Bangkok Hospital – Thailand
About Dr. Somsak Laowattana
Dr. Somsak Laowattana is a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with 32+ years of clinical experience, recognised as one of the leading multi-disciplinary orthopaedic specialist in Bangkok, Thailand. He is internationally trained across Japan, Korea, and France and is widely consulted by international patients for high-technology spine surgery, joint replacement, arthroscopy, sports medicine, and knee/leg shape correction.
- 32+ years of clinical experience in orthopaedic and joint replacement surgery.
- MD (1989) from Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Orthopedic Surgery (1996) — Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.
- International Fellowships: Hip and Knee Surgery (Fukuoka Hospital, Japan, 2004), Spinal Surgery Visiting Fellow (Hotel Dieu/Pellegrin Hospitals, France, 2011), and Endoscopic Spine Surgery (KOMISS, Korea, 2012).
- Director of Spine and Joint Center, Bangkok Advanced Clinics; pioneer of the MHTO technique for bow leg / knock knee correction.
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) — Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, 1989
- Orthopedic Surgery — Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, 1996
Fellowships & Special Training
- Hip and Knee Surgery Visiting Fellow — Fukuoka Hospital, Japan, 2004
- Arthroscopic Surgery Scholar — 2000
- Constrained Condylar Total Knee Replacement Training — Chulalongkorn Hospital, 2009
- Certified Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty Workshop — Bangkok Hospital, 2010
- Minimally Invasive Surgery Spine Course — Bangkok Hospital, 2011
- Spinal Surgery Visiting Fellow — Hotel Dieu Hospital (Nantes) and Pellegrin Hospital (Bordeaux), France, 2011
- International Cadaver Workshop for Percutaneous Endoscopic Spine Surgery — KOMISS, Korea, 2012
- Advanced Epidural Neurolysis Procedure — Cheonan Woori Hospital, Korea, 2012
- Sonoguided and Fluxray RF Rhizotomy Course — Woory Pain Clinic, Korea, 2012
- Asia Pacific Install Legacy Symposium — Taiwan, 2013
- Trans-Sacral Epiduroscopy Laser Decompression — Wooridul Spine Hospital, Korea, 2015
Certifications & Accreditations
- Thai Medical Council Registration
- The Royal College of Orthopedic Surgeons of Thailand
Areas of Expertise
Major Conditions Treated
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Hip Osteoarthritis
- Bow Legs (Genu Varum)
- Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)
- Disc Herniation
- Spinal Stenosis
- Degenerative Spine Disease
- Spinal Trauma
- Sports Injuries
- Ligament Injuries (ACL, PCL, MCL)
- Meniscal Injuries
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Vertebral Compression Fractures
- Leg Length Discrepancy
Sub-specialties
- High Technology Spine Surgery: Minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery, epiduroscopy laser decompression, kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty — a trusted Spine Surgeon in Bangkok for international patients seeking advanced spine care in Thailand.
- Knee & Leg Shape Correction (MHTO): Pioneer of the MHTO technique for bow leg / knock knee correction with small incision, less blood loss, and fast recovery.
- Joint Replacement, Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine: Hip and knee replacement, arthroscopic surgery, and sports-related injury management.
Advanced Procedures & Treatments
- Total Knee Replacement
- Total Hip Replacement
- MHTO (Minimally Invasive High Tibial Osteotomy) — Dr. Somsak's Signature Technique
- Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Spine Surgery
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy
- Trans-Sacral Epiduroscopy Laser Decompression
- Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty
- Lumbar / Cervical Nucleoplasty
- Arthroscopic Knee Surgery (ACL, Meniscus)
- Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty (PEN)
- Active Muscle Training Exercise & Body Balancing Insole Therapy
Professional Experience
Current Affiliation
- Bangkok Hospital, Bangkok — Senior Consultant, Orthopedic Surgery / Orthopedic Center, Present
- Bangkok International Hospital (Brain x Bone) — Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Present
- Bangkok Advanced Clinics — Director, Spine and Joint Center, Present
Past Affiliations
- Fukuoka Hospital, Japan — Hip and Knee Surgery Visiting Fellow (2004)
- Hotel Dieu Hospital (Nantes) and Pellegrin Hospital (Bordeaux), France — Spinal Surgery Visiting Fellow (2011)
- KOMISS, Korea — International Cadaver Workshop (2012)
- Wooridul Spine Hospital, Korea — Trans-Sacral Epiduroscopy Laser Decompression (2015)
Academic & Research Roles
- Director, Spine and Joint Center, Bangkok Advanced Clinics
- Designer of MHTO surgical technique and proprietary instrument for bow leg / knock knee correction
- Author of columns in Sakune Thai Weekly magazine on treatment and orthopaedic knowledge
Key Achievements
- 32+ years of clinical orthopaedic experience
- Pioneer of the MHTO technique for bow leg / knock knee correction
- International training across Japan, Korea, France, Taiwan, and Thailand
- Director of Spine and Joint Center at Bangkok Advanced Clinics
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards
- Information not publicly available.
Professional Memberships
- Thai Medical Council
- The Royal College of Orthopedic Surgeons of Thailand
Research & Publications
Published Papers (Selected)
- Information not publicly available.
Ongoing Research & Clinical Interests
- Minimally invasive spine surgery techniques
- MHTO and lower limb deformity correction
- Joint replacement and orthopaedic advanced treatment
- Core muscle training exercise for orthopaedic rehabilitation
Estimated Treatment Costs
| Procedure / Consultation | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopaedic Consultation | ₹3,000 – ₹6,500 | $35 – $80 |
| Total Knee Replacement | ₹3,50,000 – ₹8,00,000 | $4,200 – $9,600 |
| Total Hip Replacement | ₹4,00,000 – ₹9,00,000 | $4,800 – $10,800 |
| MHTO (Minimally Invasive Tibial Osteotomy) | ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,50,000 | $3,600 – $7,800 |
| Endoscopic Spine Surgery | ₹3,50,000 – ₹8,50,000 | $4,200 – $10,200 |
| Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty | ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 | $3,000 – $7,200 |
| Arthroscopic Knee Surgery | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 | $2,400 – $5,400 |
*Indicative estimates only. Actual costs subject to hospital pricing, case complexity, and insurance. Contact Cancer Rounds for a personalised quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What advanced technologies does Dr. Somsak Laowattana use in Orthopaedic and Spine treatment?
Dr. Somsak Laowattana uses high-technology spine surgical systems including percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, trans-sacral epiduroscopy laser decompression, kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty platforms, his self-designed MHTO instrumentation for knee/leg shape correction, modern joint replacement implants, and arthroscopic surgical systems. International training in Japan, Korea, and France ensures globally validated techniques.
2. What conditions does Dr. Somsak Laowattana specialize in treating?
Dr. Somsak Laowattana specialises in knee and hip osteoarthritis, bow legs, knock knees, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, degenerative spine disease, spinal trauma, sports injuries, ACL/PCL ligament injuries, meniscal injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and vertebral compression fractures. He is regarded as one of the best multi-disciplinary Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Spine Surgeon, and Sports Medicine specialist in Bangkok, Thailand.
3. How do I book an appointment with Dr. Somsak Laowattana?
Appointments with Dr. Somsak Laowattana can be booked directly through the Cancer Rounds website or by contacting their international patient department for priority scheduling.
4. Can international patients receive treatment from Dr. Somsak Laowattana?
Yes. Cancer Rounds provides full assistance for international patients seeking treatment from Dr. Somsak Laowattana, including medical visa invitation letters, airport transfers, and local accommodation coordination.
5. What support is available for international patients?
International patients benefit from a dedicated concierge service provided by Cancer Rounds, including language interpretation, financial counselling, and pre-travel virtual consultations to review medical records before arrival.
6. Does Dr. Somsak Laowattana offer second opinions for orthopaedic and spine cases?
Yes. Second opinion consultations can be arranged via Cancer Rounds for patients who wish to review their diagnosis or treatment plan with an expert Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Spine Surgeon, and Sports Medicine specialist in Bangkok, Thailand.
