The first knee replacement surgery was performed in the United States in 1968. Since then modern improvements in techniques and surgical instruments have made knee replacement one of the most successful procedures in medicine. Due to the high cost of orthopedic surgery and the physical therapy needed for recuperation afterwards, many Americans have looked south of the border to Mexico where orthopedic surgery and physical therapy mirror the high quality treatment of their northern neighbours at a fraction of the cost.
The orthopedic surgeons in Mexico are educated and trained in the diagnosis and preoperative, operative and post operative treatments of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Mexico boasts of some of the best orthopedic hospitals in the world and patients from the United States, Canada and Europe come confidently to undergo orthopedic surgery for a number of painful ailments. Besides joint replacement, accredited orthopedic surgeons in Mexico use both surgical and non surgical methods to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Surgery for Achilles tendon repair, ACL repair, knee and hip replacement, disc hernia, meniscus repair, spinal fusion and shoulder surgery are some of the surgeries commonly performed on medical tourists in Mexico. To illustrate the cost savings of choosing Mexico for orthopedic surgery, a knee replacement in the United States can cost up to $125,000. The same procedure in Mexico costs $12,000 to $17,000 US. Often the treatment required for a patient with musculoskeletal disorders, including bones, ligaments, muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves do not require surgery. After an initial visit with a qualified physician at a medical clinic to assess the condition of the patient, a treatment course is discussed with the patient. Non-invasive physical therapy may well be the best solution and is readily available.
This therapy involves strengthening and flexibility exercises, nerve stimulation and other techniques like hydrotherapy and massage. Motivated, professional physiotherapists help the patients to regain mobility, reduce the inflammation and ease the pain. Physical and occupational therapists are trained to rehabilitate those who have had to undergo surgery. Rehabilitation speeds the healing process, helping to build strength, improve stability, increase flexibility and reduce swelling.
This helps prevent additional injuries and improves the general health and function of the patient. Recovery from orthopedic surgery is relatively rapid in most cases. Depending on the type of surgery, recovery varies from two weeks to four months; time that can be passed very pleasantly in the beautiful surroundings of Mexico. If it is impossible to remain in Mexico for the course of rehabilitation the physical therapists will happily create individual programs that can continue to be used to speed the recovery process at home. By choosing to have orthopedic surgery and/or physical therapy in Mexico, patients benefit from high quality procedures by renowned orthopedic surgeons in modern medical facilities at very low cost. It is no wonder that so many choose to find relief from their musculoskeletal ailments in Mexico.
