Shoulder Osteoarthritis Treatment in Samsung Global Orthopedic Clinic (SGOC)
About the clinic
Shoulder osteoarthritis care at Samsung Global Orthopedic Clinic (SGOC) in Suseong-gu, Daegu, South Korea includes imaging, pain procedures, rehabilitation, and joint replacement. Dr. Kwang Seok Jo has 10+ years of practice, 1,500+ shoulder surgeries, and training at Mayo Clinic and Osaka University.
The clinic focuses on shoulder care, with diagnosis, surgery, inpatient care, and rehabilitation in one building. Dr. Jo also holds an adjunct professorship at Samsung Medical Center and has clinical ties with Massachusetts General Hospital.
Shoulder arthritis diagnosis with imaging
Assessment starts with medical history, pain patterns, and shoulder function. A physical exam checks movement, strength, stability, and shoulder-blade control before imaging is reviewed.
- Shoulder X-ray: Exsys-PLUS weight-bearing digital radiography shows the joint.
- Shoulder MRI: Findings are reviewed alongside movement, strength, and pain patterns.
- Diagnostic ultrasound: Konica Minolta linear and convex probes assess tendons, the bursa, and joint fluid.
- Bone densitometry: OsteoSys DEXXUM T checks bone density and helps guide implant planning.
- Written second opinion: The clinic reviews existing imaging and provides a written opinion within five business days.
Non-surgical treatment and pain procedures
Conservative care is offered first when it may provide the same outcome. Treatment can include structured physical therapy, changes to activities, and injections when appropriate.
- Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection: Real-time imaging guides the needle into the shoulder joint.
- Suprascapular nerve block: This may be combined with a steroid injection for targeted pain relief.
- Radiofrequency pain management: RONFIC Miniplus and RONFIC XIM systems treat selected nerves and soft tissue. This option is for chronic pain that has not responded to injections.
- Arthroscopic bursectomy or debridement: These procedures are listed among the clinic’s shoulder treatment options.
Shoulder replacement and rehabilitation
For advanced glenohumeral arthritis, the clinic offers anatomical or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. ZEN-2090 TURBO intra-operative fluoroscopy checks implant position and the joint line. Bone densitometry informs the implant strategy.
For stiffness that has plateaued despite structured physiotherapy, treatment may include frozen shoulder hydrodilatation or capsular release. After surgery, rehabilitation moves through sling protection, passive and active movement, shoulder-blade control, and progressive loading. Reviews take place at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks, with overhead testing before clearance. Surgical stays are typically 10–14 days.
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



