Anterior cruciate ligament tear is a common injury among the sports athletes and teenagers (persons who are in their early 20s). A small number of the patients who are older than 30 also face this problem. Over a year, 2 million people face the ACL injury while playing any sports. People with a grade 3 torn ACL are recommended for ACL surgery after the diagnosis of the ligament. In this blog, we are going to discuss ACL surgery cost in Malaysia, including cost factors and comparison with top countries.
Malaysia has special expertise in healthcare which offers you the best doctors, surgeons, medications, therapies and high-quality healthcare at a very affordable cost compared to other foreign countries. Malaysia could be the best option to restore the ACL to its original state.
What is ACL Surgery?
ACL Surgery is a surgical treatment for patients with grade 3 ACL tear. The torn ligament will be replaced by a graft. The graft could be the patient’s own or might be donated by the deceased donor. The graft could be made up of the hamstring, patellar, or quadriceps tendons. By doing this surgery, the natural stability of the knee will be regained.
Cost of ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Malaysia
The cost of ACL surgery in Malaysia depends on the hospital, location, surgeons, pre-injury condition, age, and complication of the surgery. Total cost of the surgery also depends on the recovery time, follow-up checkups, medications, and physiotherapy. This procedure will cost you around 15,000-30,000 RM ($3,600-$7,200). The cost of the surgery includes various factors from the injury and diagnosis to the whole recovery process, and each individual person is different, so the cost will be different for everyone.
Breakdown of ACL Surgery Cost in Malaysia
The breakdown of ACL surgery main procedure cost in Malaysia is in the following table:
| Procedure | Cost in Native Currency | Cost in USD |
| Surgeon’s fee | 4,000 RM-11,000 RM | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Anesthesia fee | 2,000 RM-4,000 RM | $500 – $1,000 |
| Hospital charges | 6,000 RM-15,000 RM | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Physiotherapy and post-op care | 2,000 RM-4,000 RM | $500 – $1,000 |
Factors that can Influence the Cost of ACL Surgery in Malaysia
The various factors that can influence the cost of ACL surgery in Malaysia are in the following:
- Surgery: The type of surgery a patient should get depends on the doctor’s decision and complexity of the injury. Different types of surgery have different costs which can affect the total cost of the treatment.
- Graft: The type of graft used to replace the ligament differs from the cost of the treatment. Allograft is more expensive because of the cost of deceased grafts.
- Surgeon: Skilled and experienced surgeons charge more for their expertise in the surgery to provide the best result.
- Hospital: Private and specialized hospitals charge more due to the infrastructure and services they provide to the customers.
- Diagnosis Test: The Total number of diagnoses and tests can be different for the individual patient and may or may not be the same for all.
- Operation Theatre: Operating theatre with highly advanced technologies often charges more due to their precise procedure and output result.
- Medications: Medications during and after the surgery could be costly and changed due to individual health. In the recovery period, medication will be changed according to the health and recovery.
- Physiotherapy: The number of sessions at the physiotherapist will make a difference to the cost of the whole treatment.
- Follow-up Check-up: The number of follow-up check-ups can be different for the individual patient. It can make a difference in the cost of the treatment.
Cost Comparison of ACL Surgery in Different Countries
The comparison of the ACL surgery cost in Malaysia and other countries are in the following:
| Country | Cost in their Currency | Cost in USD |
| India | 3,00,000-4,00,000 INR | $3,500-$4,000 |
| Malaysia | 15,000-35,000 RM | $3,00-$8,000 |
| Iran | 33,700,000-168,500,000 IRR | $800-$4,000 |
| Bangladesh | 1,00,000-2,00,000 BDT | $800-$1,600 |
| Turkey | 1,20,000-3,00,000 TRY | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Oman | 750-2,000 OMR | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Bahrain | 750-2,000 BHD | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Thailand | 1,90,000-3,50,000 THB | $5,500-$10,000 |
| Ethiopia | 7,00,000-11,00,000 ETB | $5,000-$7,000 |
| Pakistan | 3,00,000-7,00,000 PKR | $1,100-$2,500 |
Hospitals in Malaysia for ACL Surgery
- Gleneagles Hospital, Penang: Multi-speciality hospital with both national and international patients. They are providing best services in the medical treatments. This hospital is JCI (Joint Commission International) and MSQH (Malaysian Society for Quality in Health) accredited.
- Pantai Hospital Penang: Multi-speciality hospital also featuring international departments and support systems. They have special departments for Orthopaedics surgeries. Pantai Hospital Penang is accredited by JCI and MSQH.
- Gleneagles Hospital, Kuala Lumpur: It is one of the best hospitals in Malaysia, providing service since 1996. They are awarded as Best Health Screening Provider in Pacific Asia and International Hospital of the Year. They provide various services for international patients such as Visa, travel chain, arrange housing, and etc.
- Pantai Hospital Laguna Merbok: It is the first green hospital in Malaysia, specialized in multiple surgical and medical treatments. They are specialized in Orthopedics surgeries and treatments. They offer various health packages for patients according to their requirements.
- Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur: It is a multi special and premier healthcare hospital. They have special expertise in Orthopaedic surgeries and treatments. They are accredited by JCI and MSQH and certified Baby-Friendly Hospital. International Patient Centre (IPC) helps to consult and give the best services possible.
Best Doctors in Malaysia for ACL Surgery
- Dato’ Dr Rashdeen Fazwi B Muhammad Nawawi: He is consultant at ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur. With 20+years of experience in orthopaedics and joint replacement surgery.
- Dr. Mahmood Merican: He is consultant at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Having 66+ years of experience in orthopaedics and joint replacement surgery.
- Dr. Lee Chee Kuan: He is consultant at ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur. With 19+years of experience in orthopaedic surgeries.
- Dr. Sharifah Roohi: She is consultant at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur. She is an orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon with 52+years of experience.
- Dr Chan Kin Yuen: He is senior consultant at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Subang Jaya. 38+years of experience in orthopaedics and joint replacement surgeries.
Benefits of ACL Surgery
- Stability: The surgery helps to regain the stability of the knee with the help of the graft.
- Reduced Pain: You will notice reduced pain or even no pain in your knee after the surgery.
- Return to Sport and Activities: You can return to your sports and other activities faster.
- Preventing Chronic Knee Problems: You could develop the chronic knee problem if there is a late in the surgery.
- Reduced Risk of Knee Injuries: ACL surgery makes your ligament stronger than before the injury and it will reduce your chances of getting the same injury.
Conclusion
ACL surgery in Malaysia would be a great choice because of cost, hospitals, surgeons, treatment and tourism. The major hospitals provide the special care unit for the international patients. They also help in the visa process, travel and accommodation. ACL surgery in Malaysia is very affordable compared to most of the countries providing the same healthcare and services.