Knee surgery

[graymatter 153]

Has anyone had any knee surgery in Thailand?

 

I have a Meniscal Tears in my right knee. Without getting too technical this occurs when the cartilage that sits on the top of the tibia comes adrift or breaks down.

 

I can vouch for the pain that goes with this injury leaving it difficult to walk but also a constant pain when simply sitting or lying down.

 

It seems that this is a fairly common injury and can be fixed using arthroscopic surgery (key hole).

 

I have identified that Thailand does quite a few knee reconstructions which seems a much more complex operation at a cost of around 70,000 baht. Can anyone tell me if they have had any arthroscopic surgery and what were the costs.

 

 

[4niceight 32]

I had this surgery done on my right knee about 7 years ago at Bumrungrad hospital, Bangkok. My insurance paid, but from memory was about 170,000 baht. The doctor's name was Dr. Mason Porramatikul and he was recommended both on Thaivisa.com health forum where the experts say he is the best in Thailand, and by a friend. After the operation I gave up walking for exercise and bought a bicycle which gives me non-impact (with the ground) exercise. My knee now feels completely normal, but I have had the occasional twinge over the post op period. One night stay in the hospital then set free with a pair of crutches. Must do the exercises for several weeks after. Buy some weights which wrap around the lower leg. Good luck. Regards.

[Kev 178]

I had this surgery done on my right knee about 7 years ago at Bumrungrad hospital, Bangkok. My insurance paid, but from memory was about 170,000 baht. The doctor's name was Dr. Mason Porramatikul and he was recommended both on Thaivisa.com health forum where the experts say he is the best in Thailand, and by a friend. After the operation I gave up walking for exercise and bought a bicycle which gives me non-impact (with the ground) exercise. My knee now feels completely normal, but I have had the occasional twinge over the post op period. One night stay in the hospital then set free with a pair of crutches. Must do the exercises for several weeks after. Buy some weights which wrap around the lower leg. Good luck. Regards.

170,000 bahts for a key hole surgery job sounds expensive to myself, and yes I have had one knee done years ago (in Oz) and now need a knee replacement.

[teelack 9,646]

I have not had this procedure done but have been paying attention as it could be on the cards at some stage for me. One thing I would always try to do is have this at home whatever the cost or the wait list. From what I hear you might need support, and not just crutches, for quite a while. I would also think that having a conducive place to recover in would be essential. Things such as a wet room shower and on a single story etc. Knee surgery as far as I can understand is not for the faint hearted.

[tallguy 1,479]

I had arthroscopic surgery for a meniscal tear on my knee over 20 years ago in the UK, so cannot comment about costs. However,I can say that the recovery time was relatively short, (I was in my early 30s at the time so recovery may take longer for someone older). Contrary to what Teelak has said about the difficulties of recovery, I walked out of the hospital unaided the next morning and was able to use an exercise bike within a week. The recovery time for reconstructions will be longer and requires the need for walking aids such as crutches and knee braces.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Edited January 18, 2017 by tallguy

[4niceight 32]

170,000 bahts for a key hole surgery job sounds expensive to myself, and yes I have had one knee done years ago (in Oz) and now need a knee replacement.

 

Bumrungrad and health insurance spells expensive! I'm aware of that but it didn't cost me a baht and I got the best treatment.

[yselmike 397]

I had it 5 years ago age 60 in the Netherlands they wait till they have enough six in my case then do them all in one go so to speak,after they bring you round they get you up go to the toilet, 2 guys got up and walked relatively pain 3 the rest of us in agony,took a few days to get around with crutches,before and after the op I got around on my cycle no problem took a couple of months before I lost the last crutch.

Edited January 18, 2017 by yselmike

[teelack 9,646]

I had arthroscopic surgery for a meniscal tear on my knee over 20 years ago in the UK, so cannot comment about costs. However,I can say that the recovery time was relatively short, (I was in my early 30s at the time so recovery may take longer for someone older). Contrary to what Teelak has said about the difficulties of recovery, I walked out of the hospital unaided the next morning and was able to use an exercise bike within a week. The recovery time for reconstructions will be longer and requires the need for walking aids such as crutches and knee braces.

Hope this helps and good luck.

 

I guess that my comments were directed to what I see as being the average age of the forum. My guess is over 50 rather than the 30 you mention. I am facing this type of thing in my seventies so I have a slightly more jaundiced approach to it. People that I am aware of who have had any knee surgery tend to be older and all my feed back tells me that knees are tricky beasts.

[tallguy 1,479]

I guess that my comments were directed to what I see as being the average age of the forum. My guess is over 50 rather than the 30 you mention. I am facing this type of thing in my seventies so I have a slightly more jaundiced approach to it. People that I am aware of who have had any knee surgery tend to be older and all my feed back tells me that knees are tricky beasts.

Teelak, I appreciate that age is a significant factor in the recovery process but surgery for a meniscal tear such as GM has mentioned is probably the least complex and least invasive type of knee surgeries and the easiest to recover from. Obviously recovering from more complex surgeries such as replacements or reconstructions is a far more lengthy process.

[Goldpanner 399]

I might pop in to Bumringrad on my Next BKK trip as Ive got serious shoulder pain from a Supraspinatus Tendon tear

[graymatter 153]

Thanks guys. The information was very helpful.

 

I think I have a plan which lets me get the operation in a Perth hospital for free. It helps to have friends in high places.

 

I would have no hesitation using a Thai doctor but I liked the idea of recuperating in my own home.