Orthopedics in Daejeon

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, including the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. A doctor who specializes in orthopedics is called an orthopedist. The musculoskeletal conditions that orthopedists can treat may be present from birth or occur as a result of injury or age-related wear and tear. Some of the most common conditions that an orthopedist can treat are as follows:

• Bone fractures
• Joint pain from arthritis
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Soft tissue, including muscles, ligament, and tendon, injuries
• Shoulder pain and problems, such as bursitis
• Worn out and sports injuries, such as meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and tendinitis
• Congenital conditions, such as scoliosis and clubfoot.

Orthopedists can conduct diagnostic tests, including physical examinations and X-rays. They use both surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. The procedures performed by orthopedists include, but are not limited to:

• Total joint replacement
• Knee ligament surgery, including knee arthroscopy
• Shoulder arthroscopy
• Carpal tunnel release
• Fracture repair surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Hip replacement
• LaminectomyFracture repair surgery, including repair of the ankle, the femoral neck, and trochanteric fracture
• Bone grafting surgery
• Osteotomy
• Herniated disk surgery
• Debridement of muscle, bone, or fracture.

How Long Should I Stay in Daejeon?

Depending on the condition for which you were treated and the type of treatment you underwent, you may be able to leave the hospital the same day or the day after surgery. In general, you should wait at least 4 to 7 days before you travel home for most surgeries. This is because surgery can affect your ability to tolerate turbulence. After total hip replacement, it is recommended that you take it very easy for around 3 months to minimize the risk of hip dislocation. During your stay in Daejeon you will need to attend several follow-up checkups where your orthopedist will monitor your healing and remove any stitches (if necessary). 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Several factors determine your recovery period, including your overall health, the reason you needed an orthopedic treatment, and the type of treatment you had. Your orthopedist will give you a detailed post-operative plan, including when you can go back to your normal routine and work. The recovery period takes approximately 2 weeks to 3 months.

What Aftercare is Required?

Make sure to follow your orthopedist direction after treatment. In most cases, you will need to attend rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, which you can do at a facility in your home country or have home visits from a physical therapist. The goal of physical therapy is to increase your range of motion, improve function, and to regain your strength and ability. 

What's the Success Rate?

The advancement of orthopedics and a deeper understanding of the musculoskeletal system have made orthopedic treatments safer and highly successful. For example, over 95% of patients who had total hip replacement experience relief from hip pain. However, while orthopedics surgery generally does not cause major risks, you still need to be aware that complications can occur, such as infections, blood clots, blood vessel damage, bone fracture, and joint stiffness. 

Are there Alternatives?

There is typically no other alternatives than seeing an orthopedist if you experience any problems in your bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. However, depending on your condition, you may be able to undergo acupuncture, home exercise programs, and other alternative treatments.

Orthopedics in and around Daejeon

About Daejeon 

With a population of around 1.5 million people, Daejeon is the 5th largest city in South Korea. Due to its location in the center of Korea, it is a major transit hub for the region. It’s an important science and education center, with more than 200 research institutes located within its area. As South Korea’s medical tourism continues to flourish, Daejeon has undertaken strategic development to grow its medical tourism industry. The city is establishing its healthcare system by providing outstanding medical technology both in the private and public sector, improving its medical services, carrying out overseas marketing activities, as well as developing medical tourism products and medical tourism coordinators.    

Popular Parts of Daejeon

The most popular part of Daejeon is Yuseong-gu, the administrative district in the northwest part of the city. It is home to Yuseong hot springs resort town, where visitors can find a hot spring that can counter many types of illnesses. The hot spring contains alkaline minerals, such as sulfur, calcium, potassium, silicic acid, and radium. An especially high concentration of radium is found in the hot spring, which is known to be good for neuralgia and geriatric diseases. Around the area of Yuseong hot springs resort town are upscale shopping areas, accommodation, as well as numerous cultural centers and sightseeing places. Another popular area is Dunsan, the city’s central business district filled with shops and restaurants. Besides these two areas, there several popular places for sightseers, including the mountains Sikjangsan and Jangtaesan, the lake Daecheonghosu, Expo Science Park, and Daejeon O-World. 

Transport in Daejeon

The international airport serving Daejeon is the Cheongju International Airport, which is located in Cheongwon-gu. It has several flights to and from cities in Asia. However, most international tourists arrive at Incheon International Airport and travel to the city with a shuttle bus from the airport or a KTX express train from Seoul. The most convenient and affordable way to get around Daejeon is by inner-city bus and the subway. Visitors can buy T-money travel cards to reduce the fares of the bus and subway. Taxis are available, but make sure to avoid unregistered taxis.

Visas in Daejeon

Holders of passports from 112 countries, including the EU, the US, and Russia, can visit Daejeon without a visa for 30, 60, and 180 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa-free entry should apply and obtain a visa prior to their visit. 

Weather in Daejeon

There are four seasons in Daejeon. Summer, starting from June to August, is typically hot and rainy. From September to late November is autumn, which has pleasant weather. Winter, from late November to March, can be freezing. The temperature will slowly rise in spring, but rainfall is more common.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency in Daejeon is South Korean Won (KRW). 1 USD is approx. 1,185 KRW.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs accepting international cards are widely available. Credit cards are accepted at many restaurants, hotels, and shops. Tipping is not expected and can be considered rude in restaurants. However, it is okay to tip guides and porters.
3. Local Language: Korean is the official language, with Hangul as the formal script. English is mostly spoken in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Around 47% of the population is not religious or follows indigenous religions. Buddhism and Christianity are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and the Birthday of Buddha are some of the important public holidays in Daejeon.