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Dr Lam Wee Leon

Dr Lam Wee Leon

​MBChB, M Phil, FRCS(Plastic Surgery), Dip Hand Surg (BSSH and FESSH), Dip Med Ed (UK)

Senior Consultant

Specialty: Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery

Sub-specialties: Hand Surgery

Conditions Treated by this Doctor:
Cerebral Palsy & Motor Disorders, Hand and Wrist Conditions, Microsurgical Reconstruction.

Clinical Appointments

  • Senior Consultant Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Singapore General HospitalSingapore General Hospital

Profile

​I graduated from the University of Edinburgh and did my basic surgical training in Leeds. Thereafter I completed my Plastic Surgery training in Manchester, followed by a microsurgery fellowship at Chang Gong Memorial hospital, Taiwan, a hand fellowship in Sheffield, UK and a congenital hand fellowship at Great Ormond Street, London. I was a Consultant Plastic and Hand Surgeon at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh and St John's Hospital, Livingston until 2023 when i returned to Singapore for a post as Senior Consultant at Singapore General Hospital. My interest is in both adult and paediatric hand surgery, particularly nerve-related injuries including the management of stroke and spasticity disorders. I have a keen interest in research and am currently the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Hand Surgery (European volume).

Education

  • ​2022 Diploma in Medical Education (University of Dundee)
  • 2016 European Diploma in Hand Surgery (FESSH)
  • 2012 British Diploma in Hand Surgery (BSSH) 
  • 2009 FRCS (Plastic Surgery)
  • 2004 M Phil 
  • 2001 MRCS 
  • 1997 MB ChB (University of Edinburgh)

Professional Appointments and Committee Memberships

  • ​Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume)
  • Chair, International Federation of Societies of Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH) Scientific Committee on Congenital Hands

Awards

  • ​Harold Bolton Lecturer, British Society of Surgery for the Hand (BSSH) Swansea 2022
  • Best Paper Prize (Basic Science), IFSSH, 2022
  • British Society of Surgery for the Hand (BSSH) Stack Traveling Fellow 2019/20
  • British Society of Surgery for the Hand (BSSH) Pulvertaft Essay Prize, 2016
  • World Congenital Hand Symposium, Sonic Hedgehog Prize, Best Paper, 2015
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Travelling Fellowship, 2011
  • BSSH Journal of Hand Surgery Prize, Best Oral Presentation, 2004
  • BSSH Travelling Scholarship, 2009-10
  • British Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (BAPRAS) Instructional Course Prize, 2006
  • MacKenzie Prize in Anatomy, University of Edinburgh, 1999

Research Interests

  • ​Developmental biology of the hand and upper limb
  • Neurospasticity disorders and optimisation of upper limb function
  • Publishing in Surgery
  • Outcome studies in Hand Surgery

Publications and Research Trials

  1. McEachan JE, Lam WL. Response to concerns about the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in publishing. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2023 Jul 3:17531934231183224. doi: 10.1177/17531934231183224.
  2. Lam WL. Emerging technologies in hand surgery. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2023 May;48(5):381-382. doi: 10.1177/17531934231164062. 
  3. Vargesson N, Hooper G, Giddins G, Hunter A, Stirling P, Lam W. Thalidomide upper limb embryopathy - pathogenesis, past and present management and future considerations. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2023 May 24:17531934231177425. doi: 10.1177/17531934231177425.
  4. Markiewicz M, Stirling P, Brennan S, Hooper G, Lam W. Age-related changes in patients with upper limb thalidomide embryopathy in the United Kingdom. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2023 Apr 6:17531934231164093.
  5. Chan CCH, McGee P, Hooper G, Lam WL. Re-examining the nomenclature of congenital failure of formation in the upper limb: a historical perspective. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2023 Mar 16:17531934231160400. 
  6. Leong JMC, Lam WL, Tan SZ, Ng CY. Changing face of medical education during a pandemic: tragedy or opportunity? Postgrad Med J. 2022 Jul;98(1161):492-498. 
  7. Hovius SER, Lam WL, Weber DM. Congenital hand differences - where we currently are and what's next. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2022 Nov;47(10):1001-1003. 
  8. Wall LB, McCombe D, Goldfarb CA, Lam WL; ICHAD study group. The Oberg, Manske, and Tonkin Classification of Congenital Upper Limb Anomalies: A Consensus Decision-Making Study for Difficult or Unclassifiable Cases. J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Sep 8:S0363-5023(22)00423-3. 
  9. Shewring D, Hobby J, Lam WL. The Joint IFSSH XV & IFSHT XII Triennial Congress, combined with FESSH XXVII, London 2022. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2022 Dec;47(11):1183-1186. 
  10. Salloum NL, McGee P, Lam WL. The association between trauma and paediatric trigger thumb deformity; experience from a single tertiary referral hospital. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2023 Feb-Dec;57(1-6):181-185.
  11. Lam WL. What it means to have a paper published. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2022 Feb;47(2):135-136. 
  12. Lam WL, Naqui Z, Tang JB. Journal Clubs: what they are and why we should think more seriously about them. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2022 Feb;47(2):225-228. 
  13. Rajaratnam V, Rahman NA, Kim YJ, Lam WL, Gollogly J. Hand Surgery in Cambodia. J Hand Microsurg. 2021 Jan;13(1):16-20.
  14. Lam WL, Ruettermann M. Challenging surgical dogmas in hand surgery. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2021 Jan;46(1):3-4. 
  15. Lam WL, Oberg KC, Goldfarb CA. The 2020 Oberg-Manske-Tonkin classification of congenital upper limb differences: updates and challenges. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2020 Dec;45(10):1117-1119. 
  16. Jemec B, Lam W. Hodgson S, Jones J et al. The governance of overseas surgical collaborations-BFIRST/BSSH (2021). JPRAS. 74(2): 396-400.
  17. Chan C, Stirling P, Lam W. The impact of socioeconomic deprivation on congenital hand differences: A retrospective cohort study. Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation (2022). 
  18. Clelland A, Duncan O, Lam W. The importance of embryology for parents of children with congenital hand differences (2022). J Hand Surg (Eur). DOI: 10.1177/17531934211064185
  19. Jordan D, Stirling P, Lam W. Revisiting the Edinburgh Position of Safe Immobilization (2021). J Hand Surg (Eur). 46(1): 37-44.
  20. Lam W, Oberg K, Goldfarb G. The 2020 OMT Update: Challenges and Perspectives (2020). J Hand Surg (Eur) 45(10): 1117-1119.
  21. Jegathesan J, Stewart C, Tong P, Lam W, Rajaratnam V. Comparison of prevelance of osteoarthritis in the hand: multicentre retrospective cohort study (2020). J Hand and Microsurgery. 10.1055/s-0040-1715927
  22. Tian XF, Lam W, Guo W, Chen T, Chen SL. Congenital peripheral nerve hypoplasia: a report of seven cases (2020). J Hand Surg (Eur). 45(10) 1028-1033.
  23. Lam W, Bruyere A, Leclercq C. An unusual presentation of Boxer’s knuckle in the little finger: a case report. (2020) J Hand Surg (Eur): 45(10): 1105-1106.
  24. Lam W, Trew C, Gall C, Wong L, Duncan O, Teo I. Developing A Parental-Friendly Scoring System for Children With Congenital Hand Differences (2020). J Hand Surg (AP): 
  25. Goldfarb C, Ezaki M, Wall L, Lam W, Oberg K. The Oberg-Manske-Tonkin (OMT) Classification of Congenital Upper Extremities: Update for 2020 (2020). J Hand Surg (Am): 45(6): 542-547.
  26. Lam W, Jones J, Hodgson S, Jemec B. Hand surgery status in the African continent and efforts of hand surgeons from the United Kingdom (2020). J Hand Surg (Eur): 45(5): 536-540.
  27. Rajaratnam V, Rahman N, Kim YJ, Lam W, Gollogly J. Hand Surgery in Cambodia (2020). J of Hand and Microsurgery. 10.1055/s-0040-1721881
  28. Lam W, Jordan D. Management of fingertip injuries in Scotland and the United Kingdom (2019). J Hand Surg (Eur). 44(10): 1102-1105.
  29. Cheok S, Dong C, Lam W, Gollogly J, Rajaratnam V. A model for surgical volunteerism: a qualitative study based in Cambodia (2020). Tropical Medicine. 50(1): 53-57.
  30. Jones C, Addison P, Lam W, Davidson D. Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm Following Dermofasciectomy-A Rare and Devastating Complication (2019) J Hand Surg (AP): 24(4): 491-493
  31. Lam W, Julia D. H. Oh, E J. Johnson, S Pertinez, C Stephens and M Davey. Experimental Evidence That Preaxial Polydactyly And Forearm Radial Deficiencies May Share A Common Developmental Origin (2019). J Hand Surg (Eur) 44(1):43-50. 
  32. Yong L, Wong, C, Gaston M, Lam W (2018). The Role of Selective Peripheral Neurectomy in the Treatment of Upper Limb Spasticity. J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 23(2):181-191
  33. Rostrum M, Lam W (2017). Microsurgery Fellowships – Development of a Clinical Curriculum. J Reconstructive Microsurgery (2018) Feb;34(2):145-15
  34. Trew C, Lam W Habitual Dislocation of the MCP Joint (2017). J Hand Surg (Eur) 42(7):753-754
  35. Stewart CJ, Yusoff SKM, Widdowson D, Lam W (2016). Microsurgical Skill Acquisition In A One-day Introductory Course With Performance Evaluation Using Software Assisted Scoring System. JPRAS. 69(6):783-788
  36. Nott J, Goldie S, Lam W (2016). Blood Supply To The Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint—Anatomical Injection Study And Clinical Correlation For Free Vascularised Joint Transfer. Eur Jourl Plastic Surg. 39: 331–334
  37. Lam W, Chuang D (2015). Management of Infraclavicular brachial plexus injuries. J Hand Surg (Eur) 40(6): 573-582.
  38. Waughlock N, Hsu CC, Lam W, Lin Y, Wei FC (2013). Improving The Extensor Lag And Range Of Motion Following Free Vascularized Joint Transfer To The Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: Part 1. An Observational And Cadaveric Study. Plastic And Reconstruct Surg. 132(2): 263-70.
  39. Lam W, Waughlock N, Hsu CC, Lin Y, Wei FC (2013). Improving The Extensor Lag And Range Of Motion Following Free Vascularized Joint Transfer To The Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: Part 2.: A Clinical Series. Plastic And Reconstruct Surg. 132(2): 271-80.
  40. Teo I, Lam W L, Muthaayya P, Steele K, Alexander S, Miller G (2013). Patient’s Perspective of Wide Awake Hand Surgery – 100 Consecutive Cases. J Hand Surg (Eur). 38(9): 992-999. 
  41. Lam W, Bell D, Higgins J, Lin Y, Wei FC (2013). The Microanatomy, Physiology And Clinical Application Of Arterialised Venous Flaps For The Reconstruction Of Difficult Digital Defects. J Hand Surg (Eur Vol.) 38(4):352-65.
  42. Engel H, Huang J, Lam W L et al. (2013) Subcutaneous Tissue Expansion and Subsequent Expansion in Asian Patients: Safety and Outcome. Annals of Plastic Surgery 70(2): 135-43 
  43. Alexander S, Lam W L, Teo I, Miller G (2012). Fracture Fixation through Flaps. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, 65(6): 166. 
  44. Huang JJ, Wu CW, Lam WL, Nguyen D, Cheng MH (2012). Anatomical Basis and Clinical Application of the Ulnar Forearm Free Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction. Laryngoscope. 122 (12): 2670-6.
  45. Lu T, Lam W L, Chen P. (2012) Achieving Nasal Symmetry in Incomplete Cleft Lip Deformities – A Comparison of Three Methods. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, 65(4): 456-63.
  46. Teo I, Rao K, Lam W, Caufield R (2011). Chemistry Burns Experiments With Elemental Metals – Fuel For The Minds, Formula For Disaster? Burns. 38(4): 614-615.
  47. Tsai J, Liao H, Lam W et al. (2011) A safe and efficient method for intra-operative digital photography using a waterproof case. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 64(10): 253-258
  48. Huang, J, Wu C, Lam W et al. (2011) Simultaneous Contralateral Breast Reduction/Mastopexy With Unilateral Breast Reconstruction Using Free Abdominal Flaps. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 67(4): 336-342. 
  49. Lam W, Sharpe D et al. (2010) The Use of Histology as a Predictor of the Severity in Dupuytren’s Disease: Re-visiting Luck’s Classification J Hand Surg (Eur). 35(4):312-7.
  50. Holger E, Huang J, Lin C, Lam W L et al. (2010). A Strategic Approach to Tongue Reconstruction to Achieve Improved Functional and Aesthetic Outcome. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 126(6):1967.
  51. Lam W L, Hardwicke J, Laitung G (2009). Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an elderly patient with uncorrected syndactyly. Scandinavian Journal of Plastic Surgery. 1651-2073. 
  52. Hardwicke J, Lam W L, Paterson P (2007) “What’s in a Name?” - The Public Perception of Plastic Surgery. Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 60: 955-956. 
  53. Jagadesan J, Lam W L, Srinivasan J (2007). The Use of Nicotine patch in free flap surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 119(1):437-8.
  54. Rawlins J, Lam W L, Karoo R, Naylor I, Sharpe D. (2006). Pentoxifylline inhibits mature burn scar fibroblasts in culture. Burns. 32: 42-45. 
  55. Lam W L, Garrido A, Stanley P (2005). The Use Of Vacuum Assisted Closure For A Difficult Case Of Osteomyelitis. Journal Of Bone And Joint Surgery (American). 87: 622-24. 
  56. Patel K, Lam W L. (2005). Success in the Research Fellow Interview. 331: 70-71. 
  57. Shariff Z, Lam W L, Lambert G (2005). A diagnostic tool for the detection of anastomotic leaks. The Surgeon 3(4): 300. 
  58. Hardwicke J, Lam W L, Dalal M (2005). Psoralen and partial thickness burns. British Medical Journal 331:786.
  59. Hardwicke J, Lam W L, Price R (2005). A New way of monitoring free flaps (2005). Annals of Plastic Surgery 55(6): 697. 
  60. Loh W, Lam W L, Soames R, Stanley J K (2004). “Radial Tunnel Syndrome- The Rule Of Nine Test. Journal Of Orthopaedic Surgery (Asia-Pacific Orthopaedic Association) 12(1): 148-151.
  61. Rawlins J, Karoo R, Lam W L, Naylor I, Sharpe D (2004). Quantitative Analysis of Collagen Types In Mature Burn Types – A Novel Approach Using Histology And Digital Image Analysis. Journal Of Burn Care And Rehabilitation., 25(2): 124.
  62. Karoo R, Rawlins J, Lam W L, Naylor I, Sharpe D (2004). The Potential Role of Follicular Cells In A Skin Substitute - An In Vitro Comparison Of Motility Between The Hair Follicular Dermal Sheath And Dermal Fibroblasts. Journal Of Burn Care And Rehabilitation: 25(2): 162.
  63. Garrido A, Lam W L, Stanley P (2004). “Fibroma Of Tendon Sheath”. Scandinavian Journal Of Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery. 38(5): 314-316.
  64. Rawlins J M, Lam W L, Sharpe D T (2003). Human Scars – A Comparative Histological Analysis Of Collagen Deposition In Scars. Wound Repair And Regeneration 11(5): 41.
  65. Karoo R, Rawlins J, Lam W L, Sharpe D T (2003). Human Hair Follicle Dermal Sheath Cell: An In-Vitro Measure Of Motility And Its Potential Role In A Skin Substitute. Wound Repair And Regeneration; 11(5): 14
  66. Syed A, Lam W L, M. Agarwal, Boome R (2003). Stabilization Of The Ulna Stump After Darrach's Procedure At The Wrist. International Journal Of Orthopaedics; 27(4): 235 – 239.
  67. Lam W L, Garrido A, Vandermeulen J, Fagan M, Stanley P (2003). “Choice Of Needle In Tendon Repair: A Bio-Mechanical Study Comparing Round-Bodied Versus Cutting Needles On The Outcome Of Tensile Strength.” J Hand Surg (Eur) 28B: 5: 475-477.
  68. Lam W L, Fitzgerald A M, Hooper G (2000). “Volar Metacarpophalangeal Joint Dislocation”. Journal of Accident And Emergency Medicine, 17: 226-228.
  69. Lamb D W, Scott H, Lam W L, Gillespie W J, Hooper G (1997). “Operative Correction Of The Radial Club Hand: A Long-Term Follow-Up Of Centralization Of The Hand On The Ulna.” J Hand Surg (Eur). 22B(4): 533-536

Research Trials

​I am currently collaborating with the University of Edinburgh looking at the development of the zeugopod (forearm) and its implication in radial aplasia conditions.