Samsung Global Orthopedic Clinic (SGOC) is a single-specialty medical facility in the Suseong-gu district of Daegu, South Korea. Established in 2023, it focuses on shoulder, sports medicine, and foot and ankle care. Diagnostics, surgery, inpatient recovery, and rehabilitation all happen in one building.### Clinical Statistics and Academic TiesThe clinic handles a high volume of specialized care. This includes over 1,000 shoulder procedures and 3,000 total orthopedic surgeries. SGOC collaborates with several leading international institutions:
- 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.