Best Vertebral Plastic Doctors Abroad for Australian Patients

Piya Assawaboonyadej, M.D.

Prof. Dr. Halil Can Gemalmaz
Orthopedic and Traumatology Surgeon | Istanbul, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Halil Can Gemalmaz is a Professor of Orthopedics and Traumatology with extensive experience in joint replacement, sports injuries, and advanced reconstructive surgery. He treats both local and international patients in his private clinic in Istanbul and performs surgeries in leading private hospitals.

He specializes in knee, hip, and shoulder conditions, including robotic-assisted joint replacement, arthroscopic surgery, and complex trauma care. His practice combines modern surgical techniques with individualized treatment planning to achieve reliable functional outcomes and faster recovery.

In selected cases, Prof. Gemalmaz utilizes advanced 3D planning and patient-specific surgical guides to improve surgical precision, particularly in complex deformities and revision procedures.

He is currently a faculty member at Atlas University Faculty of Medicine and previously worked at Acıbadem Health Group and Acıbadem University.

Key strengths:
Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment
Modern surgical techniques and robotic-assisted procedures
Strong experience in joint replacement and sports injuries
Clear communication with international patients
Balanced approach between surgical and non-surgical care

EDUCATION 

1974/1979 Elementary School 

1979/1982 Secondary School 

1982/1985 High School 

1985/1991 GATA Military Medical Faculty 

1995/1999 GATA Resident in Orthopaedics. 

1999/2002 Specialist in Orthopaedics. 

2002/2008 GATA Assistant Prof in Orthopaedics 

2008/2009 MAYO Orthopedic Departments (with Franklin Sim, MD), Pathology Department ( with Carrie INWARDS, MD) and Orthopaedic Research Laboratory (with Michael YASZEMSKI) 

2009/2012 GATA Associate Prof in Orthopaedics 

2012/ 2016 İstanbul Medipol University Orthopaedics and Traumatology Dep 

2016/ 2019 Ankara Güven Hospital Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department 

Oct 2019 Marmaris 

DISSERTATION 

The treatment of intraarticular fractures of lower extremity with Ilizarov sirculer external fixator. 

EXPERIENCE: 

Orthopedic Oncology 

Trauma Surgery (war injury, politrauma surgery) 

External Fixation (war injury, open fractures, deformity, limb lengthening) 

Arthroplasty 

Foot and ankle surgery 

AWARDS 2006 Best research presentation. Comparison between the distraction and grafting methods in the treatment of peripheral neural defects: an experimental study in rabbits. Acta Orthop. Traumatol. Turc; 39 (2) 163/171, 2005. 

2005 Best oral presentation. High dose neoadjuvan chemotherapy combined with autologous stem cell transplantation and limb sparing surgery in patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma Acta Orthop. Traumatol. Turc; Supp II. 39 (2) 79/80, 2005. 

2005 Best poster presentation. Vascular and nonvascular fibular reconstruction results of benign aggressive and malign bone tumors. Acta Orthop. Traumatol. Turc; Supp II. 39 (2) 171, 2005 

MEMBERSHIP IN SOCIETIES 

TOTBİD (TURKISH ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATION) 

TMSTS (TURKISH MUSCULOSKELETAL TUMOR SOCIETY) 

TURKISH ASAMI 

TURKISH FOOT AND ANKLE SOCIETY 

TURKISH TRAUMA SOCIETY SOMOS 

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES 

Associate Professor in Orthopaedic Oncology and Trauma Graduate Program. 

INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS ATTENDED 

1. 4th Congress of The EFORT. 3/8 June, 1999. Brusells. 

2. 3rd Meeting of the ASAMI International 27/29 May 2004 İstanbul / Turkey. 

3. Asia pasific Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 5th meeting. 23/25 April 2004 İzmir / Turkey 

4. 18th Annual meeting European Musculoskeletal Oncology Society. 25/27 May 2005. Italy. 

5. 7th International Congress on Spine. 14/17 April 2005. Antalya / Turkey 

6. 19th Annual meeting of European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society. 24/25 May 2006. Russia. 

7. 4th meeting of ASAMI International. 2006 Japan. 

8. 14th ISOLS 11/14 2007 Germany 

9. 5th meeting of ASAMI International. Russia 2008 

10.MAYO Clinic Department of Orthopedic Surgery, A celebration of musculoskeletal tumor surgery meeting. Sep 23/25 2010 Rochester, MN, USA 

11.XXXIII Course on Musculoskeletal Pathology. 8/12 Feb. 2010. Bologna ITALY 

12. 16th ISOLS 2011 China 

13.7th meeting of ASAMI International. Greece 2012

Work Experience:

• 2011-2014 (Haziran) Kütahya Tavşanlı Doç. Dr. Mustafa Kalemli Hospital

• 2014(Haziran)-2019 ( Haziran) Kütahya Özel Anadolu Hospital

• 2019- 2020 İstanbul Arnavutköy Hosptial

• 2020- 2023 Özel İstanbul Şafak Hospital

• 2024 -halen OrtoCare Clinic

Education:

▪ 1989-1993 Erzurum High School

▪ 1993-1994 İzmir 60. Yıl High School

▪ 1994-1997 İzmir 60. Yıl High School

▪ 1997-2004 Dokuz Eylül University Medicine Faculty

▪ 2005-2011 Dokuz Eylül Universtiy Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department

Profesional Experience:

• Joint and Cartilage Surgery and Stem Cell treatment

• Sports Medicine and Joint Arthroscopy

• Joint Arhtroplasty (knee- hip-shoulder prothesis)

• Hand Surgery and Microsurgery

• Spinal Surgery

• Traumatolgy

Postgraduate Education:

• 2006 Orthopaedic Trauma Course

• 2008 Monolateral Eksternal Fixator Course

• 2009 Prof. Dr. Rıdvan Ege Han Surgery Course

• 2009 Advanced Orthoapedic Trauma Course

• 2009 Based Arthroscopy Course

• 2010 AO Trauma Course ( Principles in Operative Fracture Treatment)

• 2010 3.Based İntrameduller Nailing Course

• 2011 AO Trauma Course (Advances in Operative Fracture Treatment)

• 2011 2. Advanced İntrameduller Nailing Course

• 2011 XII. Advanced Artrhroscopy Course

• 2012 Ankle Arthroscopy Course

• 2012 Shoulder Artrhroscopy Course

• 2013 AO Trauma Masters Course

• 2013 Knee Arthroplasty and Revision Arthroplasty Course ( Viyana/ Avusturya)

• 2015 Primer and Revision Knee Artrhroplasty Course( Arthroschool Courses)

• 2016 Master Knee Arthroscopy Course ( Acıbadem Univ./ İstanbul )

• 2020 Live lig spinall instrumentation kursu (Medtronic İstanbul)

Congress and Symposiums

• 2002 Eğitim Programı Geliştirme Sempozyumu

• 2004 III. National Medicine Education Congress

• 2017 National Medicine Student Congress

• 2008 8th İnternational Turkish Spine Congress

• 2009 XXI. National Orthopaedy and Traumatology Congress

• 2010 12. National Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Congress

• 2001 II. National Medicine Education Congress

• 2011 XXII. National Orthopaedy and Traumatology Congress

• 2012 10. ArthroplastyWinter Congress

• 2012 13th European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Congress

• 2012 13. National Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Congress

• 2013 Osteosynthese İnternational 2013

• 2013 14th European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Congress

• 2014 10th Central European Orthopaedic Congress

• 2014 24. National Orthopaedy and Traumatology Congress

• 2015 25, National Orthopaedy and Traumatology Congress

• 2016 26. National Orthopaedy and Traumatology Congress

• 2017 Eurospine 2017 Congress Ireland

Bibliography:

• 2011 XXII. Ulusal Türk Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Kongresi Poster Bildirisi (İNTRAMEDULLER

ÇİVİLEME YÖNTEMİ İLE OPERE EDİLEN TİBİA CİSİM KIRIKLI HASTALARIN TAKİBİNDE

KULLANILAN RADYOGRAFİK KAYNAMA SKORLAMA SİSTEMİNİN GÜVENİLİRLİĞİNİN

HASTA KLİNİĞİ İLE DOĞRULANMASI )

• 2013 Osteosynthese İnternational 2013 and İntramedullary Nailing Courses Oral Presentation

(F1.4 Verification of the reliability of the radiographic union score for tibial fractures in

the follow-up of patients with tibia corpus fractures operated via the intramedullary

nailing technique using the patients’ clinical condition. E. Cekic1, E. Alici2,)

• 2014 10th Central European Orthopaedic Congress Oral Presentation ( The Reliability of

Radiographic Union Score).

• Reliability of the Radiographic Union Score for Tibial Fractures Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc

2014;48(5):533-540 doi: 10.3944/AOTT.2014.14.002

• Prediction of tibial nonunion at the 6-week time point Keir A. Ross, Kevin O’Halloran, Renan C.

Castillo, Max Coale, Justin Fowler, Jason W. Nascone, Marcus F. Sciadini, Christopher T. LeBrun,

Theodore T. Manson, Anthony R. Carlini, Josef E. Jolissaint, Robert V. O’Toole*

• Reprodutibilidade do escore radiográfico de consolidac¸ão das fraturas da tíbia (RUST) Fernando

Antonio Silva de Azevedo Filhoa,b,∗, Ricardo Britto Cotiasa, Matheus Lemos Azib e Armando Augusto

de Almeida Teixeiraa

• Does weight-bearing assignment after intramedullary nail placement alter healing of tibial shaft

fractures? D.A. Greenhilla,∗, M. Poormanb, C. Pinkowskib, F.V. Ramseyb, C. Haydela

• Will My Tibial Fracture Heal? Predicting Nonunion at the Time of Definitive Fixation Based on

Commonly Available Variables

Kevin O’Halloran MD, Max Coale BA, Timothy Costales BS,Timothy Zerhusen Jr BS, Renan C. Castillo PhD,

Jason W. Nascone MD,Robert V. O’Toole MD

• Feasibility and Value of Radiographic Union Score Hip Fracture after Treatment with Intramedullary

Nail of Stable Hip Fractures

• Image quality of cone beam computed tomography for evaluation of extremity fractures in the presence

of metalhardware: visual grading characteristics analysis

1GREG M OSGOOD, MD, 2GAURAV K THAWAIT, MD, 2NIMA HAFEZI-NEJAD, MD,

2DELARAM SHAKOOR, MD,1ADAM SHANER, MD, 3JOHN YORKSTON, PhD, 4WOJCIECH B

ZBIJEWSKI, PhD, 4JEFFREY H SIEWERDSEN, PhDand 2SHADPOUR DEMEHRI, MD

• Correlation Between RUST Assessments of Fracture Healing to Structural

and Biomechanical Properties

Margaret E. Cooke,1 Amira I. Hussein,1 Kyle E. Lybrand,1 Alexander Wulff,1 Erin Simmons,1

Jeffrey H. Choi,1 Jody Litrenta,1William M. Ricci,2 Jason W. Nascone,3 Robert V. O’Toole,3 Elise F.

Morgan,4 Louis C. Gerstenfeld,1 Paul Tornetta III1

• EXPLORING PROGNOSTIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH

ADVERSE OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH FRACTURES OF THE

TIBIAL SHAFT

By RAMAN MUNDI, MD, BHSc

A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree Master of Science

McMaster University

• Value of a radiographic score for the assessment of healing of nailed femoral

and tibial shaft fractures: A retrospective preliminary study

Vasiliki Perlepea,⁎, Andrea Ceratoa, Dan Putineanua, Celine Buglib, Guy Heynend,

Patrick Omoumia,c, Bruno Vande Berga

About me

I graduated from Izmir Dokuz Eylul University with the orthopedics branch. After I graduated, I carried out some

studies focusing on especially on

joint and cartilage surgery and stem cells. In this, I worked with many professional and amateur sport clubs. Also,

I worked on joint replacement surgery

for further aged people. Approximately, I achieved 10 thousand people who took knee and hip replacement

surgery from me. I attended to many international conferences about joint and cartilage surgery. Now I start

Ortocare Clinic for orthopedics and health center. In here, I treat my patients using the most advanced

technologies in the world, such as foot health centers, electromagnetic therapy, cryocabin therapy, backup

therapy and stem cell therapy. In our clinic, I continue to my work on non-surgical treatments, especially antiaging

treatment, and to eliminate pain problems in patients. On top of that, I also carry out some post-operative

rehabilitation and medical plates exercises.

Dr Thongchai Theerajumyaporn completed clinical training at SureCell in Melbourne, Australia, specialising in stem cell and PRP therapy for musculoskeletal conditions.

• Trained in robotic-assisted spine surgery at the Florida Hospital Nicholson Centre
• Completed a spine surgery fellowship at the UC Davis School of Medicine in California
• Specialises in minimally invasive spine surgery and dynamic stabilisation techniques
• Handled complex cases involving spinal deformity and paediatric spine surgery
• Published research on bone morphogenetic protein and spinal fusion outcomes

Ahn Tae Hoon, MD, PhD, is a cardiology specialist and Director of the Cardiovascular Center at Naeun Hospital. He has expertise in coronary artery disease (angina, myocardial infarction), hypertension, valvular heart disease, heart failure, and cardiovascular interventional procedures.

He earned his PhD in Medicine from Korea University College of Medicine. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at Korea University Guro Hospital and a Cardiology fellowship at Korea University Hyehwa Hospital. He also completed clinical training at the Montreal Heart Institute.

He previously served as Professor and Director of the Cardiovascular Center at Gachon University Gil Medical Center. He was a Clinical Professor at Korea University Anam Hospital and at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital. His leadership roles include President of KSIC, KCCC, KVIS, and KSC. He also served as Treasurer of KSC and as Organizing Committee Chair of ENCORE SEOUL.

The doctor has extensive training in orthopedics and traumatology, having completed various specialized programs, including advanced arthroplasty and spinal surgery. The doctor is well-versed in hip and knee robotic replacement surgeries, with training from international and national institutions such as the International Congress for Joint Reconstruction and the Turkish Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. The doctor graduated from Trakya University Medical Faculty, specializing in orthopedics and traumatology. Memberships include the Turkish Medical Association and the International Congress for Joint Reconstruction.

Professor Hasan Ozgur Ozdemir ranks as a top surgical expert in Turkey, having placed first in the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Proficiency Exam.

• Specialises in minimally invasive spine surgery and complex fracture management
• Focuses on endoscopic techniques to reduce recovery times for spinal patients
• Experienced in treating both spine tumours and traumatic spinal fractures
• Served as Associate Professor at Baskent University before joining Medical Park Antalya
• Active member of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society and Turkish Medical Association

Professor Erkan Kaptanoglu is a highly distinguished neurosurgeon who specialised in spinal cord regeneration at the University of Toronto. He currently leads the Istanbul Brain and Spine Centre, focusing on complex spinal reconstructions and vertebral care.

• Earned a Doctor of Science (PhD) in Advanced Neuroscience from Hacettepe University
• Former Chairman of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Group
• Specialises in complex spinal deformities, sacral tumours, and thoracoscopic spinal surgery
• Won the Acibadem Hospital Medical Research Award for his work on spinal injuries
• Active member of EUROSPINE and the Turkish Spine Society

Education

• (1998-2004), Bachelor's Degree Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara
• (2005-2010), Doctorate / Specialization in Medicine Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital

Experience

• 2005-2011, Assistant Doctor Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Department of Radiology
• 2011-2013, Specialist Doctor Kahramanmaraş Women's and Children's Hospital, Kahramanmaraş Necip Fazıl City Hospital (mandatory service)
• 2013-2022, Specialist Doctor Ministry of Health Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Department of Radiology
• 2022, Associate Professor Ministry of Health Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Department of Radiology

Dr. Yosawat Tangtrongchit is an orthopaedic surgeon. He has subspecialty expertise in spine surgery.

He earned his MD from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University (2002–2008). He holds the Diploma of the Thai Board of Orthopaedic Surgery from Phramongkutklao Hospital (2011–2015). He completed a clinical fellowship in spine surgery at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (2024–2025).

Dr Emad Abdallah is a neurosurgery specialist at Turan Turan Health Group with focused training in advanced spinal surgery and minimally invasive techniques.

• Completed the Mehmet Zileli advanced spinal surgery course
• Specialises in treating complex spinal cord injuries and lumbar disc herniation
• Researched combined Platelet Rich Plasma and Chondroitinase ABC therapies for spinal healing
• Published neurosurgical research in the Turkish Neurosurgery journal
• Trained at Balikesir University Health Practice and Research Hospital

Objective:
To utilize my expertise in Pediatric Orthopedics, Hand Surgery, Arthroplasty, and Trauma within a progressive medical institution, contributing to patient care, research, and academic development.

Work Experience:

Şırnak State Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist
March 2022 - Present

• Lead orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatric orthopedics, hand surgery, arthroplasty, and trauma.
• Conducting surgical interventions, consultations, and post-operative care for patients with diverse orthopedic conditions.
• Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to devise and implement comprehensive treatment plans.
• Actively participating in hospital rounds, conferences, and educational initiatives.

İstanbul Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology Residency
July 2017 - February 2022

• Completed a rigorous residency program focused on orthopedic surgery and traumatology.
• Rotated through various subspecialties including pediatric orthopedics, hand surgery, and arthroplasty.
• Assisted in surgical procedures, outpatient clinics, and emergency consultations.

Education:

İstanbul Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology Residency
2017-2022

• Residency training program specializing in orthopedic surgery and traumatology.

Trakya University, Orthopedics and Traumatology Residency
2016-2017

• One-year residency program focusing on orthopedic surgery and traumatology.

Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine
2009-2016

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

İçel Anatolian High School
2005-2009

• High School Diploma.

Professional Memberships:

• Turkish Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (TOTBİD)
• Turkish Orthopedic and Traumatology Institute (TOTDER)
• Turkish Society of Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, and Knee Surgery (TUSYAD)

Skills:

• Proficient in diagnosing and treating orthopedic conditions in both pediatric and adult patients.
• Skilled in performing various orthopedic surgeries including arthroplasty, hand surgery, and trauma procedures.
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration and communication skills.
• Committed to continuous professional development and continuing medical education.

Experience

2022

Private Nisa Hospital

2022 - 2022

American Hip Institute Chicago, USA

2018 - 2022

Health Sciences University Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital

2016 - 2018

Erzincan Mengücek Gazi Training and Research Hospital

2015 - 2015

Helios Endo Clinic, Hamburg, Germany

2015 - 2015

UPENN Sports Medicine Center, Philadelphia, USA

Education

2021

ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE, Department of Sports Medicine, Football Medicine

2016

Health Sciences University, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology

2009

ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE

The doctor is an experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and shoulder replacement, serving international patients in Turkey. With expertise in managing trauma treatments of the spine and extremities, the doctor focuses on sports traumatology, including ligament and tendon injuries of the knee, such as meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Graduating from Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, and completing residency at Istanbul Umraniye Teaching and Research Hospital, the doctor also studied Orthopedic Oncology at Goztepe Teaching and Research Hospital. Areas of interest include lower and upper extremity trauma surgery, spinal surgery, hip and knee arthroplasty, and the treatment of childhood conditions like pes equinovarus and hip dysplasia.

The doctor completed medical education at Karadeniz Technical University and specialized at the University of Health Sciences, Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital. With a focus on spine surgery, trauma surgery, and arthroplasty, the doctor has a particular interest in pelvis-acetabulum surgery. The doctor has performed numerous successful operations in orthopedics and traumatology. In 2014, the doctor was a finalist in the Tubitak XI Technology Awards. Currently, the doctor serves patients at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental Orthopedics and Traumatology Department.

Dr. Mehmet Aydogan is a specialist in Orthopedics, Traumatology, and Spine Surgery at Memorial Şişli Hospital. He worked in Spine Surgery there in 2024–2025 and has been in Orthopedics since 2026. He previously led the Orthopedic Surgery, Traumatology & Advanced Spine Surgery Center at Emsey Hospital (2018–2022). His experience includes the EURO SPINE Surgical Spine Center of Excellence in Switzerland (2022–2024) and a research fellowship at the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center (2009–2011). He also held posts at Boğaziçi Spine Center, Medical Park Göztepe, and Florence Nightingale.

Education: MD, Ege University (1990–1996). Residency in Orthopedics and Traumatology at Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal TRH (2000–2004). Publications: 50 journal articles and 37 presentations.

Memberships: TTB, TOTBİD, Turkish Spine Society, MINOD, NASS, SRS, European Spine Society, and APSS.