Knee surgery

Need help ASAP-- just happened knee problem, probably a miniscus tear which will require surgery. After searching threads, called "Sports Medicine" and asked for Dr Brockman. I was told that he does the foot and that the best knee person in the practice was Dr. Kong. I have an appt for Wed with this doctor. Should I look further or is he OK? I can return to US if needed. Really need advice. I am a runner and I want to be one again. Thank you so much

Mattie, Dr. Kong has a very good reputation.

Thanks, Seal. Good to hear this.

Dr Kong has admitting privalages at Matilda International Hospital and does take a special interest in knee surgergy.


Lynne - 2849 0328

Matilda International Hospital

Hong Kong


http://www.matilda.org

I am in Shanghai but have some info of interest perhaps. I found I had a torn miniscus, like you, Oct. '05 that just started giving me trouble with out any fall or accident. I was terrified at the thought of having surgery here in China, but had no insurance in US, so began networking. After looking at threads here, checking w/friends in expat community and visiting two hospitals, I decided on Fudan University-Huashan Hospital here. I'd read they had done some internationally- recognized reconstructive surgery on wrists, so hoped they were good with knees too.

As it turned out they even have a sports med dept that collaborates w/Harvard University (Fudan U is among top 3 in China). Most of the Sports Med interns speak at least some English and the head of the dept., Dr. Jiwu Chen speaks very well and goes regularly to international conferences to stay up to date.

The experience was great - all the latest modern equipment for the microsurgery. I even decided to check into the "Chinese ward" instead of the international ward for foreigners after looking at it) to save money, since the doctors are the same. I had a teachers salary here and stupidly, hadn't gotten insurance before coming.

I shared a simple, clean room with toilet/sink with 4 other ladies, though first 2 days was alone. The food cost extra 4RMB/meal (!), though was not very good. Most patients get their families to bring food. After surgery I had a lady attendant to help me that slept in the room on two boards balanced between two chairs by my bed- cost>25RMB/day. The entire bill was about 13,000 RMB if I remember correctly, including EVERYTHING.

The Sports Med-orthopedics head professor did the surgery. Before choosing, I'd asked (important whatever Dr. you choose) how many times he'd performed the procedure - he confirmed "over 600".

The result was great for me and I'm good friends with Dr. Chen and some of the interns still. However, I'm and active 56-year-old and not a runner. After returning to US last summer I had knee checked out (X-rays)by ortho specialist to make sure everything looked good and got a heads-up (had taken Eng copy of med report w/MRI). My knee still hurts some but it's due to arthritis now and not surgery.

The only thing missing was follow-up physical therapy. They only showed me a couple of exercises to do for about a month, but no prescribed visits for several weeks after like in the US/Europe. I've been told by others who have had same prob./ surgery in US/Europe that follow-up physical t. is as impt as surgery??? You could ask for this though. Not sure about Hong Kong.

One of the sports med interns, from Hong Kong and an extreme sportsman himself, is going to be a volunteer doc for the 2008 Olympics. We are dear friends now. He might be able to give you more info if you want it.

Hope this is helpful. I you want more info just contact me directly at livingsimply03@yahoo.com. Best of luck with your surgery and recovery!

Thanks. Went to see Dr. Kong and I agree with you, excellent training, expertise, and has latest technology. I would recommend him to anyone with a knee problem. He is running several tests, so I will know more later. Again, thanks for info.

Mattie,


I have to see a Doctor about a Tendon problem coupled with inner soles. Do you recommend your Dr. Kong for this? I am interested in your opinion I would like to contact you privately my email address is my_accounting_teacher@yahoo.com

I am based in Guangzhou and I am near the point of giving up at my doctors' incompetency. Look forward to hear from you.