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Hip replacement surgery is a medical procedure designed to reduce severe hip pain and mobility issues. It involves replacing a problematic hip joint with a metal or ceramic prosthesis. This surgery eliminates hip joint pain and restores normal hip functionality.
The primary goal of hip replacement surgery is to relieve hip pain and stiffness often associated with conditions like hip arthritis. Additionally, it can address medical issues such as hip fractures or congenital hip deformities.
While hip replacement surgery enjoys widespread popularity, prospective patients often grapple with the challenges of selecting the right clinic and physician, striking a balance between cost and quality, and deciding on the most suitable location for the surgery. Options include countries like Turkey, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
In this article, we offer a comprehensive guide for individuals considering hip replacement surgery abroad. We provide valuable insights into the top countries for this procedure and offer insights into the associated costs you may encounter during your journey.
What is hip replacement surgery?
Hip prosthesis is a solution used when the hip joint is significantly worn down. Hip replacement surgery involves replacing a deteriorated joint with an artificial one.
Hip prosthesis consists of different parts. The main parts are made of cobalt chrome or titanium. Metal, plastic, or ceramic materials are used in the articulation of these parts.
Hip replacement surgery can address issues such as arthritis, fractures, or hip dislocation. When non-surgical approaches fail to yield results or when surgical removal doesn't provide relief, hip replacement surgery becomes a necessary step.
When hip arthritis makes life difficult, causing pain and making it hard to move or do daily activities, a hip prosthesis might be the right choice.
Usually, this surgery is for people over 40, but sometimes younger people might need it too.
How do you know if you need a hip replacement?
If you are experiencing the following hip arthritis symptoms, you might consider hip replacement surgery:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Joint swelling
- Redness and warmth around the affected joint
- Decreased range of motion in the joint
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Tenderness in the affected joint
- Joint deformities
- Difficulty with everyday activities like walking or gripping objects
- Morning stiffness that lasts for more than an hour
What are the different types of hip replacement surgery?
There are 3 main types of hip replacement surgery:
- Total hip replacement
- Partial hip replacement
- Hip resurfacing
The most common type of hip replacement surgery is total hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) surgery.
Total hip replacement
Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that involves the removal and replacement of damaged parts of the hip joint with components made of metal, ceramic, or hard plastic. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
After the one-hour surgery, pain management pumps are inserted either through vascular access or epidural methods to ensure the patient's comfort.
Patients typically begin standing and walking on the first day after surgery. The length of the hospital stay varies, usually ranging from 3 to 5 days, depending on the patient's condition.
Partial hip replacement
Partial hip replacement is a surgical intervention where only the damaged upper end of the femur (femoral head and neck) is replaced, rather than the entire hip joint.
Unlike total hip replacement, no surgical modifications are made to the acetabulum, which is the socket where the femoral head connects.
Due to its less extensive nature, patients who undergo partial hip replacement generally experience quicker recovery times.
Hip resurfacing
Hip resurfacing surgery is an option for people with bad hip arthritis who want to avoid the difficulties of traditional total hip replacement surgery.
It's a better choice for many because it's less invasive, has a quicker recovery, and causes less pain after surgery.
In traditional hip replacement, they take out the damaged hip joint and replace it with metal, plastic, or ceramic parts. With hip resurfacing, they keep the top part of your thigh bone but put a smooth metal cover on it. They still remove the damaged parts inside your hip socket and replace them with a metal shell, like in regular hip replacement.
Planning your hip replacement surgery: total, partial or resurfacing?
Total hip replacement
- Total hip replacement surgery replaces the damaged hip joint with an artificial one.
- It's commonly performed to relieve pain and improve mobility in patients with hip arthritis.
- Patients often experience significant improvements in their quality of life after the procedure.
- It is highly invasive and recovery after surgery takes a long time.
Partial hip replacement
- In a partial hip replacement, the femoral head (the ball) is replaced with a prosthetic component while the acetabulum (socket) remains intact.
- Recovery time is typically shorter compared to a total hip replacement, and patients often experience less post-operative pain.
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy are essential components of the recovery process to regain strength and mobility in the hip.
Hip resurfacing
- Preserves more bone compared to total hip replacement.
- In this procedure, only the damaged surface of the hip joint is replaced with a metal implant, preserving more bone than traditional hip replacement.
- Hip resurfacing is typically considered for younger, active patients with good bone quality as an alternative to total hip replacement.
How long does it take to recover from a hip replacement?
Hip replacement surgery typically lasts between 1 to 3 hours. Rehabilitation starts within 24 hours following the procedure. Patients use a cane, walker, or crutches for the first few days. Over time, they gradually increase their walking distance and frequency. It usually takes about 3 months for patients to achieve full recovery.
Can I have both hips replaced at the same time?
You can undergo hip replacement surgery on both hips simultaneously if you are under 60 years old and do not have heart, lung, or chronic diseases.
Hip replacement surgery results and recovery
Full recovery after hip replacement surgery takes 3 months, so we recommend taking a few months off from work to give yourself time to rest and recover. You can start walking with supports 24 hours after your surgery. During your rehabilitation process, your pain will decrease and you will regain all your hip functions.
Post-op recovery: week one
In the first week after hip replacement surgery, you need to move at the times determined by the doctor. It is not recommended to move too much and strain the hip after hip replacement surgery. Apart from this, failure to act may also have irreversible consequences.
If the necessary exercises are not performed, the patient may have difficulty walking after completing the recovery process.
Post-op recovery: week two
Sitting in low places should be avoided 1 week after the surgery. You should get a booster to sit on toilets, chairs, and armchairs. You should not sit with your legs crossed for the first week.
Post-op recovery: week three
You may begin to see the best effects from rehabilitation 3 weeks after your surgery. During this period, positive results will occur and your hip function will improve.
In the fourth week, you'll start walking more often and for longer distances. You'll notice an improvement in your hip function. Beyond this point, it's crucial to adhere to your doctor's guidance and engage in the recommended activities to optimize your hip's performance.
Hip replacement surgery: at home or abroad?
If you're trying to decide between having hip replacement surgery abroad or in your own home, we have insights that will make the choice easier for you. Traveling abroad for hip replacement surgery has become quite common lately. There are some reasons why international patients prefer abroad for hip replacement surgery.
- The cost of hip replacement surgery in clinics abroad is much lower compared to countries such as England, America and Canada.
- You can make your access to first-class medical service easier and more affordable by choosing clinics abroad for hip replacement surgery.
- The quality of medical service and care standards offered in clinics abroad are very high.
- Going abroad for treatment can save you from long waiting times and paperwork.
Undergoing a hip replacement surgery abroad: how does it work?
Although traveling abroad is one of the most cost-effective ways to receive hip replacement surgery, traveling abroad for healthcare can be scary for some people.
Fortunately, as A-Medical health tourism company, we answer all the questions of patients who want to obtain health services abroad and manage their treatment processes abroad.
Here are the most frequently asked questions by those who want to have hip replacement surgery abroad.
Will my doctor be able to speak English?
If you are considering receiving treatment abroad, communication may become a major concern for you. Communicating with your doctor is important to feel comfortable throughout treatment. Luckily, most clinics and surgeons abroad speak good English.
Apart from this, we also provide free translator support to patients who want to undergo hip replacement surgery abroad by taking advantage of A-Medical health tourism services.
I'm concerned about navigating an unfamiliar city. Can my clinic assist me with this?
If you're planning to undergo hip replacement surgery abroad, logistical issues can be a concern. As an experienced health tourism company, we understand the challenges patients may face. That's why we offer a complimentary transfer service for patients utilizing our services for hip replacement surgery overseas. This service includes airport pick-up and transportation to your designated hospital or hotel. Once your surgery is finished, we'll ensure a smooth transfer from the hospital back to the airport.
Best countries for hip replacement surgery abroad
There are countries abroad that offer high medical service quality, low prices and medical tourism services for hip replacement surgery. The places we recommend are countries with accredited hospitals, international recognition, discounted prices and good accommodation.
Turkey
Turkey is one of the top places you can choose for hip replacement surgery abroad. Advanced clinics, high-quality medical service, care, cheap accommodation and medical tourism opportunities make Turkey special.
Those who want to have hip replacement surgery can choose Turkey's Acibadem Hospitals, Florence Nightingale Hospital, Koç University Hospital, Medipol Hospital, Medical Park Hospital and many other clinics. These clinics are JCI accredited and offer high quality medical services.
The average cost of hip replacement surgery in Turkey is between $9,000-$20,000. This price is much cheaper than what you would pay for the same procedure in many European countries.
Poland
Poland is a budget-friendly choice for those looking for hip replacement surgery in Europe. In addition to being budget-friendly, the doctors working in clinics in Poland are the best in their field.
If you are considering hip replacement surgery in Poland, you can choose KCM Clinic Jelenia Gora and Carolina Medical Center clinics. While these clinics offer high-quality hip replacement surgery, they are budget-friendly.
The average cost of hip replacement surgery in Poland is between $6,000 and $30,000.
Czech Republic
If you are looking for affordable hip replacement surgery abroad, we have another budget-friendly alternative for you - the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is one of the most popular destinations for hip replacement abroad with its high-quality medical services, affordable pricing and great accommodations.
In the Czech Republic, you can get hip replacement surgery from reputable clinics. Malvazinky Rehabilitation Clinic, Motol University Hospital, and Na Homocle Hospital are some of these clinics.
The cost of hip replacement surgery in the Czech Republic is between $9000 and $15,000.
Israel
Israel is one of the best destinations for all orthopedic surgeons with its advanced clinics and high technology. Israel is one of the countries that provides the best medical care in the world.
If you want to have hip replacement surgery in Israel, we recommend Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center, Sourasky Medical Center-Ichilov Hospital and Loewenstein Hospital clinics.
The cost of hip replacement surgery in Israel is between $15,000 and $30,000.
Germany
Germany is one of the best hip replacement destinations in the world. With its strong healthcare system, qualified doctors, excellent care and competitive prices, hip replacement surgery in Germany will not make you regret it.
If you are considering hip replacement surgery in Germany, Sana Hospital Group, Clinic Bel Etage and Helios Krefeld are among the clinics you should choose.
The cost of hip replacement surgery in Germany is between $15,000 and $45,000.
Cheapest country for hip replacement surgery abroad
When searching for the cheapest country for hip replacement surgery abroad, Turkey stands out as the most affordable and reliable option. Patients can save up to 70% compared to prices in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Western Europe. Despite the low costs, Turkish clinics offer world-class medical care with JCI-accredited facilities and highly experienced orthopedic surgeons. The lower price is mainly due to the economic conditions and exchange rate advantages, not a lack of quality. Most clinics in Turkey provide all-inclusive packages that cover the surgery, luxury accommodation, and VIP transfers to ensure a comfortable stay. This allows international patients to undergo a stress-free recovery process without worrying about unexpected fees. Ultimately, Turkey offers the perfect balance of cost-effectiveness and high medical standards for your hip replacement journey.
Why choose A-Medical?
At A-Medical, we help international patients obtain hip surgery abroad in an affordable, high-quality, and easy way. We help you with everything from informing you about hip surgery abroad to managing your treatment process from scratch.
As A-Medical medical tourism company, we offer you the following advantages during your treatment abroad:
- Choosing the most suitable clinic for you
- Making your travel plan
- Obtaining the procedure at discounted prices
- Sending your medical documents to the clinic abroad with their translation
- Arranging a doctor's appointment (video conferencing if necessary)
- Support regarding tickets and visas
- Translator support
- Transfer support
- Establishing communication
- Service to benefit from campaigns and discounts
You can check out our page to learn about all our other services that we have not added yet. If you want to receive hip replacement surgery abroad but do not know where to start, you can contact us for a consultation.
