Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH)
Clinic information
Questions we often discuss in clinic
Choose a question to learn about treatment, surgery and recovery.
Welcome. What would you like to know?
Ask Professor Ro
Wound care and scar massage →Repeated pain and sudden hot swelling of the joints should respond differently.
Before your visit
Read about symptoms, tests and treatment choices before your visit.
Appointments and clinic schedules
Please check the SNUH website for appointments and clinic schedules.
Visit the SNUH websitePrepare for your appointment
After booking, prepare your referral letter and identification. Bring imaging CDs or DVDs and reports from previous X-rays or MRIs. Submitting the referral and registering outside images before your first consultation helps your care team review earlier tests alongside your current condition.
Describe the movements that are difficult
Note when and where pain began, and whether walking, stairs or rising from a chair is difficult. Bring a list of medications and previous treatments. The consultation considers pain, walking, strength, movement and imaging together to set treatment goals.
Check insured and non-covered costs separately
For national health insurance at your first orthopaedic consultation at Seoul National University Hospital, prepare the required referral documentation. Once your investigation and treatment plan is set, ask about insured out-of-pocket costs and non-covered items separately. The hospital publishes its non-covered charges online.
Knee replacement care at Seoul National University Hospital
In recent years, the transfusion rate for unilateral knee replacement has been below 0.2%, and postoperative infection has been below 0.1%. A Critical Pathway (C.P) guides care from preparation through recovery.
- Transfusion rate
- <0.2%
- Postoperative infection rate
- <0.1%
- Critical Pathway use
- About 98%
- Appropriate prophylactic antibiotic use
- 99%
Prophylactic antibiotic care is managed using a 24-hour course as the standard.
Seoul National University Hospital uses two surgical robots. Robot-assisted surgery is offered after discussing the surgical approach with the patient.
These figures refer to unilateral knee replacement in recent years. Individual risk varies with other illnesses and surgical circumstances.
The surgery and recovery pathway I discuss with my patients
For my knee replacement patients at Seoul National University Hospital, I usually explain the pathway below. Planning ahead for preparation, rehabilitation after discharge, and follow-up helps you understand what to expect and arrange the support you need.
From preparation to follow-up
- 01
About one month before surgery
Tests assess fitness for surgery, and a plan is made for regular medicines.
- 02
The day before surgery
Admission and preparation for surgery.
- 03
The day of surgery
Spinal anesthesia and an adductor canal block are the usual plan.
- 04
The day after surgery
Walking begins with guidance from the care team.
- 05
Postoperative day five
Usual discharge, followed by rehabilitation at home or another hospital.
- 06
About one month after surgery
Outpatient blood tests and X-rays assess recovery.
Tests about one month before surgery, admission the day before, anesthesia and surgery, walking on postoperative day one, discharge on postoperative day five, and follow-up about one month after surgery.
Continue rehabilitation after discharge and return about one month after surgery
After discharge, you continue exercises at home or transfer to another hospital for exercise-based rehabilitation. Your home setting and available support help determine where recovery is most practical.
What activities can you expect after recovery?
Recovery speed and the range of possible activities vary, but activity generally improves compared with before surgery. Brisk walking and light hiking can be achievable after recovery.
Even after the same operation, preoperative fitness, knee condition, and recovery differ. Rather than aiming for the same activity on a fixed date, increase the type and amount of exercise as your recovery allows.