Home » Our Doctor

Our Doctor

Dr Hee Hwan Tak

ADJUNCT A/PROFESSOR HEE HWAN TAK

MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Ortho)

Adj A/Professor Hee Hwan Tak is the Medical Director and Senior Consultant of Pinnacle Spine & Scoliosis Centre which is based in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard).

Adj A/Professor Hee is an orthopaedic spine surgeon who specializes in degenerative, traumatic, neoplastic, and congenital disorders of the spine, as well as spinal deformities. His practice is solely dedicated to conservative as well as surgical treatment of various spinal disorders. His special areas of interests are in surgery for congenital and acquired spinal deformity, minimal access spinal surgery, spinal tumor surgery, cervical spine surgery, and artificial disc replacement (non-fusion) surgery.

Adj A/Professor Hee completed his medical degree at the National University of Singapore in 1990. He obtained his postgraduate degrees in surgery in Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow and Edinburgh in 1995 and completed the advanced surgical training in Orthopaedics in 1999. In 2000, he spent a year on a Clinical Fellowship in Spinal Surgery in the USA. Prior to starting his own private practice, he was a Senior Consultant and the Deputy Head of the University Spine Centre, National University Hospital. He was also Associate Professor and Clinical Director of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National University Hospital.

Adj A/Professor Hee is currently a member of several international spine societies including:

North American Spine Society
Cervical Spine Research Society
Cervical Spine Research Society Asian Pacific Section
International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine
Scoliosis Research Society
Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
AO Spine International

Adj A/Professor Hee is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University.

Adj A/Professor Hee sees and admits patients in most private hospitals in Singapore. These include:

Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard)
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
Gleneagles Hospital
Parkway East Hospital
Mount Alvernia Hospital
Farrer Park Hospital
Raffles Hospital

Dr Hee's Research Publications

  • Chuah YJ, Wu YN, Cheong MLS, Chia YQ, Tee CA, Hee HT, Xu CJ, Kang YJ, Wang DA. Development of annulus fibrosus tissue construct with hydrogel coils containing pre-conditioned mesenchymal stem cell. Journal of Materials Science & Technology 2021;63: 27-34.
  • Chuah,YJ, Tan JR, Wu YN, Lim CS, Hee HT, Kang YJ, Wang DA. Scaffold-Free Tissue Engineering with Aligned Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Sheets to Recapitulate the Microstructural and Biochemical Composition of Annulus Fibrosus. Acta Biomaterialia 2020; 107: 129-37.
  • Lim JL, Hey HWD, Kumar N, Teo AQA, Lau LL, Hee HT, Ruiz JN, Kumar NS, Thambiah JS, Liu GKP, Wong HK. A 10-year radiographic study comparing anterior versus posterior instrumented spinal fusion in patients with Lenke type 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spine 2020; 45(9): 612-20.
  • Ho KY, Gwee KA, Cheng YK, Yoon KH, Hee HT, Omar AR. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in chronic pain: implications of new data for clinical practice. Journal of Pain Research 2018;11: 1937-48.
  • Chuah YJ, Peck Y, Lau JEJ, Hee HT, Wang D. Hydrogel based cartilaginous tissue regeneration: recent insights and technologies. Biomaterials – Science 2017, 5(4): 613 – 631.
  • Chuah YJ, Lee WC, Wong HK, Kang YJ, Hee HT. Three- dimensional development of tensile pre-strained annulus fibrous cells for tissue regeneration: an in-vitro study. Exp Cell Res 2015; 331(1): 176-82.
  • Hey HWD, Tan JH, Tan HMB, Lau PHB, Hee HT. Subsequent vertebral fractures post cement augmentation of the thoracolumbar spine. Does it correlate with level-specific bone mineral density scores? Spine 2015; 40(24): 1903-9.
  • Ashwin A, Hey HW, Subramaniam R, Rehman AU, Hee HT. Clinical and radiological results of the Discover cervical disc replacement with minimum two-year follow-up. Journal of Spine and Neurosurgery 2014; 3:4.
  • Chuah YJ, Hee HT, Kang YJ. Cellular mechanotransduction in microfluidic systems. In: Li DQ ed. Encyclopedia of Microfluidics and Nanofluidics. New York/Heidelberg: Springer, Inc 2013.
  • Hey HWD, Hong CC, Long AS, Hee HT. Is hybrid surgery of the cervical spine a good balance between fusion and arthroplasty? Pilot results from a single surgeon series. Eur Spine J 2013 Jan; 22(1):116-22.
  • Hey HW, Lau PH, Hong CC, Hee HT. Post-laminectomy spondylolisthesis – a review of the posterior elements and their contribution to the stability of the lumbar spine.The Open Spine Journal 2012; 4: 5-9.
  • Hee HI, Tan YS, Hee HT. Postoperative analgesia after lumbar laminectomy: Is there a role for single shot epidural fentanyl? The Spine J 2012 Aug; 12(8): 652-5.
  • Kumar N, Chen Y, Nath C, Hee HT, Thambiah J. Anterior only decompression and instrumentation of stable thoracolumbar burst fractures: introduction of concept of hemi-corpectomy. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2012; 94-B (suppl): 130
  • Soh RC, Hee HT. Scoliosis. Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. In: Absolon Bessette, Coralie M Rousseau eds., Scoliosis. Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. NY: Nova Science Publishers, Inc 2012: pp 91-104.
  • Oh JY, Louange D, Rahmat R, Hee HT, Kumar VP. Paradoxical movement of L5S1 lumbar segment in spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. Eur Spine J 2012; 21(2): 262-7.
  • Mishra A, Deng R, Loo Y, Chua YJ, Hee HT, Ying J, Hauser CAE. Ultrasmall natural peptides self-assemble to strong temperature-resistant helical fibers in scaffolds suitable for tissue engineering. Nano Today 2011; 6: 232-9.
  • Hey HW, Hee HT. A Review of Thoracolumbar Spine Fracture Classifications. Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma 2011; 1: 1-5.
  • Wang LS, Hee HT, Wong HK. Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A brief review of its pathophysiology, presentation, assessment, natural history and management. Orthopaedics and Trauma 2011; 25(3): 181-9.
  • Hee HT, Chuah YJ, Tan BHM, Setiobudi T, Wong HK. Vascularization and morphological changes of the endplate after axial compression and distraction of the intervertebral disc. Spine April 2011; 36(7): 505-11.
  • Hee HT, Ismail, Lim CT, Goh J, Wong HK. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and intervertebral disc distraction reverse intervertebral disc degeneration in a rabbit model. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2010 May; 92(5): 726-36.
  • Hee HT, Zhang JT, Wong HK. Effects of cyclic dynamic tensile stress on pre-compressed annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells of human intervertebral disc- an in vitro study. J Orthop Res April 2010: 503-9.
  • Hee HT, Zhang JT, Wong HK. Effects of dynamic cyclic compression on human annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells -an in vitro stud. The Spine J Sep 2010; 10(9): 795-801..
  • Lim CT, Hee HT. Stem cell therapy in Orthopaedic Surgery. Advances in Orthopaedics 2010; 2(3): 81-8.
  • Tan BHM, Hee HT. Treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures with vertebroplasty. In: BE Mattingly, AC Pillare eds. Osteoporosis: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers, Inc 2009.
  • Zhu L, Chan YC, Hee HT, Wong HK. Paraspinal magnetic stimulation cerebral evoked potentials in treatment follow-up of low back pain. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, October 2009, Volume 285, Supplement 1, page S141.
  • Hee HT, Yu ZR, Wong HK. Comparison of segmental pedicle screw instrumentation versus anterior instrumentation in adolescent idiopathic thoracolumbar scoliosis. Spine 2007; 32: 1533-42.
  • Hee HT. Current concepts in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. In: Lewandrowski, Yaszemski, Kalfas, Park, McLain, Trantolo eds. Spinal Reconstruction: clinical examples of applied basic science, biomechanics, and engineering. New York, London: Informa healthcare, Inc, 2007: pp 381-94.
  • Kulkarni A, Hee HT, Wong HK. Solis cage (PEEK) for anterior cervical fusion: Preliminary radiological results with emphasis on fusion and subsidence. Spine J 2007; 7(2): 205-9.
  • Kulkarni A, Hee HT. Adjacent level discitis after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF): a case report. Eur Spine J 2006;15 Suppl 17: 559-63.
  • Hee HT, Khan MS, Goh JC, Wong HK. Insertion torque profile during pedicle screw insertion of the thoracic spine with and without violation of the pedicle wall – comparison between cylindrical and conical designs. Spine 2006; 31: E840-6.
  • Hee HT, Whitecloud TS III, Myers L. SF-36 Health Status and Oswestry Disability Index in Worker’s Compensation       Patients with Neck Pain. In: Lewandrowski KU, Wise DL, Trantolo DJ, Yaszemski MJ, White AA III eds. Advances in Spinal Fusion. Molecular Science, Biomechanics, and Clinical Management. New York, Basel: Marcel Dekker, Inc, 2004: pp 279-91.
  • Wong HK, Hee HT, Yu ZR, Wong D. Results of thoracoscopic instrumented fusion versus conventional posterior instrumented fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing selective thoracic fusion. Spine 2004; 29: 2031-8.
  • Hee HT, Whitecloud TS, Myers L. The effect of previous low back surgery on general health status – results from the National Spine Network initial visit survey of patients with low back pain. Spine 2004; 29: 1931-7.
  • Hee HT, Majd ME, Holt RT, Whitecloud TS, Pienkowski D. Complications of multilevel cervical corpectomies and reconstruction with titanium cages and anterior plating. J Spinal Disord Tech 2003; 16: 1-8.
  • Hee HT, Singh S, Chong SM, Myers L. Protective effects of growth hormone on physeal distraction – an experimental study on rabbits. J PediatrOrthop Part B 2003; 12: 332-7.
  • Hee HT, Majd ME, Holt RT, Myers L. Do autologous growth factors enhance transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion? Eur Spine J 2003; 12: 400-7.
  • Hee HT, Majd ME, Holt RT, Pienkowski D. Better treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis by using posterior stabilization and titanium mesh cages. J Spinal Disord Tech 2002; 15(2): 149-56.
  • Hee HT, Whitecloud TS, Myers L. Poor physical, mental health linked with worker’s comp. Orthopedics Today 2002; 5(1): 35.
  • Hee HT, Whitecloud TS, Myers L, Roesch W, Ricciardi JE. Do worker’s compensation patients with neck pain have lower SF-36 scores? Eur Spine J 2002; 11(4): 375-81.
  • Hee HT, Whitecloud TS, Myers L, Gaynor J, Roesch W, Ricciardi JE. SF-36 health status of worker’s compensation cases with spinal disorders. Spine J 2001; 1: 176-82.
  • Hee HT, Wong HP, Low YP, Myers L. Predictors of outcome of floating knee injuries in adults. Acta OrthopScand 2001; 72(4): 385-94.
  • Hee HT, Castro FP, Majd ME, Holt RT, Myers L Anterior/posterior lumbar fusion versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: analysis of complications and predictive factors. J Spinal Disord 2001; 14(6): 533-40.
  • Hee HT, Lee EH, Lee GSM. Gait and pedobarographic patterns of surgically treated clubfeet. J Foot Ankle Surg 2001; 40(5): 287-94.
  • Nather AZ, Hee HT. New Frontiers in Spinal Surgery. In: Nather AZ, ed. Research Methodology in Orthopaedics and Reconstructive Surgery. Singapore, New Jersey, London, Hong Kong: World Scientific, 2001: pp 551-74.
  • Singh S, Hee HT, Low YP. Significance of the lateral epiphysis of the acetabulum to hip joint stability. J PediatrOrthop 2000; 20(3): 344-8.
  • Oh JYL, Wang VTJ, Teo TWW, Kaliya-Perumal AK, Hee HT. Ossification of the yellow ligament in the cervical spine – an unusual location. BioMedicine 2019; 9(2): 49-52.
  • Oh JY, Tan JH, Teo TW, Hee HT. Spinal stenosis presenting with scrotal and perianal claudication. Asian Spine J 2015; 9(1): 103-5.
  • Hey HW, Hee HT. Open and Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion – Comparison of Intermediate Results and Complications. Asian Spine J 2015; 9(2): 185-93.
  • Pannirselvam V, Hee HT. Asymptomatic cement embolism in the right atrium after vertebroplasty using high viscosity cement: a case report. J OrthopSurg (Hong Kong) 2014; 22(2): 244-7.
  • Oh JY, Kapoor S, Koh RK, Yang EW, Hee HT. Spinal cord ischemia secondary to hypovolemic shock. Asian Spine J 2014; 8(6): 831-4.
  • Hey HW, Hee HT. Lumbar degenerative spinal deformity – Surgical options of PLIF, TLIF, and MI-TLIF. Indian Journal of Orthop 2010; 44(2): 159-62.
  • Kundnani Vishal, Zhu Lisa, Hee HT, Wong HK. Multimodal intraoperative neuromonitoring in corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Indian Journal of Orthop 2010; 44(1): 64-72.
  • Bryan HM Tan, Hee HT. Analysis of the effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic compression fractures. J Orthopaedics 2010; 7(3): e7.
  • Lim CT, Hee HT, Liu G. Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine: a report of 3 cases. J OrthopSurg (Hong Kong) 2009; 17(3): 361-5.
  • Tan KJ, Hee HT. Neurological recovery after occipitocervical fixation. J OrthopSurg (Hong Kong) 2007; 15(3): 323-6.
  • Ismail, Hee HT, Goh JCH, Wang SC, Wong HK. Rabbit model of intervertebral disc degeneration by external compression device characterized by X-ray, MRI, histology, and cell viability. Medical Journal of Indonesia 2006; 15(4): 199-207.
  • Hee HT, Das De S. Current status of ankle fractures. J Foot and Ankle Surgery (India) 2006; 21(2): 18-22.
  • Ismail, Hee HT, Goh CH. Rabbit model of intervertebral disc degeneration by external compression device characterized by X-ray, MRI, histology, and cell viability. Med J Indones 2006; 15: 199-207.
  • Nather A, Vikram D, Hee HT, Thambiah J. Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis: review of 14 cases. J OrthopSurg (Hong Kong) 2005; 13(3): 240-4.
  • Hee HT. Percutaneous vertebroplasty – current concepts and local experience. Neurol India 2005; 53(4): 475-82.
  • Lee HC, Hee HT, Wong D. Oral Extrusion of a Cervical Screw 15 months after Anterior Cervical Spine Plating – A Case Report. Hong Kong J OrthopSurg 2004; 8(2):127-31.
  • Thambyah A, Hee HT, Das De S, Lee SM. Gait adaptations in patients with longstanding hip fusion. J OrthopSurg (Hong Kong) 2003; 11: 154-8.
  • Hee HT, Das De S, Bose K. Orthopaedic problems in the elderly Part 1: Diseases of the spine. Medical Progress 2000; 27(9): 32-6.
  • Hee HT, Das De S, Bose K. Orthopaedic problems in the elderly Part 2: Degenerative joint disease/arthritis and fractures. Medical Progress 2000; 27(10):27-31.
  • Hee HT, Das De S. Sciatic nerve laceration associated with closed femoral shaft fracture. J OrthopSurg (Hong Kong) 1999; 7(1): 63-7.
  • Hee HT, Das De S, Giam GCK. Osperoneum fractures. J OrthopSurg (Hong Kong) 1999; 7(1): 73-6.
  • Hee HT, Lee EH. Surgical results of clubfoot using Carroll’s approach. J OrthopSurg (Hong Kong) 1997; 5(2): 77-89.
  • Hee HT, Das De S, Chong SM. Glomus tumour of the musculoskeletal system. J OrthopSurg (Hong Kong) 1997; 5(2): 105-13.
  • Hey HWD, Wong KL, Long AS, Hee HT. Single-level anterior corpectomy with fusion versus 2-level anterior cervical decompression with fusion: A prospective controlled study with 2-year follow-up using cages for fusion. Annals Acad Med S’pore 2015; 44(5): 188-90.
  • Hey HW, Lau PHB, Hee HT. Short-term results of physiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed degenerative cervical spine disease. Singapore Med J 2012; 53(3): 179-82.
  • Hee HT, Wong HK. The long-term results of surgical treatment for spinal stenosis in the elderly. Singapore Med J 2003; 44: 175-80.
  • Hee HT, Thambiah J, Nather A, Wong HK. Neurologically unstable fracture of the lumbosacral spine in ankylosing spondylitis. Annals Acad Med S’pore 2002; 31: 115-8.
  • Wong HK, Hee HT. Instrumentation in spinal surgery. Annals Acad Med S’pore 2002; 31: 579-89.
  • Hee HT, Wong HK. Surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. Back Society Singapore 2001; 2(1): 4.
  • Hee HT, Tan BP, Wong HP, Low YP. Surgical results of intercondylar fractures of the femur. Annals Acad Med S’pore 2000; 29(2): 1-5.
  • Hee HT, Wong HP, Low YP. Transscaphoidperilunate fracture/dislocations – results of surgical treatment. Annals Acad Med S’pore 1999; 28(6): 791-4.
  • Hee HT, Low BY, See HF. Surgical results of open reduction and plating of humeral shaft fractures. Annals Acad Med S’pore 1998; 27(6): 772-5.
  • Hee HT, Low CK, Seow KH, Tan SK. Comparing staple fixation to buttress plate fixation in high tibial osteotomy. Annals Acad Med S’pore 1996; 25(2): 233-5.

LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS TO BACK PAIN? NEED A SPECIALIST?

Get Better Now! Make An Appointment With Us!

make an appointment