Your elbow specialist and physical therapist will guide you based on your situation and ensure that you return safely to activities.