Korean orthopedic specialists determine arthrosis management by prioritizing conservative care until mobility is severely compromised. Doctors like Dr. Kwangyeal Lee at Nanoori Hospital assess joint preservation through arthroscopy and imaging. They only recommend surgery if functional tests, including daily activities and gait analysis, show no improvement.
- Radiological grading. Specialists typically mandate non-surgical care for Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1 to 3 found on scans.
- Functional assessment. Doctors use squat tests and range of motion checks to measure your daily mobility.
- Conservative response. Surgery is only reconsidered after 6 months of supervised physical therapy or injections fail.
- Regenerative options. Many centers offer stem cell therapy for arthritis to restore tissue in moderate cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Orthopedic directors in Korea, such as Dr. Yang Young Joon at Na-Eun Hospital, often hold multiple memberships in specialized societies for the knee, shoulder, and arthroscopy. This dual expertise allows them to offer joint-preserving arthroscopic procedures even when imaging suggests traditional replacement might be needed. Patients should seek directors who lead dedicated orthopedic centers for the most comprehensive non-surgical evaluation.
Patient Consensus: One patient noted their surgeon refused operation for grade 3 arthrosis because they could still walk pain-free. Doctors often start with hyaluronic acid injections and physical therapy before discussing any surgical intervention.