Status message
Himchan Spine and Joint Center
Himchan Spine and Joint Center
University Hospital Sharjah (UHS) has opened the Himchan-UHS Joint & Spine Center in collaboration with Himchan Hospital, South Korea, to have our healthcare social responsibilities availing state-of-the-art treatment methodologies in beloved UAE and to be a specialty hub for patients from Middle-east & Africa supporting the medical tourism strategic goals of UAE.
Himchan Hospital is a joint & spine specialized hospital with 8 branches with a combined capacity of 1,200 beds in Korea and it has continuously strived to achieve a 100% surgical success rate through extensive clinical and surgical experiences. The outstanding medical practices and patient-oriented services have developed Himchan Hospital to be a globally recognized joint & spine hospital. Himchan - UHS Joint & Spine Center is the 2nd branch among the 3 of three international Himchan Hospital branches, opened in November 2018, and is located in the University Hospital Sharjah.
Why is Himchan Special?
ONE-STOP CLINICAL SERVICE
Allowing patients to have the initial consultation with their own designated surgeon, diagnostic examinations done by the latest medical equipment and machines, 1:1 therapies, surgical operations, and post-operational care in one center without being referred to anywhere else. Patients can also register themselves, receive insurance approvals, and pay at our Himchan center reception. Our expert team can handle every joint & spine issue from the very simple to the extremely complex problems all in this center.
REASSURING COMPETENCY & PROFESSIONALISM
Himchan - UHS Joint & Spine Centre is a specialized hospital in joint & spine surgeries and has been maintaining a 0% post-operational complication and surgery failure rate since its opening. Korea has the greatest number of surgeries compared to any of the countries in the world. Each of our surgeons is very confident with their practices with more than 10 years of experience and is also a very well-known surgeon in this specialty.
Spine & Neck Treatment
Our spine surgeons at Himchan are exclusively specialized in endoscopic surgeries and will only leave less than 1cm of a surgical wound. This will lead to less pain and faster recovery after the surgery and most of the patients can be discharged the next day.
OFFERED SERVICES:
ENDOSCOPIC SURGERIES
This state-of-the-art surgery is the most preferred type of minimally invasive spine surgery but requires a high level of experience and skills as it uses smaller incisions and causes fewer injuries in nearby muscles and tissues.
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD)
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Foraminotomy & Decompression (PECFD)
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Laminotomy, Flavectomy & Decompression (PELFD)
- Endoscopic 3D Printed Fusion Surgery
- Percutaneous Biportal Endoscopic Surgery (PBES)
MICROSCOPIC SURGERIES
Microscopic surgeries will be offered when endoscopic surgery is not suitable for the conditions of the patients. At Himchan, we have the most advanced surgical techniques and skills to maximize the benefits of the patients and minimize the trauma of the surgery as much as possible.
- Open Lumbar Microdiscectomy (OLM) including Unidirectional Bilateral Foraminotomy (UBF)
- Lumbar Fusion Surgeries
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)
- All types of Tumor Removal Surgeries
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS
Surgical treatments will not always be the ultimate solution. Various types of non-surgical treatments will be offered to the patients according to their conditions.
- Lumbar Epidural Injection
- Cervical Epidural Injection
- Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty (Lumbar) & RACZ Catheter (Cervical)
- Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty
- Intradiscal Radiofrequency Coagulation
NEURO-STIMULATOR IMPLANTATION (Treatment for Terminal Stage Pain)
If your condition cannot be treated with the above treatment options due to a medical history of multiple open surgeries and chronic pain, Neuro-stimulator implantation can be an option. This provides pain relief by using a small implantable device that blocks the pain signals traveling between the spinal cord and the brain. The new model of neuro-stimulator that we use at Himchan can be remotely controlled by a simple mobile phone-sized device.
Joint & Bone Treatment
OFFERED SERVICES:
KNEE
- Knee Arthroscopic Surgeries
- Minimally Invasive Unilateral Knee Replacement Arthroplasty
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and revision of TKR
- Cartilage Regeneration Surgery
SHOULDER
- Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
- Tendon Repair & Sport-related Surgery
- Total Shoulder Replacement (TSR) & Reverse TSR
HIP
- Total Hip Replacement Arthroplasty (including Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty)
- Hip Fracture Surgery
- Pelvis and Acetabular Fracture Surgery
WRIST / FINGERS / ELBOW
- Haki Knife Procedure (Non-Invasive) for Trigger Finger
- Total Finger Replacement Arthroplasty
- Wrist & Elbow Arthroscopic Surgery
- Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
(Microscopic Minimally Invasive - 1cm Incision)
FOOT / ANKLE
- Surgeries for Hallux Valgus
- Foot & Ankle Surgery (Deformity Correction & Arthritis Treatment)
SPORTS RELATED SURGERY
- Injections (Prolotherapy/Hyaluronic Acid)
- Ligament (Knee, Elbow & Ankle) Surgery
- Various Arthroscopic Surgeries for Overuse Syndrome
(E.g. Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow) & Occupation Related Injuries
TRAUMA
- Surgery for Acute Dislocations
- Surgery for Fracture by Accidents & Injuries
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapy areas are designed to deliver the same scientific physiotherapy system as Himchan Hospital in Korea. To enhance privacy and comfort during your visit, we have separated the areas for males and females. Patients can also use our shower rooms after the session and store their belongings in personal lockers.
All our Korean physiotherapists are trained at Himchan Hospital in Korea and keep themselves up to date with modern technologies and treatment methods. All of them obtained professional certificates for every therapy treatment we provide at Himchan that are internationally known to be the most effective and beneficial. Each patient will have one designated physiotherapist who will develop a personalized treatment plan and provide systematic therapy through one-on-one sessions.
MANUAL (HANDS-ON) THERAPY
Our competent physiotherapists from Korea have the full knowledge of the 600 different muscle fibers, 206 bone structures, and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems to deliver the treatment through skilled hand movements.
EXERCISE THERAPY
Exercise therapy uses specific movements to relieve symptoms and improve mobility. It focuses on moving the body and its different parts to restore musculoskeletal function. Our physiotherapists will demonstrate a number of exercises that will significantly increase muscular strength and durability specifically for the unique condition of the patient. The patient will be asked to repeat the exercises under supervision.
ROBOTIC ATT
This is a cutting-edge spine treatment robot that helps patients reduce or eliminate acute and chronic neck & back pain by decreasing internal disc pressure. Unlike traditional decompression machines, Robotic ATT automatically detects the level of decompression required for both the neck & spine and also can be adjusted to any direction to elongate the spine. It is reliable and safe even for senior patients and scientifically proven to be highly effective.
REDCORD (NEURAC TREATMENT)
Redcord is a system of slings used in conjunction with the Neurac Method, an active neuromuscular activation treatment approach designed to increase function and facilitate correct movement patterns. It has recently emerged as the most popular treatment option in Korea as it significantly promotes musculoskeletal recovery through pain-free movements and conative exercising using ropes. Our certified physiotherapists will customize the exercise patterns for the physical conditions of each patient.
SHOCK WAVE THERAPY
Shockwave therapy is a modern method used to treat shoulder injuries such as a frozen shoulder and calcification, chronic Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, elbow tendinopathies, and myofascial pain syndrome. Expected effects will be blood vessel formation, stimulation of collagen production, dissolution of calcified fibroblasts, and trigger point release.
ELECTRICAL THERAPIES
Various types of conventional electrical therapies are available to be used before and after surgeries at Himchan. We have machines and medical equipment for Interferential Current, TENS, CRYO, Electrical Stimulation, Ultra Sound, Laser, Magnetic, Microwave, Air Compression, and CPM therapies which will improve pain, accelerate the self-healing process, and enhance blood circulation. Our physiotherapists will find the most appropriate treatment option according to the symptoms and diagnosis of each patient.
HUBER 360
Huber 360, the most modern physiotherapy machine, is a unique neuromuscular rehabilitation machine with a multi-axis motorized platform with in-built force sensors. Patients can stand on the platform and our physiotherapist will program the most appropriate modules in the system that will give multi-directional stimulation on the targeted area of the body and improve the muscular strength, coordination, and cognitive ability of the patients.
Clinic
EXPERIENCED KOREAN CONSULTANTS & QUALIFIED ARABIC-SPEAKING NURSES
4 Korean consultant surgeons with more than 10 years of experience in their specialty will offer you the best medical advice.
A fully qualified Arabic-speaking nurse will accompany each patient and assist with in-depth communication during the consultation. All our Korean surgeons can communicate in the English language.
PATIENT RELATIONS AND INSURANCE SUPPORT
Our PR officers will welcome you at the reception and provide full support to make the patient journey in the clinic convenient and pleasant from the registration to the payment. Our in-house insurance expert will handle all your insurance approval processes and inquiries.
PROCEDURE ROOM
Day procedures will be performed in the procedure room located inside the clinic which is fully equipped with the latest procedure machines and instruments.
Patients will be able to receive the interventional procedures if needed without arranging a separate appointment or hospitalization.
Our surgeons use imaging guide machines, ultrasound Scans, and C-arm machines, to visualize the procedure site to precisely administer the injection at the exact point as each patient has a different anatomy. This will lead to a greater result in the treatment and prevention of possible side effects and complications.
Medical Imaging Services
UHS Medical Diagnostic Imaging Department offers a wide variety of diagnostic examinations for both in-patients and out-patients. Surgeries and other treatment options will only be recommended after determining the cause of pain with a careful examination. Our Imaging Department is fully equipped with the latest models of medical devices and machines.
A team of highly skilled Radiologists and Medical Imaging Technologists provides excellent imaging for a full range of examinations.
CT SCAN
A Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around the body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside the body. CT scans are performed with and without contrast, media depending on the requirements of the referring doctor and the presenting condition of the patient.
There are two CT scan machines available at UHS that can be used to visualize nearly all parts of the body and to diagnose disease or injury as well as to plan medical, surgical, or radiation treatment.
DEXA SCAN
DEXA uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body (usually the lower spine and hips) to measure bone loss. It is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis and to assess an individual's risk for developing osteoporotic fractures.
C-ARM
A C-Arm machine is categorized as an advanced medical imaging device that works on the basic premise of X-ray technology. This technology enables the device to provide high-resolution X-ray images in real-time so that the surgeons can monitor the progress of the procedure and make decisions accordingly. It is a non-invasive device, making it safe both during and after the screening procedures.
ULTRASOUND SCAN
A diagnostic imaging technique, it is used to create an image of internal body structures such as tendons, muscles, joints, blood vessels, and internal organs. Its aim is often to find a source of a disease or to exclude pathology.
MRI SCAN
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test used to diagnose medical conditions. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of internal body structures. MRI does not use radiation (X-rays), but still, detailed MR images allow doctors to examine the body and detect diseases earlier. Patients will also soon be able to experience Open MRI scanning as we are currently preparing to purchase an Open MRI Machine.
DIGITAL X-RAY
Digital X-ray is undertaken by a team of highly skilled Medical Imaging Technologists offering a full range of images of all body parts including routine and special views.
LONG FILM X-RAY
Long Film X-ray is used especially for both the spine & limbs. Surgeons will be able to see the entire alignment of neck to pelvis or pelvis to ankles. This will lead to more accurate diagnosis and interventions, particularly for scoliosis patients.
DIGITAL PORTABLE X-RAY MACHINE
Digital Portable X-ray Machine allows high-quality images to be acquired and sent directly to a Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS) where they are viewed by the Radiologists.
Operating Theater
KOREAN OPERATION THEATER (OT) NURSES
Our OT nurses from Korea have extensive knowledge and experience in orthopedic and spine surgeries. They play vital roles in theater such as preparing the patient, proficiently assisting surgeons during the surgeries, and ensuring a sterile and controlled environment throughout the operation. Our competent OT nurses will attend every surgery at Himchan to make sure that the surgery is safe, successful, and professional.
ASEPTIC OPERATING THEATER
Surgical operations will be performed in six operating theaters available in UHS. We are maintaining the zero-infection rate by utilizing anti-septic measures and the air purification system in operating rooms by wearing special aseptic surgical gowns, regular disinfection, and air filters. We have the latest devices including assorted endoscopic surgical instruments.
PATIENT SAFETY PRIORITY SYSTEM
UHS has been JCI Accredited since 2015 and we are strictly maintaining every operation room in accordance with the JCI standards. Operation rooms are regularly reviewed by UHS Facility Management, Biomedical Engineering, and Infection Control team to detect any abnormalities and technical problems with the equipment and machines. The operating room will be closed if there is a single minor finding and it will reopen only if the issue is entirely resolved.
WORLD-CLASS EQUIPMENT
All our equipment in the operating theater is the most technologically advanced and MOH-certified. We have the most suitable items for orthopedic & spine surgeries such as spine-specific tables, fracture tables, arm lifts (Trimano), and assorted endoscopic devices, which are hardly found in any of the specialized hospitals.
POST-OPERATIVE IN-PATIENT FACILITY
UHS offers a high standard of accommodation with over 201 private in-patient rooms. During the hospitalization, patients will have daily physician rounding and access to 24 hours of nursing care.
To provide a superior experience to our patients and their beloved families and guests, we newly renovated our VIP suites. Each VIP suite has an opulent and spacious patient bedroom, 3 to 4 bathrooms including shower facilities, a separate living room, a guest room, and a kitchen.
SERVICES
Spine & Neck Treatment
Fracture affecting the vertebrae of the spinal column. Most spinal fractures occur from car accidents, falls or sports. Injuries can range from relatively mild ligament and muscle strains, to fractures and dislocations of the bony vertebrae, to debilitating spinal cord damage.
This state-of-the-art surgery is the most preferred type of minimally invasive spine surgery but requires a high level of experience and skills as it uses smaller incisions and causes less injuries in nearby muscles and tissues.
Treatment for Terminal Stage Pain, If your condition cannot be treated with the above other options due to medical history of multiple open surgeries and chronic pain, Neuro-stimulator implantation can be an option. This provides pain relief by using a small implantable device that blocks the pain signals traveling between the spinal cord and the brain. The new model of neuro-stimulator that we use at Himchan can be remotely controlled by a simple mobile phone-sized device.
Surgical treatments will not always be the ultimate solution. Various types of non-surgical treatments will be offered to the patients according to their conditions.
- Image guided Injection
Imaging guide machines such as an ultrasound scan and a C-arm are used to visualize the procedure site to precisely administer the injection at the exact point. This will lead to a greater result of the treatment and prevention of possible side effects and complications. Anti-inflammatory medication will be injected directly into the joint or the soft tissue next to a joint through a very fine needle to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Arthrocentesis, synovial fluid aspiration from a joint, can be performed along with the injection to maximize the effect.
- Trigger Point Injection (TPI)
Trigger points are painful knots or tight bands in skeletal muscle that can irritate surrounding nerves and cause pain in that area. TPI involves the injection of local anesthetic or a combination of anti-inflammatory medications directly into the affected point to alleviate the pain.
- Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a repeatable injection of a proliferant, mild irritant solution, into the soft tissue of the painful joint. It works by causing the natural inflammatory response of the human body to promote the healing process of cells and tissues. In severe cases, autologous cellular solutions such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow, or adipose tissue can be administered. The ligament and tendon tissue formed as a result of prolotherapy tend to become much thicker and stronger than normal tissue.
- Trigger Finger
Trigger Finger is the most typical disease resulted from repetitive pressure on the fingers. It occurs when a nodule or swelling is developed on the surface of a finger tendon causing pain and locking sensation when bending and straightening. A non-surgical procedure with a specially designed knife called HAKI Knife can be performed by cutting the finger pulley, a fibrous tunnel that prevents the thickened tendon to pass through when straightening. The procedure can be done within 5-10 minutes and patients will be able to bend their fingers and perform their daily activities immediately after the procedure
- Lumbar/Cervical Epidural Injection Procedure
Lumbar/Cervical Epidural Injection is a widely applied therapeutic procedure for most degenerative spinal diseases such as disc prolapse or spinal stenosis in their early stages. It can be applied for those with pain not well responding to medication or physiotherapy. Main goal of this injection is to decrease inflammation and swelling around the affective spinal nerve to stabilize the pain provoking condition of the spine pathology.
- Percutaneous Epidural Adhesiolysis and Neuroplasty (Lumbar or Cervical)
Percutaneous Epidural Adheioslysis and Neuroplasty (PEN) procedure is a stronger way of pain coming from degenerative spinal diseases. This procedure is suitable for those with early or sub-acute stages of disc prolapse or spinal stenosis. It can also be an alternative to surgery who strongly wishes to avoid the surgery. Major difference of this procedure from the epidural steroid injection is utilization of steerable epidural catheter which aids mechanical clearance of the adhesions around the nerve which happens after some period or inflammatory condition.
- Intervertebral Foraminal Balloon Dilation.
This procedure is similar to Percutaneous Epidural Adheioslysis and Neuroplasty (PEN) but more to the targeting of the nerve exit (foramen), especially for spinal stenosis cases. When disc degenerates and spinal stenosis results, the nerve exit becomes smaller with formation of adhesion within the foramen, further shrinking the exit. With the specialized balloon tipped steerable catheter, clearing of the adhesion and mechanical widening of the exit is performed by dilation effect of the balloon.
Vertebroplasty is a relatively simple procedures that applied to compression fractures of vertebral bodies. Not like the long bone fractures (such as the arm or leg) spinal column cannot be totally immobilized with orthosis where vertebroplasty has the similar effect of immobilizing the fractured spine bone. A small needed is penetrated through skin and reached up to the fractured vertebral body. Bone hardening material is injected through the needle and stabilizes and immobilizes the fractured bone to relieve the pain.
Intradiscal Radiofrequency Coagulation is used to treat early disc prolapse conditions or small disc prolapse that has possibility of being treated non-surgically. With a steerable radiofrequency probe, protruded disc is targeted and heated by the tip of the probe. By radiofrequency heating, shrinkage of the protruded portion results and eventually inducing regression of the protrusion.
Is offered when endoscopic surgery is not suitable for the conditions of the patients. At Himchan, we have the most advanced surgical techniques and skills to maximize the benefits of the patients and minimize the trauma of the surgery as much as possible.
Joint & Bone Treatment
- Knee Arthroscopic Surgeries
- Minimally Invasive Unilateral Knee Replacement Arthroplasty
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR) & Revision of TKR
- Cartilage Regeneration Surgery
- Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
- Tendon Repair & Sport-related Surgery
- Total Shoulder Replacement (TSR) & Reverse TSR
- Total Hip Replacement Arthroplasty (including Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty)
- Hip Fracture Surgery
- Pelvis and Acetabular Fracture Surgery
- Haki Knife Procedure (Non-Invasive) for Trigger Finger
- Total Finger Replacement Arthroplasty
- Wrist & Elbow Arthroscopic Surgery
- Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery (Microscopic Minimally Invasive - 1cm Incision)
Surgeries for Hallux Valgus
Foot & Ankle Surgery (Deformity Correction & Arthritis Treatment)
- Injections (Prolotherapy/Hyaluronic Acid)
- Ligament (Knee, Elbow & Ankle) Surgery
- Various Arthroscopic Surgeries for Overuse Syndrome
(E.g. Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow) & Occupation Related Injuries
Surgery for Acute Dislocations
Surgery for Fracture by Accidents & Injuries
Physiotherapy
Our competent physiotherapists from Korea have the full knowledge of the 600 different muscle fibers, 206 bone structures and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems to deliver the treatment through skilled hand movements.
Specific movements to relieve symptoms and improve mobility. It focuses on moving the body and its different parts to restore the musculoskeletal function. Our physiotherapists will demonstrate a number of exercises that will significantly increase muscular strength and durability specifically for the unique condition of the patient.
This is a cutting-edge spine treatment robot that helps patients to reduce or eliminate acute and chronic neck & back pain by decreasing the internal disc pressure. Unlike the traditional decompression machines, Robotic ATT automatically detects the level of decompression required for both neck & spine and also can be adjusted to any direction to elongate the spine.
System of slings used in conjunction with the Neurac Method, an active neuromuscular activation treatment approach designed to increase function and facilitate correct movement patterns. It has recently emerged as the most popular treatment option in Korea as it significantly promotes musculoskeletal recovery through pain-free movements and conative exercising using ropes.
Modern method used to treat shoulder injuries such as a frozen shoulder and calcification, chronic achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, elbow tendinopathies and myofascial pain syndrome. Expected effects will be blood vessel formation, stimulation of collagen production, dissolution of calcified fibroblasts and trigger points release.
Various types of conventional electrical therapies are available to be used before and after surgeries at Himchan. We have machines and medical equipment for Interferential Current, TENS, CRYO, Electrical Stimulation, Ultra Sound, Laser, Magnetic, Microwave, Air Compression and CPM therapies which will improve pain, accelerate self-healing process and enhance blood circulation.
Most modern physiotherapy machine, is a unique neuromuscular rehabilitation machine with a multi-axis motorized platform with in-built force sensors. Patients can stand on the platform and our physiotherapist will program the most appropriate modules in the system that will give multi-directional stimulation on the targeted area of the body and improve muscular strength, coordination and cognitive ability of the patients.