Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery: Meet The Best Orthopaedic Specialists in Kuala Lumpur
What is Orthopaedics and What Do Orthopaedic Specialists Treat?
Orthopaedics, sometimes spelled orthopedics, is a medical specialty that focuses on the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Orthopaedic specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that affect mobility and function, such as bone fractures, dislocations, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital abnormalities. Treatments may involve both non-surgical methods like physiotherapy and medication, as well as advanced orthopaedic surgeries such as joint replacement or spine surgery.
Orthopaedic Specialist Services at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur
At Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, the latest technology, techniques, and procedures are used by top-notch surgeons to replace, reconstruct, and preserve your hips, knees, and shoulder joints. The multidisciplinary team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and specialised nurses works collaboratively to ensure efficient recovery and effective patient care.
Our mobility is crucial for living an enriched and fulfilled life and plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health. Injuries or disorders affecting bones, muscles, or joints, including those caused by sports injuries, trauma, or degenerative diseases, may lead to serious health complications, especially if left untreated. Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur Orthopaedic Specialist team comprises a panel of expert surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses, all working together to ensure your recovery is a speedy and pleasant one.
Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur specialises in comprehensive joint replacement surgery, helping patients with significant joint damage or degeneration. Procedures offered include:
- Total Knee Replacement Surgery
- Total Hip Replacement
- Shoulder Joint Reconstruction and Replacement
These surgeries are designed to alleviate chronic joint pain, restore function, and enhance mobility and overall quality of life.
The hospital's team of specialised orthopaedic and spine surgeons addresses a broad range of spinal conditions, including:
- Fractures and spinal trauma
- Spinal infections and tumours
- Deformities (such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis)
- Degenerative spinal diseases
Careful diagnostic assessments and precision-focused surgical techniques help patients achieve significant relief from spinal pain and improved spinal function.
Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur offers minimally invasive orthopaedic procedures, such as arthroscopy to diagnose and treat joint conditions effectively. Arthroscopic surgery involves small incisions and specialised instruments, making it ideal for managing conditions like sports injuries, cartilage damage, ligament tears, and early-stage joint degeneration. This minimally invasive approach significantly reduces recovery time, surgical risks, and post-operative discomfort.
Types of Orthopaedic Treatments We Offer
Discectomy is performed by experienced spine surgeons. A discectomy is a procedure used to treat herniated or slipped spinal discs. This involves the partial removal of the disc material that is exerting pressure on the nerve. This can be done as an open procedure or through a keyhole approach using smaller incisions.
To restore the functioning of a limb or joint, reconstructive surgery may be required regardless of whether the deformity is of a congenital or acquired nature.
A surgical procedure where diseased (arthritic) parts of joints, especially with artificial joint components (prosthesis) are completely replaced with artificial (total) ones. This procedure can be used to replace knee joints which have been affected by a wide variety of conditions such as acute osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, haemophilia, gout, and knee related injuries.
A spine osteotomy is an invasive procedure that requires a section of spinal bone to be removed to allow for spine alignment correction and is usually performed to correct any abnormal spinal curvature.
Surgical removal of tumours in the musculoskeletal system is conducted by orthopaedic specialists. Removed tissues are thoroughly analysed to determine subsequent treatment steps.
In hip replacement surgery, diseased or damaged hip joint parts, typically from arthritis, are replaced with artificial components. This surgical procedure helps to reduce and alleviate joint pain, improve range of motion, and help the patient maintain an active lifestyle comfortably.
When the carpal ligament is causing pressure on the median nerve, surgical relief may be required. A carpal tunnel release surgery is usually performed through a small incision on the palm near the wrist or via a keyhole. This can be done on a daycare basis and carried out with local anaesthetic.
The repetitive grasping or gripping of certain objects is typically known as trigger finger and may cause a painful locking sensation in one or more fingers. Two surgical options are available (open or percutaneous) and highly depend on whether the individual's palm is the cause of the affected tendon.
Amputation, the partial or complete removal of a limb or extremity such as an arm, leg, foot, hand, toe, or finger, is sometimes necessary for severe trauma or medical conditions.
A laminectomy is a procedure that helps relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, which may cause spinal stenosis. This typically occurs when the spinal nerves end up pinched due to active narrowing of the spinal column. Often painful, it can also cause numbness or weakness in the legs, back, neck, and arms. This surgical procedure is done via an incision in the back where bone and tissue causing such pressure is removed, and is effective in treating spinal injuries, herniated discs, and spinal tumours.
This surgical technique helps diagnose and treat knee joint related issues via a small incision and insertion of a tiny camera. Images taken help surgeons to see the accurate problem and correct it if necessary through separate smaller instrumental insertions. Arthroscopy helps diagnose issues such as torn meniscus or misaligned patellas (kneecaps) and repair ligaments.
List of Orthopaedic Conditions We Treat
Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur treats a wide range of orthopaedic conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Common conditions include:
Elbow injuries and disorders can result in pain, stiffness, and decreased functionality. Common conditions include:
- Dislocation
- Golfer's elbow
- Tennis elbow
Knee injuries or degenerative conditions can significantly impact mobility and daily life. Common knee conditions treated include:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
- Anterior knee pain (runner's knee) / chondromalacia patellae (CMP)
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury
- Meniscus tear / knocked knee chondromalacia patellae (CMP
- Knee arthritis
- Knee bursitis
- Osgood Schlatter disease
- Osteoarthritis (locked knee)
- Patella femoral syndrome (knee cap pain)
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury
- Patella tendonitis (jumper's knee)
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury
Spinal conditions can cause significant pain, discomfort, and impair movement. These include:
- Degenerative spine condition
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Neck pain
- Nerve decompression
- Sciatica (pinched nerve)
- Scoliosis
- Slipped disc
- Spondylolisthesis (misaligned backbone)
Sports injuries often involve soft tissue damage, fractures, and joint instability. Common conditions include:
- Degenerative spine condition
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Neck pain
- Nerve decompression
- Sciatica (pinched nerve)
- Scoliosis
- Slipped disc
- Spondylolisthesis (misaligned backbone)
Paediatric orthopaedic conditions typically involve growth-related issues and congenital disorders. These conditions include:
- Bowing of the knee (genu varum
- Clubfoot -Dwarfism
- Greenstick fractures
- Growing pains
- In-toeing gait
- Limb length discrepancy
- Torticollis (wry neck)
Foot and ankle conditions can cause discomfort and limit mobility. These include:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Cartilage damage
- Diabetic foot problem
- Dislocation
- Fractures
- Gout
- Plantar fasciitis (foot pain)
- Sprains
- Tendonitis
Hand and wrist conditions can range from repetitive strain injuries to fractures. These include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (painful wrist condition
- Ganglion cysts
- Hand arthritis
- Hand fractures
- Hand trauma
- Trigger finger
- Wrist ligament injury
Tumours affecting bones or soft tissues require specialised care, including:
- Benign tumour
- Metastasis
- Primary cancers of the bones (bone tumour)
- Primary cancers of the soft tissues
Shoulder conditions often involve rotator cuff injuries, instability, or arthritis. These include:
- Cuff tears
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff injury
- Shoulder dislocation (chronic)
- Shoulder instability
- Shoulder tendonitis
Hip conditions can cause pain and limited movement. These include:
- Hip arthritis
- Hip bursitis
- Hip dislocation (congenital)
- Hip fractures
- Lumbar pain
- Osteonecrosis
- Snapping hip syndrome
Types of Diagnostic Tests for Orthopaedic Conditions
To accurately diagnose orthopaedic conditions, a variety of advanced diagnostic tests are used to assess the health of bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues. These tests help orthopaedic specialists determine the most effective treatment approach for each patient.
To evaluate the electrical activity and muscular response times to nerve stimulation, EMG diagnostic tests are recommended as they can help detect muscle and nerve disorders as well as those that affect their connectivity.
EMGs require the insertion of one or more electrode needles through the skin into muscle tissue in order to record electrical activity of the muscles.
Bone biopsy procedures involve extracting a small sample of bone tissue to check for abnormalities, such as cancer or infection.
Needle biopsies involve a small incision of the skin, and a needle is inserted into the bone to retrieve a sample. But fret not, as this biopsy is performed under local anesthesia.
Open biopsies, however, require a much larger incision of the skin, and a piece of bone is surgically removed instead. But relax, this procedure is performed under complete general anesthesia.
A thorough physical examination is often the first step in diagnosing joint disorders and conditions, such as arthritis or muscle strain. This may involve testing joint range of motion, tenderness, and swelling.
Advanced imaging methods allow for detailed assessment of the bones and soft tissues to identify fractures,
degeneration, or other abnormalities.
Computerised Tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging method that makes use of x-rays to digitally produce cross sectional images of
one's bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues within the body.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a non-invasive technique which makes use of high-frequency sound
waves to produce digital images of structures inside the body. High resolution imaging enables our specialists to
detect any tendon tears, tiny calcifications, as well as foreign bodies.
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
DXA procedure utilises x-rays to assess factors such as bone density when diagnosing osteoporosis. DXA is also
capable of predicting an individual's level of fracture risk, which is useful for post-treatment monitoring.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
As a noninvasive imaging technique, MRI utilises magnetic fields and pulses of radio waves to produce pictures of
bones as well as soft tissues. Because the MRI doesn't use x-rays, it currently has no known side effects. The MRI
can also be used to effectively diagnose and assess a wide array of medical conditions that affect soft tissues.
Magnetic Resonance Arthrography (MRA)
Similar to the MRI, MRA produces much better images due to a contrast solution (gadolinium) being injected into the
affected joint, which allows its structures and soft tissues to be highlighted, revealing tears and defects. The MRA
is usually used to determine joint conditions and can efficiently detect any ligament, tendon as well as cartilage
related diseases.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
A PET scan is a medical imaging procedure that provides more detailed information on organ functions or systems in
the body. PET Images provide the specialist with physiological information regarding the bone and is mainly used to
detect issues such as abnormal bone growth associated with tumours or other abnormalities.
Common diagnostic tests that include the extraction and analysis of inflammatory markers (e.g. CRR, ESR and WBC) in one's blood to determine the type of arthritis present. Other types of blood tests will look for specific antibody types such as anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) and RF (rheumatoid factor).
Clinical Excellence in Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery: Value-Driven Outcome (VDO)
At Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, clinical excellence is at the heart of everything we do. The team of orthopaedic specialists is committed to providing the highest standard of care, using the latest advancements in orthopaedic surgery, spine surgery, and trauma management to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
Knee surgery, particularly Total Knee Replacement (TKR), is a complex procedure, especially for those suffering from
knee osteoarthritis. At Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, we recognise the challenges and prioritise the patient's
voice in our approach to outcomes. We meticulously evaluate each TKR surgery at 3-month and 6-month intervals,
utilising the Knee Society Score (KSS) to measure and compare results against Minimal Clinically Important
Difference (MCID) and Substantial Targets.
This precision-driven approach ensures that the impact of TKR transcends the surgical realm, resulting in significant
improvements in both quality of life and mobility. This exemplifies our commitment to comprehensive and
transformative orthopaedic care.
Patient’s Journey
The patient visits the doctor to determine if TKR is recommended. | The patient is referred for same-day pre-operative physiotherapy. | PROMs (KSS) survey and pre-operative physiotherapy are conducted for the patient in rehab. | The patient undergoes surgery in GKL. | Physiotherapy is administered to the patient throughout their admission, from the time of admission
until discharge. | The patient attends physiotherapy sessions for three months. *3 months post-surgery PROMs (KSS) survey is conducted again to assess the patient's progress. | The patient continues physiotherapy sessions for an additional three months. *6 months post-surgery PROMs (KSS) survey is conducted to monitor the patient's progress. |
Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Survey
Through our Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Survey, we carefully measure our patient’s perception of
health and functional well-being post-TKR surgery. PROMs are standardized questionnaires completed by patients,
providing insights into health perception and functional well-being. The hospital conducts these surveys before and
after treatment to understand any changes in the patient’s condition and quality of life. Working closely with
patients and clinicians, PROMs give us a full picture of our patients' health and identify opportunities for
continuous improvement.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID)
When it comes to knee surgery, Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur uses a benchmark called Minimal Clinically Important
Difference (MCID). Our aim is for patients to see a minimum score increase of 9 points at 3 months and 40 points at
6 months post-surgery.
One notable achievement is reaching a 100% rate in the MCID benchmark within 3 and 6 months post-surgery,
underscoring substantial improvements in pain reduction, daily function, and overall quality of life.
KSS Reference:
2011 Knee Society Scoring System© (2011KSS)
The Knee Society (https://www.kneesociety.org/the-knee-society-score)
MCID Reference:
Van der Wees, P.J., Wammes, J.J.G., Akkermans, R.P. et al. Patient-reported health outcomes after total hip and knee surgery in a Dutch University Hospital Setting: results of twenty years clinical registry. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 18, 97 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-017-1455-y
Lizaur-Utrilla, A., Gonzalez-Parreño, S., Martinez-Mendez, D. et al. Minimal clinically important differences and substantial clinical benefits for Knee Society Scores. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 28, 1473–1478 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-019-05543-x
https://d-nb.info/1212656903/34
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) is a surgical intervention aimed at replacing a damaged ligament,
requiring a delicate blend of precision and excellence. At Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, our commitment extends
beyond technical proficiency to encompass stringent adherence to quality indicators.
Our 2023 performance statistics not only reflect exceptional results but also demonstrate our unwavering focus on
patient safety. By surpassing international benchmarks in key areas such as prophylactic antibiotic administration,
blood transfusion rates, complications, readmission prevention, and post-operative rehabilitation, we continuously
strive to assure our patients of a level of care that goes above and beyond established standards.
Patient’s Journey
The patient visits the doctor to determine if ACLR is recommended. | The patient is referred for same-day pre-operative physiotherapy. | PROMs (KSS) survey and pre-operative physiotherapy are conducted for the patient in rehab. | The patient undergoes surgery in GKL | Physiotherapy is administered to the patient during admission until discharge. | The patient attends physiotherapy sessions for three months. *3 months post-surgery PROMs (KSS) survey is conducted again to assess the patient's progress.
| The patient continues physiotherapy sessions for an additional three months. *6 months post-surgery PROMs (KSS) survey is conducted to monitor the patient's progress. |
ACLR Surgery Outcomes: Insights from 2023 Data Analysis
ACLR International Benchmark Reference:
- Annals of Medicine and Surgery: Analysis of postoperative complications following elective arthroscopic surgeries of the knee- a retrospective cohort study.
- The Knee: Complications following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the English NHS.
- Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy: Inpatient admission following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is associated with higher postoperative complications.
- Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy: Procedure length is independently associated with overnight hospital stay and 30-day readmission following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
- Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation: Operative Time Less Than 1.5 Hours, Male Sex, Dependent Functional Status, Presence of Dyspnea, and Reoperations Within 30 days Are Independent Risk Factors for Readmission After ACLR.
Get Expert Orthopaedic and Trauma Care Today
At Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, the team of experienced orthopaedic specialists is dedicated to providing personalised treatments for your musculoskeletal health. Whether you need a joint replacement, spine surgery, or care for sports injuries, we offer the latest technologies and compassionate care to help you recover and get back to doing what you love. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free life.
EN
Find A Doctor
Request an Appointment
International Patient
+603 4141 3000
+603 4141 3131
