Dr. Watanachai Bangkhen
Before treatment, the doctor will provide comprehensive information to the patient, including both the potential benefits and risks that may occur. This is to allow the patient to make an informed decision about their treatment options. Generally, in the treatment of injured individuals, surgery is often considered as a last resort and is only necessary when deemed essential.
After completing his medical degree at Mahidol University, Dr. Watanachai Bangkhen continued his education in orthopedic surgery at the same institution. Once he completed his studies, he pursued further specialization in sports medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. He shared his inspiration and experiences during his education journey.
Dr. Watanachai ‘s interest in orthopedic surgery and joints, including the treatment of sports-related injuries, stemmed from his childhood love for playing football. Having experienced injuries himself and witnessing injuries among those around him, he became fascinated with the treatment and surgical techniques related to bones and joints. This led him to decide to pursue further studies in this field.
Patients who primarily seek treatment from Dr. Watanachai are often individuals who have experienced accidents or injuries while playing sports. The hospital’s proximity to various companies and industrial factories results in a significant number of working-age patients engaging in sports activities, such as football, volleyball, and basketball, which carry a higher risk of injury.
“Many of the severe cases I have treated are related to ligament tears or fractures around the knee. Once diagnosed, surgery becomes necessary, and I perform minimally invasive procedures using arthroscopy. This technology plays a crucial role in our orthopedic and joint surgery department.”
Dr. Watanachai also provides advice for those who play skateboarding or any sports without suitable protective gear, as accidents during sports can lead to severe consequences. He recounted the recent case of a patient who suffered a serious elbow injury from a skateboarding accident. The elbow joint was severely fractured, necessitating surgical intervention. Although the treatment was successful and yielded satisfactory results, Dr. Watanachai emphasized the importance of prevention during sports activities. Proper protective equipment, such as helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads, can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in case of accidents.
Stem Cell Innovation: Reducing Injuries Without Surgery
When making treatment decisions, Dr. Wattanachai prioritizes the patient’s utmost benefit. Before proceeding with any treatment, he provides comprehensive information to the patients, detailing both the potential benefits and risks that may arise. This ensures that patients can make informed decisions about their chosen treatment method. Generally, surgical intervention is considered the last resort when dealing with injuries, only used when necessary. Alternative treatment options include medication and physical therapy.
“PRP is injected into soft tissues, tendons, or muscles that are injured, inflamed, or degenerated. This includes injuries to the musculoskeletal system, such as ligaments, muscles, and bones. By injecting PRP at the site of injury, it can help reduce discomfort, stimulate the body’s natural healing process, and expedite recovery. Importantly, this treatment is not hazardous as it utilizes components from the patient’s own blood.”
In Thailand, more than 80% of bone and joint injuries in the population result from traffic accidents, particularly involving intoxicated drivers or traffic rule violators, such as motorcyclists not wearing helmets or failing to obey traffic signals. When accidents occur, the consequences can be severe on the body. Therefore, Dr. Wattanachai urges everyone to follow traffic rules and avoid drinking and driving to minimize the risk of accidents, protecting both themselves and others.
