Osteoarthritis of the Ankle Treatment in Samsung Global Orthopedic Clinic (SGOC)
About the clinic
Osteoarthritis of the ankle is assessed and treated at Samsung Global Orthopedic Clinic in Daegu, South Korea. Its dedicated Foot & Ankle Center offers joint-preserving care, pain management, and surgery, with rehabilitation in the same building.
Foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Kwang Seok Jo has over 10 years of experience and 3,000+ orthopedic surgeries. He trained in foot and ankle care at Massachusetts General Hospital and Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
Diagnosis with weight-bearing X-rays
A surgeon consultation and examination lasts 60–90 minutes. Imaging options include weight-bearing X-rays, CT, MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, and bone densitometry. The clinic also provides written second opinions on imaging within five business days. Intra-operative fluoroscopy can check alignment and implant position during surgery.
Treatment options for ankle arthritis
- Custom orthotic fitting. Orthotics redistribute pressure and reduce load on the ankle and foot joints.
- Shockwave therapy. Radial and focused shockwave devices are used for chronic musculoskeletal and tendon pain.
- Radiofrequency pain management. For chronic ankle pain that has not improved after an injection, RONFIC systems support temperature-controlled nerve blocks and denervation.
- Ankle arthroscopy. This minimally invasive surgery treats cartilage lesions, loose bodies, and soft-tissue problems inside the joint.
- Cartilage and osteochondral procedures. Options include arthroscopic debridement and microfracture, fixation of large fragments, and cartilage restoration. The method depends on lesion size and activity goals.
- Modified Broström repair. This repairs and strengthens the patient’s lateral ankle ligaments when chronic instability occurs alongside arthritis.
- Ankle arthrodesis (fusion). For advanced arthritis when joint-preserving options are exhausted, the joint surfaces are realigned and fused. Fluoroscopy checks alignment and implant position during surgery.
Rehabilitation with 2-, 6-, 12-, and 24-week checkpoints
Rehabilitation has four phases: protection and control, strength, balance and load, then return to activity. The protocols draw on Massachusetts General Hospital, HSS, and Mayo Clinic, with weekly review by the rehabilitation team. Traveling patients receive a written home program and remote check-ins.
Patients can request a consultation through Bookimed to discuss assessment and treatment options.
Highlights
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Treatments prices in the clinic
| treatment | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | Price on request | |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy | Price on request | |
| Knee Arthroscopy | Price on request | |
| Shoulder replacement | Price on request | |
| Rotator cuff repair surgery | Price on request | |
| Arthroscopic meniscus repair | Price on request | |
| Conservative treatment of scoliosis | Price on request | |
| ACL reconstruction surgery | Price on request | |
| Ankle Arthroscopy | Price on request | |
| Arthroscopic surgery | Price on request | |
| Conservative treatment for habitual dislocation of the shoulder | Price on request | |
| Arthroscopy | Price on request | |
| Knee replacement | Price on request | |
| Total Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty) | Price on request |
How are we doing?
Samsung Global Orthopedic Clinic (SGOC): more details about the clinic
- Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN)
- Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS, New York)
- Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard Medical School)
- Osaka National Hospital and TSOC in Japan
Surgeons participate in international case discussions and present research at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
### Specialized Orthopedic CareSGOC's flagship specialty is shoulder-centered sports medicine. The team treats rotator cuff disorders, shoulder instability, and frozen shoulder. Surgeons use arthroscopic and reconstructive techniques like SLAP repair, biceps tenodesis, and superior capsular reconstruction. Treatment decisions match imaging results to the patient's movement and strength.The foot and ankle center is the clinic's second core specialty. Conditions treated include:- Achilles tendon injuries and ruptures
- Forefoot deformities like hallux valgus and hallux rigidus
- Ankle instability and chronic pain
- Sports-related foot injuries
One surgeon performs the operation and leads all follow-up care.
### Integrated Rehabilitation ServicesThe Rehabilitation Center follows protocols from Massachusetts General Hospital and the Hospital for Special Surgery. Therapists and surgeons meet weekly to review patient progress and return-to-sport criteria. Programs combine manual therapy and shockwave treatment in a phased recovery plan.Specialists perform objective testing before clearing patients for sport or heavy work. If strength or mobility targets aren't met, the recovery timeline adjusts accordingly.### Diagnostic and Intra-operative TechnologySGOC uses advanced imaging and surgical support systems. The facility has CT, MRI, ultrasound, and chest X-ray capabilities. Key equipment includes:- ZEN-2090 TURBO – Intra-operative fluoroscopy for real-time surgical imaging
- OsteoSys DEXXUM T – Bone densitometry for assessing bone mineral density
- RONFIC Miniplus and XIM – Radiofrequency systems for pain management and nerve blocks
- Master Plus MP50 and Shockwave F1 – Radial and focused shockwave systems for musculoskeletal therapy
These systems support surgical planning and nonoperative treatments like radiofrequency pain management.
### International Patient ServicesThe clinic treats patients from over 40 countries. English-speaking coordinators guide patients from first consultation through final follow-up.International services include:- Written second opinions – Imaging reviews with a response within five business days
- Interpreter support – Available for Arabic, Japanese, and Chinese speakers
- English documentation – Consultations, consent forms, and rehabilitation plans in English
- Coordinated surgical stays – Planning for typical 10–14 day recovery periods
Patients can share medical records and imaging via WhatsApp or email for review before travel.
Additional services
Patient reviews
Jessica Im
stooba lemdon
김피코
대한민국
Nicholas Grambas
five loaves
sibong sua
한우주
Campingcafe Hola
4-6 & 13F, 422 Myeongdeok-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu, South Korea
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How it works:
- We find a medical coordinator familiar with the matter
- You get a personal offer with a step-by-step guide and the cost estimate
- We arrange your travel including appointment scheduling and flights booking
- You arrive at the hospital, we support you 24/7



