Looking For An Orthopedic Surgeon

[injomtien]

Hai, I am looking for a good orthopedic surgeon in Pattaya or Bangkok who can operate a torn meniscus.

Does anybody have this procedure done in Thailand, what was your experience, and what were the costs and recovery-time?

Is it correct that it takes 6 weeks to recover and that you have to use crutches all this time?

I am not looking forward to it..

[onomataho]

Based on another TV member's recommendation I went to this doctor at Bumrungrad/Bangkok last week for a consultation on a similar problem. I thought he was very competent and will go back soon for an MRI.

Name: Dr. Panya Wongpatimachai

Speciality: Orthopaedics (Bone), Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedics (Bone), Arthroplasty, Orthopaedics (Bone), Arthroscopic Surgery

Language: Spoken : English,Teo Chew,Thai

Qualifications: Medical School: - M.D. Mahidol University, Thailand, 1984 Board Certifications : - Diploma of Thai Board of Orthopedic Surgery, 1989 Fellowships: Arthroscopic Surgery, Eisin Clinic, Japan, 1997 Special Clinical Interests: - Arthroscopy - Sport Medicine & Injury - Arthroplasty - Trauma Active Membership : International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) International Affiliate Member of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Good Luck!

[injomtien]

Thanks for the advise!

MRI has been made alraedy, clearly shows a torn meniscus.

I will make an appointment with this docter as soon as I am back in Thailand.

(Working offshore Indonesia now..)

[MrSquigle]

Had this operation twice here in Bkk, first last year in Samitivej, then in Jan this year at Bumgrad by Doc Panya.

First one at Samitivej seemed to be fine, more expensive and wanted me to stay in hospital 2 nights, must say i was ok with this as it was very sore to try to walk next 2 days.

I was on crutches for a couple of weeks, then seemed to become ok to walk on gently and with physio it was walkable within a month ok.

But it took several months to get the full strength back into it.

The 6 months later I did it again, this time went back to same doc and he wanted to simply take it all out straight away without question.

I went to Bumgrad and saw this doc, he said no way should you rule out repairing it first, only in worst case once he sees inside if it should be removed. It was worst case, it was shattered this time and it was removed.

Doc Panya was excellant prior to the op, but afterwards was a little bit to non caring, a couple of follow up appointment were just in and out...while I like that, it also seemed just very different in his before and after attitude.

Doc Panya howeve did not want me to stay in hospital, day op and out by mid afternoon and for whatever reason, it was more severe suregry with removal, but I could walk on it that afternoon with the aid of crutches and in a few days threw away the crutches.

Same deal though, took months to get back full use and fitness of it....but I am lazy in this respect also.

So I would recommend Panya and it was also considerably cheaper than Samitivej....not that I was paying.

[MrSquigle]

By the way, he also gives you a cd of the operation and it has a smilin photo of him on the front of the disk.

[injomtien]

By the way, he also gives you a cd of the operation and it has a smilin photo of him on the front of the disk.

Thanks for the info!

How much did you pay in Bumrungrad?

I was qouted 110000 bht. in Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, but this surgeon went to South Korea for a few months for additional training..

[Macx]

Dr. Chatchai at Nonthavej Hospital is a very decent and caring surgeon who will give you all the info and explain things before getting you on the table.

Do a search on the forum, lots of threads and info on this topic.

Hope you're feeling OK. Don't rush into surgery, do your homework first.

Good luck!

[MrSquigle]

By the way, he also gives you a cd of the operation and it has a smilin photo of him on the front of the disk.

Thanks for the info!

How much did you pay in Bumrungrad?

I was qouted 110000 bht. in Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, but this surgeon went to South Korea for a few months for additional training..

'additional training' lol.

I cannot remember exactly how much, insurance paid but I think around 70/80k.