Dr Tan Jee Lim is an orthopaedic surgeon practising at Gleneagles Hospital whose clinical interests include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, arthroscopy, cartilage and ligament reconstruction, hip arthroscopy and meniscus repair. He graduated in medicine from the National University of Singapore and is a fellow of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Glasgow. In 1999 he completed a fellowship in sports orthopaedics at the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic in Canada.
Clinical focus
Sports & knee surgery (ACL, arthroscopy, cartilage).
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (NUS), FRCS (Edin), FRCS (Glasgow), Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: JL Sports Medicine & Surgery — Orchard (Gleneagles Hospital)
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Gleneagles Hospital
Getting to the clinic
Dr Tan Jee Lim practises through JL Sports Medicine & Surgery at Gleneagles Hospital, off Napier Road on the fringe of the Orchard and Tanglin area. The hospital and its medical centre sit in a leafy, residential pocket a little away from the main Orchard Road belt.
- By MRT: Napier MRT (TE12) on the Thomson–East Coast Line is the nearest station, with Orchard Boulevard MRT (TE13) also within reach; from either, a short taxi ride or walk completes the journey.
- By bus: Bus services along Napier Road and Tanglin pass close to the hospital grounds.
- By car or taxi: Because the site is set back from the MRT network, many patients find a taxi or ride-hailing drop-off most convenient. Gleneagles provides a paid visitor carpark on site.
What sports and knee surgery covers
Dr Tan’s stated focus is sports and knee surgery, including ACL reconstruction, arthroscopy, cartilage and ligament work. This field treats injuries and wear affecting the knee and other joints, often in active people and athletes. Common areas include:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and reconstruction to restore knee stability.
- Keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery to assess and repair joint problems through small incisions.
- Meniscus tears, cartilage damage and ligament injuries of the knee.
- Hip arthroscopy and other sports-related joint problems.
Treatment is not always surgical. Many injuries respond to physiotherapy, bracing and graded return-to-sport programmes, and surgery is considered when stability or function cannot be restored otherwise.
Knee and sports conditions often affect people across a wide range of ages and activity levels, from competitive athletes to weekend exercisers and those who simply want to stay active. The aim of treatment is not only to settle pain but to restore confidence in the joint, so that movement, pivoting and loading feel secure again. A surgeon working in this area weighs how the injury affects your particular demands — running, jumping, contact sport or everyday walking — when recommending whether to rehabilitate or operate, and how aggressive that plan should be.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually starts with how the injury happened — a twist, a fall or gradual onset — and how it affects activity, sport and daily life. The surgeon examines the joint for swelling, stability, range of movement and specific signs of ligament or cartilage injury.
Imaging such as X-rays or an MRI is often arranged to confirm the diagnosis and gauge the extent of damage. You will then discuss the options, from rehabilitation to surgery, what each involves, and realistic timelines for recovery and return to sport.
It can help to think about your own priorities before the visit — whether your main concern is pain, instability, returning to a specific sport, or simply being able to move without worry. Sharing these goals allows the surgeon to weigh how much intervention is justified and to set expectations realistically. For many knee problems, a period of structured rehabilitation is a reasonable first step, and surgery, if chosen, is most effective when paired with a clear plan for the recovery and strengthening that follow.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any referral letter from a GP or sports physician.
- Previous imaging — X-rays or MRI scans — and any reports relating to the injured joint.
- A list of current medications and supplements.
- A note of when and how the injury occurred, and which activities trigger pain or instability.
- Details of your sport or training goals, which help shape the treatment plan.
After your consultation and follow-up
You will usually leave with a clear plan: physiotherapy, further imaging, or a discussion about surgery. Results and reports are shared at review visits. If an operation such as ACL reconstruction is recommended, follow-up continues through rehabilitation, with structured milestones before returning to sport.
Continuity of care helps recovery, and you are entitled to seek a second opinion before deciding on surgery. Seek prompt review if the knee gives way repeatedly, locks, or becomes hot, swollen and intensely painful, which can indicate a problem needing earlier attention.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist, Dr Tan can usually be seen without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic referral may help with subsidies if you are later directed to a public clinic. MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply to eligible surgical procedures within set limits, while consultations are typically out of pocket. Confirm current fees and your insurance coverage with the clinic before proceeding, as costs vary with the procedure involved.
Common questions
Does every ACL tear need surgery?
Not always. Reconstruction is often recommended for active people or those with recurrent instability, while some patients manage well with rehabilitation; the decision depends on your goals and knee stability.
What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is keyhole surgery using a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions, allowing the surgeon to inspect and treat joint problems with less disruption than open surgery.
How long is recovery after ACL reconstruction?
Recovery is gradual and guided by physiotherapy over several months, with return to sport depending on strength, stability and your particular activity.
Can a torn meniscus heal without surgery?
Some tears settle with rest and rehabilitation, while others benefit from repair or trimming; imaging and examination help determine the best approach.
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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