Malaysia Has an AI-Based Orthopedic Center, KPJ Penang Targets Indonesian Patients with Precision Surgery Technology

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - The need for orthopedic services continues to increase as the number of cases of joint pain, sports injuries, to joint replacement in the elderly population increases. Responding to this need, KPJ Healthcare Berhad officially launched the Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Centre of Excellence at KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital, Malaysia.

This service center is the third Center of Excellence (CoE) under KPJ Health System (KPJHS) and strengthens KPJ's position as the first integrated private academy health system in Malaysia. Carrying the concept of integrated services, this center combines various subspecialties of orthopedics, rheumatology, rehabilitation, diagnostics, to pain management in one location. Patients can undergo the entire treatment process, from consultation, examination, medical procedures, to rehabilitation without having to move facilities.

One of the advantages offered is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) based surgical technology for joint replacement surgery. This technology is supported by a computer navigation system and minimally invasive surgery techniques that help improve the accuracy of the action, accelerate the recovery process, and optimize the patient's movement function after surgery.

In addition to general orthopedic services, this center also handles various complex cases such as spinal surgery, joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty), sports injuries and arthroscopy, hand surgery and microsurgery, foot and ankle surgery, pediatric orthopedics, trauma and fracture management, rheumatology, to pain management services.

To accelerate patient recovery, KPJ Penang also presents a personalized rehabilitation program, including post-operative rehabilitation of the spine, sports injuries, and pediatric orthopedics. This facility is equipped with modern technology such as an anti-gravity treadmill that allows patients to practice walking with a lighter body load.

Chairman of the KPJ Health System Governance Council, Chairman of KPJ Healthcare University Sdn. Bhd., as well as President & Chief Executive of Johor Corporation (JCorp), Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, said that the Centre of Excellence built by KPJ not only focuses on clinical services, but is also directed to become a referral center that integrates health services, education, research, and innovation.

"Our vision is to develop each Centre of Excellence into an internationally recognized institution through the strengthening of clinical services, research, education, and strategic collaboration with various partners," he said in a written statement, quoted Sunday, August 9.

The launch of this orthopedic center is part of KPJ Healthcare's long-term strategy to build 15 Centres of Excellence throughout Malaysia by 2030. Previously, KPJ had introduced a Centre of Excellence for Heart & Lung services in Johor as well as Neurosciences & Stroke at Damansara Specialist Hospital 2.

As a tertiary hospital with a capacity of 270 beds and supported by more than 50 specialist doctors from more than 20 fields of expertise, KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital continues to strengthen its services for local and international patients.

Apart from orthopedic services, KPJ Penang is also the first hospital in the northern region of Malaysia to introduce Advanced Wound Care and is developing an AI-based tele-wound care service in collaboration with KPJ Healthcare University. This innovation allows remote monitoring and treatment of wounds with the support of artificial intelligence technology.