Dr Lim Yeow Wai is a Senior Consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the Raffles Orthopaedic Centre whose clinical interests centre on upper limb surgery, particularly the shoulder, elbow and hand, alongside sports surgery, traumatology and arthroscopic surgery. He was formerly Director of the Shoulder and Elbow Service at Changi General Hospital. He holds a Master of Medicine (Surgery) and Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Orthopaedics.
Clinical focus
Shoulder, elbow & hand (upper limb) surgery.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (S'pore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Surgery), FRCSEd (Ortho).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Raffles Orthopaedic Centre — City Hall (Raffles Hospital)
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Raffles Hospital
Getting to the clinic
Dr Lim Yeow Wai practises at the Raffles Orthopaedic Centre within Raffles Hospital, in the Bugis area near the city centre. The nearest station is Bugis MRT, served by the East–West and Downtown Lines, a short walk from the hospital. Taxi and ride-hailing drop-off is available at the hospital entrance, which is often convenient for those with an injured or painful upper limb.
- By MRT: alight at Bugis and walk to Raffles Hospital, following the signs.
- By bus: numerous services stop along the major roads around Bugis and Victoria Street; check the nearest stop for your route.
- By car or taxi: taxi and ride-hailing drop-off is available, and Raffles Hospital has a paid visitor carpark.
Wear clothing that allows the shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand to be examined easily — a loose top or one that unbuttons is helpful — and arrive early for registration, particularly for a first appointment.
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What upper limb surgery covers
Dr Lim’s clinical interests centre on upper limb surgery — the shoulder, elbow and hand — alongside sports surgery, traumatology and arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery. The shoulder and elbow are complex joints prone to problems such as rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, instability, arthritis and tendon injuries. The hand and wrist involve an intricate arrangement of small bones, tendons, nerves and joints, giving rise to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tendon and nerve injuries, and fractures.
Arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat joint problems with less disruption to surrounding tissue, and is often used for the shoulder. Sports surgery and traumatology address injuries from activity or accidents, including ligament and tendon repairs and the fixation of fractures. Many upper limb conditions are first managed without surgery — through activity modification, physiotherapy, hand therapy, splinting, medication or injections — with surgery considered when symptoms persist, function is impaired or an injury requires repair. Because the arm and hand are essential for almost all daily, work and leisure activities, treatment aims to restore comfortable, reliable function, grip and movement.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit covers your symptoms — pain, weakness, stiffness, numbness, locking or instability — how they began, and how they affect work and daily life. The doctor reviews your medical history and examines the affected area, testing movement, strength, stability and, where relevant, nerve function.
Imaging is often needed: X-rays show the bones and joints, while ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess tendons, ligaments and soft tissues. For nerve-related problems, additional tests may be arranged. The doctor then explains the diagnosis and discusses options, from non-surgical measures to surgery, including what any procedure and recovery would involve.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous records, operation notes and copies of relevant X-rays, ultrasound or MRI scans.
- A current list of medications and supplements.
- Any splints, braces or supports you currently use.
- A written list of symptoms and questions, noting which movements and activities trigger problems.
Wearing a loose-fitting or easily removed top makes examination of the shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand more comfortable.
After your consultation and follow-up
You will usually leave with a clear plan: physiotherapy, splinting, an injection, further imaging, or a date for surgery. Upper limb recovery often involves hand therapy or physiotherapy to restore movement and strength, with reviews to confirm healing and guide rehabilitation. Reports and imaging can be provided for your records or referring doctor.
Keeping to follow-up appointments helps confirm the joint or repair is healing and that you are regaining function safely. You may seek a second opinion before major surgery. Seek urgent attention for severe pain, an inability to move the limb after injury, signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth and fever, or sudden numbness, weakness or coldness in the hand.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist, you can usually book without a formal referral, though a letter from your GP or polyclinic may help and can support subsidies in a public setting. For eligible surgical procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within set limits, while consultations are generally out of pocket. Confirm fees, estimates and insurance coverage, including any pre-authorisation, with the clinic before proceeding.
Common questions
Does a rotator cuff tear always need surgery?
Not always. Many shoulder problems improve with physiotherapy and other non-surgical measures. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist or the tear significantly affects function, based on examination and imaging.
What is arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery?
It uses small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat joint problems with less disruption to surrounding tissue. The surgeon will advise whether it is suitable for your condition.
How long is recovery after upper limb surgery?
Recovery varies with the procedure and often involves hand therapy or physiotherapy over weeks to months. The surgeon will outline the expected timeline for your case.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
Not necessarily for a private consultation, but bringing any referral letter and previous imaging helps the surgeon assess your condition.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of orthopaedic surgeons in Singapore and our shortlist of orthopaedic clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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