Get back on your feet with treatments tailored just for you

Don’t let your ankle sprain keep you out of the game!

Ankle Sprain Specialist of Singapore

Coming to 20 Years of Experience

Minimally invasive treatment

Rapid recovery and early return to high-level sports

Customised treatment for optimal results

1cm “Lasso” Technique for Ankle Ligament Reconstruction

Ankle Ligament Reconstruction is the surgical treatment of ankle injuries or damaged ankle ligaments to restore stability and function.

Co-developed by Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr James Wee, the Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) “Lasso” technique has the distinction of achieving successful outcomes of percutaneous ankle ligament reconstruction with just a single 1cm incision. This is much smaller than 6 – 8cm needed for an open reconstruction.

The ankle ligaments are repaired using a single suture anchor, and the repair is reinforced by recruiting an adjacent band of tissue for additional strength. 

Benefits:

Why Consider Minimally Invasive Ankle Surgery?

If you’re living with an ongoing ankle sprain, stiffness, or instability, ignoring it or relying on ankle guards will not reverse the damage.

Cartilage and ligament injuries don’t heal on their own.

Delaying proper treatment can lead to long-term deterioration, chronic pain, and eventually, more invasive surgery.

Co-Developed Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Lasso Technique

The Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) “Lasso” technique successfully reconstructs ankle ligaments with a single 1cm incision, 6-8cm smaller than open reconstruction. Preserves more of your natural ankle and reduces recovery time.

Focused on Precision & Preservation

Specialises in keyhole arthroscopy and minimally invasive joint preservation, always prioritising targeted treatment over aggressive intervention.

Dual Subspecialty Expertise, One Purpose

One of the few surgeons in Singapore trained in both Hip & Knee and Foot & Ankle Surgery, offering comprehensive care for lower limb conditions, with over 20 years of surgical experience.

Why Patients Choose the Minimally Invasive (MIS) Approach

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) offers significant benefits compared to open surgery. Unlike traditional open surgeries that require large incisions and extensive tissue disruption, Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) utilises specialised tools and techniques to access the knee through small incisions. 

Minimally Invasive (MIS) Ankle Sprain Treatment Options

Whether it’s a mild ankle sprain or something a little more serious, we treat each ankle sprain with the utmost care by personalising your treatment to your lifestyle needs. This includes:

Non-Operative Treatments

Initial treatment for ankle sprains include the RICE method and prescription of certain medications to help reduce pain and inflammation of the ankle.

Our orthopaedic specialist may also recommend physiotherapy or the use of a functional brace to control and prevent excessive turning of the ankle.

Surgery is recommended if you develop ankle instability and recurrent sprains that persist after rehabilitative physiotherapy.

Our orthopaedic specialist may recommend minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to facilitate rapid recovery and early return to high-level sports and dance activities.

Our Senior Consultant & Dual Subspecialty Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr James Wee


MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Edin)(Ortho)

Dr James Wee is an Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with dual-subspecialties in both Hip & Knee and Foot & Ankle Surgery. He is a complete lower limb surgeon, coming to 20 years of clinical experience.

He was trained in the UK and is an expert in complex minimally invasive procedures as well as surgical intervention. He also co-published the “Lasso” Technique for ankle ligament reconstruction, a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technique using only a single 1cm incision.

Aside from clinical practice, Dr Wee was appointed Adjunct Assistant Professor in Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, a Senior Lecturer in Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and has authored multiple international peer-reviewed scientific journal articles.

Integrated Shield Plans

Our clinic participates in:

  • Integrated Shield 
  • Corporate Insurance panels
  • Extended Panel


Our staff will guide you through claims and billing to obtain a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) and pre-authorisation certificate, so you can focus on your recovery.

 

Patients are encouraged to contact our clinic for a detailed list of accepted insurance plans.

Take the First Step Towards Recovery.

Ankle Sprains that are left untreated can lead to worsening damage and reduced mobility.

If you are unsure about your treatment options, book a consultation to get expert advice tailored to your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my ankle sprain needs surgery?

Most ankle sprains heal with rest, physiotherapy, and bracing. However, if you continue to experience recurrent sprains, instability, or pain after rehab, imaging may reveal ligament tears or cartilage damage. In such cases, surgery, especially minimally invasive (MIS) options like the “Lasso” technique, may be recommended to restore stability and prevent long-term joint deterioration.

Signs of ankle instability include repeated sprains, persistent pain or swelling, and a sensation of the ankle “giving way” during activity. An MRI scan can confirm if there is chronic ligament damage, cartilage injury, or joint instability that may benefit from surgical repair. There’s no pressure to proceed if conservative care is still viable.

Grade 1 (Mild Sprain)

Slight stretch and microscopic tear of the ligament fibres with mild tenderness, bruising, and swelling around the ankle. Typically no pain with weightbearing and no instability upon examination.

Grade 2 (Moderate Sprain)

Partial tear of the ligament with moderate tenderness, bruising, and swelling around the ankle. Mild pain with weightbearing and slight instability upon examination.

Grade 3 (Severe Sprain)

Complete tear of the ligament with significant tenderness, bruising, and swelling around the ankle. Severe pain with weightbearing and substantial instability upon examination.

Yes. Most patients walk on the same day after surgery, with support. Light daily activities often resume within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery depends on the procedure type and individual condition.
Postoperative discomfort is usually mild and well-managed with medication. Minimally invasive techniques reduce tissue trauma, which helps minimise pain and swelling.

Delaying treatment especially for moderate to severe sprains can lead to:

  • Recurrent injuries
  • Chronic instability
  • Long-term pain and swelling
  • Early cartilage damage and joint degeneration
  • Early intervention, even if non-surgical, helps preserve ankle health and function.
Ankle sprains make up 50% of sports-related injuries, and are common among athletes and dancers. They usually occur when the ankle is twisted or rolled inwards/outwards under excessive force. This forces all the weight onto the outer edge of the foot, which stresses the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, causing them to stretch out and lead to tears.
  1. Upon submitting your appointment request, the clinic will contact you within 1 working day to confirm your appointment.
  2. Dr. Wee will understand your history and thoroughly assess and diagnose your condition.
  3. Diagnostic imaging like MRI, CT scans, or X-rays can be arranged for you when required.
  4. Dr. Wee will provide a personalised treatment plan specific to your preferences and needs.
  5. Dr. Wee will monitor and review your progress throughout recovery for optimal long-term results.
Visit Us

Our Clinic Locations

Mt Elizabeth Hospital

Mt Alvernia Hospital