Hip replacement also known as hip arthroplasty is a well-known procedure that is both affordable and provides high-quality care. This medical surgery is a highly successful procedure. It normally costs 4 lakh to 7.5 lakh rupees for this surgery, that is a fraction of the cost you will have to pay outside in developed nations. With India boasting some of the top medical establishments and top-notch healthcare facilities, India is a highly sought-after country for medical tourism. In this blog, you will get rid of what makes India a leading destination for hip replacement surgery.
Hip Replacement and What it Means
When the hip joint is damaged and needs change, then the surgeon replaces it with an artificial working hip joint. This medical procedure is recommended for hip fractures or chronic hip pain. After this surgery the patient feels a decrease in pain, increase in mobility, and the implant slowly gains strength and starts to function like a regular body part.
What Makes India a Leading Destination for Hip Replacement Surgery?
India is host to a number of hospitals and medical centers. Nearly 74,860 procedures in hip replacement surgery were conducted in 2022. This is a demonstration of the dominance of hip arthroplasty in the country. And reports suggest the procedure is satisfactory in almost all cases and this restores function in a large percentage of patients.
The below are some considerations that makes India a leading destination for hip replacement surgery.
1. Experienced Orthopedic Surgeons
The country boasts of highly trained and qualified orthopedic surgeons. They have extensive experience performing multiple hip replacement procedures. Primarily employing minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted approaches. Their overall satisfactory experiences and a huge surge in the number of patients is a testimony that the patients have in the doctors. Some have over 20 years of experience and thousands of joint replacements.
2. World-Class Healthcare Facilities
The private sector as well as the government is rapidly pushing for an increase in the healthcare infrastructure and facilities. Although there are 23 AIIMS in India and 19 are fully operational, more are under consideration. Employing cutting-edge technology and adhering to worldwide patient care standards, these hospitals set an ideal example for others to follow. Many hospitals are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), an element of the Quality Council of India. It ensures that benchmarks in the healthcare industry are adhered to and patient safety is taken care of.
The medical centers in India offer all facilities on par with wealthy countries that include:
- cutting-edge diagnostic capabilities,
- operating rooms, and
- post-operative care departments.
3. Medical Technology
Robotic-assisted procedures and advanced surgical techniques are some innovations in hip replacement surgery. An improved precision, reduced recovery time, and enhanced overall patient outcomes are the outcome with the use of these latest techniques. Hip replacement surgery makes use of minimally invasive procedures. It involves small incisions and results in less harm to nearby muscle, decrease in blood loss, and a quick recovery.
4. High Success Rates and Testimonials
With a success rate of 90 to 95 %, the surgeons are capable of performing any complex surgery with the minimum damage to the body. Many times, their success rates exceed 90-95%. Patients benefit from outcomes such as reduced pain, greater mobility, and a return to an active lifestyle.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
Hip replacement surgery in India turns out to be cheaper when we compare to industrialized countries such as the USA, UK, and Australia. A saving between 50 to 80% is noticed in this surgery when carried out in India.
For instance, a unilateral hip replacement costs $5,000 in India but in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia it will cost you $25,000 or more. This cost saving is handy for patients with a low budget or those who do not have any adequate insurance cover.
6. Implant Choice
Patients are at liberty to choose the implant. These ensure longevity and improved performance and include:
- ceramic-on-ceramic and
- metal-on-metal.
Your surgeon is the best guide that will suggest to you the ideal implant based on their profile and degree of exercise.
7. Recovery and Rehabilitation
In India, aftercare for hip arthroplasty necessitates an effective recovery and rehabilitation. Hospitals offer physiotherapy programs. And these help patients regain strength and mobility in their replacement hip joints. Recovery duration varies (from a few weeks to months) depending on individual circumstances, however walking under supervision within a day of surgery is suggested.
8. Shorter Waiting Times
Patients in India should expect shorter wait times for elective procedures compared to other wealthy countries with extensive wait lists. These minimal waiting times allow international patients to receive quick treatment of their choosing. This inevitably relieves pain, improves life quality, and prevents lengthy delays.
Some Risks with Hip Implant Surgery
As with any medical procedure, it has certain risks, so you have to be mindful for the below risks:
- Infections at the incision site may require additional surgery and medication.
- Blood clots in the legs can lead to pulmonary embolism. It is a potentially fatal condition. Blood thinners are commonly used to avoid this.
- Nerve damage close to the implant might result in discomfort, immobility, and weakness.
- The possibility of fracture exists in the surrounding bone during or after surgery.
- The new joint may dislocate in the early postoperative period. This may necessitate bracing or additional surgery.
Conclusion
India, a vibrant and transforming economy with many skilled ortho-surgeons, top-notch healthcare facilities and availability of around the clock support staff is firmly placed on the map for medical tourism and in particular hip replacement procedure.
A positive success rate and compassionate medical care of the medical hospitals is what patients expect from their doctors. Although any surgery carries certain risks, with the combined efforts of experienced doctors and a dedicated team of support staff, the benefits and advantages of going ahead with this surgery in India is something any individual should consider.
