Hip Resurfacing Surgery in India
Hip resurfacing Surgery Cost Package: 7,000 to 15,500 U.S. Dollars
{Hip resurfacing surgery cost covers all the medical & logistic costs at the destination}
Costa Rica [USA Joint Commission International Accredited Hospital]
India [Harvard Medical Affiliated & USA Joint Commission Accredited Hospital]
Mexico [World Class Hospitals]
Hip resurfacing is a technique designed to reline rather than replace the worn hip joint. Hip resurfacing creates a bigger hip ball than is generally used in hip replacement, which may reduce the risk of dislocation.
In addition, the damaged hip socket (acetabulum) is fitted with a metal prosthesis – similar to what is used in hip replacement. Hip resurfacing also gives the patient time for new technological improvements to emerge in the field of total hip replacement surgeries.
Patients should keep in mind that not everyone is a good candidate for hip resurfacing. This is dependent on the patient’s age, medical conditions and the X-rays of the hip. Usually, an orthopedic surgeon will be able to advise as to whether a patient’s hip can be resurfaced. Hip resurfacing is not recommended for people with osteoporosis – due to an increased risk of fracture of the femur.
Hip Resurfacing Surgery
Hip resurfacing is a major operation that usually takes up to two hours. The operation is performed under a general anesthetic. This means that the patient will be asleep during the procedure and will feel no pain.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon will make a cut (usually about 15 to 30cm long) over the hip and thigh. The length of the cut may be shorter depending on the technique surgeon is using.
The worn surfaces of the thigh bone and hip socket are carefully removed and covered with metal surfaces. The surgeon will then close the wound with stitches or clips and cover it with a dressing.
Hip Resurfacing Operation – Hospital Stay
Recovery from a hip resurfacing surgery is expected to last from six weeks to three months. Starting from the day after the operation, a physiotherapist will usually visit daily to help the patient with exercises designed to help in recovery.
People generally stay in hospital for around five days but some patients may need to stay for up to 10 days. After this time, patients will be able to walk with sticks or crutches. Before going home, the nurse will advise about caring for stitches, hygiene and bathing.
Hip Resurfacing vs. Hip Replacement
Hip resurfacing first emerged as an alternative to hip replacement in the 1960s but fell out of favor because of problems with the polyethylene parts used at the time. A new generation of cobalt chrome caps and socket linings led to its re-emergence in the 1990s. Although hip resurfacing has been used in Europe for many years, it is relatively new to the United States.
Hip resurfacing is considered better than total hip replacement because generally after the latter is done, one cannot sit on the floor, squat, or lead a very active, hectic life or play sport.
Hip Resurfacings hardly ever dislocate and activity levels are excellent after resurfacing. Total hip replacement, on the other hand, tends to dislocate quite quickly. Hip Resurfacing usually last even longer than THR and with a far better lifestyle. If Resurfacing fails at any stage, THR can be easily done.
Also, the current generation of hip resurfacing devices utilizes a metal-metal bearing, which have demonstrated a much higher level of wear resistance. These also help in reduced bone loss and inflammatory tissue reaction about the hip joint as compared to metal-polyethylene bearings.
In addition, head diameter resulting from resurfacing is very similar to the patient’s normal head diameter. These head sizes are typically much larger than the femoral balls utilized in conventional total hip replacement surgery.
Precautions after a Hip Resurfacing Surgery
Patients will generally be discharged from the hospital after five to seven days with an assistive walking device. While at home, patients are advised to continue to walk with an assistive device unless directed by surgeon to discontinue. Patients must also remember follow the hip precautions and weight-bearing instructions very strictly during the first few months following surgery. Progress depends on the patient, so discharge instructions may also vary.
Early infection can occur in a small percentage of patients undergoing hip resurfacing surgery. The physician will closely monitor patient’s incision to minimize the risk of infection. Patients are advised to wash hands after any contact to the incision site, especially when the sutures are still in place.
Also, in the long run, bacteria from a variety of sources can enter the bloodstream and invade the area surrounding the new joint. Therefore, patients will need to take antibiotics prior to the following procedures to protect their hip from infection.
Patients should note that the first 6 months after the hip resurfacing operation are the most vulnerable period for the joint. This is the period that the bone initially remodels to ‘grip’ the implant. During this period impact at the joint should be avoided.
While in the hospital itself, patients will be shown safe techniques of day-to-day activities like getting in and out of bed, bathing, going to the bathroom, managing steps at home and getting in and out of a car.
For young, healthy patients, full weight-bearing is often allowed within the first week and normal walking can be resumed within 4-6 weeks. Patients are advised to continue to walk in the weeks after the surgery on a regular basis to further strengthen your hip muscles. Driving can be started around 4-5 weeks after surgery although it is recommended that the patient does not drive unless approved by the doctor. Patients should generally avoid high-impact activities like running, downhill skiing and vigorous walking. Remember to listen to what your body tells you.
Low Cost Hip Resurfacing in India, Belgium, Mexico and Costa Rica
For some patients suffering from hip complications and damage in U.S. and U.K. hip resurfacing surgery is usually very expensive. In such cases, patients can opt to go for hip resurfacing operation in countries like Mexico, India and Costa Rica.
The cost for hip resurfacing operation in these countries comes at a fraction of the costs in U.S. and U.K. Medical Tourism Corporation network of hospitals can provide hip resurfacing surgery from 8,500 to 15,500 U.S. Dollars.
This package includes hospital stay, lab tests, anesthesia, operation theater fees, doctors fees, ride to & from the hospital, ride to & from recovery center, medicines etc.
Benefits & Shortcomings of Hip Resurfacing in India
A hip resurfacing surgery can cost anywhere around $50,000 in USA and £25,000 in UK. In comparison, you can get a hip resurfacing surgery for as low as $15,500 in Mexico, $8,750 in Costa Rica and $8,500 in India. A number of people visit India for cost savings on hip resurfacing surgery.
It is not just the price that is attractive in India. India has a large pool of US and UK returned surgeons. For instance, Medical Tourism Corporation network of India hospitals has internationally renowned surgeons with excellent training, experience, and track record. Top hospitals include Wockhartd, Apollo hospitals & Artemis. Chennai, Banglore, Mumbai & N Delhi are some of the popular locations where people visit India for hip resurfacing.
Apart from the price and doctors the other major attraction are the hospitals themselves. The hospitals for hip resurfacing surgery in India have the latest orthopedic surgical equipment, stimulators, and traction machines. For instance, hospitals under Medical Tourism Corporation network follow international standards of quality and cleanliness. Most hospitals will provide medical treatment packages at a fixed price that you will be informed in advance.
Finally, after the surgeries have been performed and patients discharged, they can opt to spend the recovery time relaxing in beaches of Goa or the mountains of Himalayas.
The major shortcoming of visiting India on your own is the perceived language barrier. Although many people can speak English you’ll still have a little trouble trying to get through the city roads on your own. Medical Tourism Corporation can handle that for you. Our hip resurfacing surgery package includes hospital stay, lab tests, anesthesia, operation theater fees, doctors fees, ride to & from the hospital, ride to & from recovery center, medicines etc.
India also has the stigma of being the perceived as a part of the third world. This is not true as India boasts of many renowned hospitals, surgeons and physicians. Also, the hospitals have state-of-the art medical equipment and trained staff and nurses to handle them effectively.
Related Links
Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates affordable hip resurfacing operation abroad at many international locations including Mexico, India & Costa Rica.
