Orthopedic Surgery In India: A Complete Guide To Treatment, Cost And Recovery

What Is Orthopedic Surgery?

Orthopedic surgery is a medical specialty designed to treat injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system.

This system consists of bones, cartilages, tendons, muscles and joints. It helps you to move or lift body weight and maintain posture. Injury to the musculoskeletal system can cause severe pain or limit the range of motion.

Many orthopedic problems can be treated with medicines, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes. But when these treatments do not provide relief, then your healthcare provider recommends surgery.

Orthopedic surgery in India uses minimally invasive procedures and robotic technology. This helps patients to have less pain and recover faster.

Advantages Of Orthopedic Surgery In India

There are various advantages of orthopedic surgery. They are in the list below.

• Reduces pain
• Removes damaging tumors
• Increases body functions
• Fix fractures

What Are The Risks And Complications Of Orthopedic Surgery In India?

Orthopedic surgeries are usually safe and effective. But all surgeries come with certain risks. Your orthopedic surgeon will explain all the risks associated with your surgery.

Some of the popular risks of orthopedic surgery include the following.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness
• Joint pain

What Happens Before Orthopedic Surgery In India?

You need first to meet an orthopedic surgeon who specialises in the type of surgery you require. Your orthopedic surgeon will ask about your medical history and do imaging tests, such as an X-ray of the body part that requires surgery.

The orthopedic surgeon will then schedule surgery and explain the risks and complications of the procedure.

What Are The Most Common Types Of Orthopedic Surgery In India?

. Knee Replacement Orthopedic Surgery In India

Are you struggling with continuous knee pain that affects your mobility? If yes, then your healthcare provider may recommend knee replacement surgery. An orthopedic surgeon replaces damaged knee parts with plastic and metal.

If your surgeon replaces only part of the knee, then it is known as partial knee replacement surgery. But if your surgeon replaces the entire knee joint, then it is known as a total knee replacement.

Knee replacement surgery will take around 1-2 hours. There is a risk of blood clots in this surgery. So your surgeon will advise you to walk with crutches or a walker soon after the surgery. You need to wear compression stockings or inflatable air sleeves on your lower leg. Your surgeon may recommend taking a blood thinner orally. Knee replacement recovery will take around one year. But you can resume usual activities after 6 weeks of surgery.

Knee replacement cost in India is affordable compared to the US, UK and other developed countries. You need to spend only $2000 to $3600 for partial knee replacement surgery in India.

2.Total Hip Replacement Orthopedic Surgery In India

Your orthopedic surgeon will suggest total hip replacement surgery when you have significant pain and inflammation in your hip joint because of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteonecrosis. You will feel difficulties in doing simple tasks like getting dressed or climbing stairs.

In partial hip replacement surgery, your surgeon only replaces the ball, i.e., the head of the femur. But in total hip replacement surgery, both the ball and the socket are replaced.

Your surgeon will thoroughly examine your hip by doing an X-ray and sometimes a magnetic resonance imaging scan. These tests help to determine the bone condition and soft tissues in your hip.

The surgical procedure of hip replacement usually takes one or two hours. Your surgeon will make an incision over your hip and remove diseased parts of the hip joint and replace it with implants made from metal or plastic. Your surgeon will then close the incision. You are given anesthesia before the surgical procedure so that you will not feel pain during the procedure.

Full hip replacement surgery can vary from one person to another. However, most people can do their usual activities after 3 months of surgery. The new hip joint can reduce pain and increase mobility. But do not indulge in strenuous exercises or in high-impact activities like basketball and running.

Hip replacement cost in India is usually between $4000 to $8000. But if we talk about the US, then it will cost you $32,000 to $45,000.

3. Spine Orthopedic Surgery In India

Your spine is one of the most important parts of the body. It supports your body movement and maintains posture. But when your spine gets damaged because of aging, infection or medical conditions, then your doctor treats it with medicines and physiotherapy. But if they do not work, then an orthopedic surgeon recommends surgery.

There are some common conditions which require spine surgery.

• Herniated Disc

This happens when your spinal disc slips and presses on nerves. This causes severe back pain and numbness.

• Spinal Stenosis

The spinal canal becomes narrow in this condition, and it puts pressure on nerves.

• Degenerative Disc Disease

Your spinal disc can wear out because of aging, and that leads to chronic back pain.

• Scoliosis

A condition in which your spine curves abnormally.

• Spine Fracture

Accidents or injuries can damage your spine and require spine surgery in India.

Your spine surgeon opts for traditional spine surgery, which involves an incision

along the backbone. The surgeon will then move the muscle and soft tissue aside to the bones of the spinal cord. 

There are the best orthopedic hospitals in India which provide minimally invasive spine techniques and robotic spine surgery.

Minimally invasive techniques involve smaller incisions through which orthopedic surgeons insert surgical instruments to work on your spine. This process involves less pain, and hence, you can recover faster.

Robotic spine surgery in India uses GPS-like tracking systems and assists orthopedic surgeons in precisely placing screws and other hardware for repairing your damaged spine.

4. ACL Orthopedic Surgery In India 

ACL injury is a tear or sprain in the anterior cruciate ligament. This ligament is a band of tissue that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone. ACL injuries usually occur when you play sports that involve sudden turning, jumping, or landing, such as soccer, basketball and football.

Many people experience a popping sound in their knee during an ACL injury. Their knees swell, and they are unable to bear weight. Your healthcare provider recommends surgery if there is a need to replace the entire torn ACL ligament.

Your healthcare provider will give anaesthesia before the surgery begins so that you will not feel any pain. Your surgeon will then make a small incision around the knee and insert a small camera through it to view the joint.

An orthopedic surgeon will then replace it with a new ligament using screws or special fixation devices. The surgeon will then close the incision.

Full recovery from ACL injury will take around 6-9 weeks.

5. Shoulder Replacement Orthopedic Surgery In India

Shoulder replacement surgery is a medical procedure which replaces damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial implants made from metal and plastic.

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The top of the upper arm bones has a shape of a ball which fits into the swallow socket of the shoulder. Damage to this joint can cause severe pain and stiffness, and finally, the healthcare provider recommends surgery.

Shoulder replacement surgery can reduce chronic shoulder pain, improve arm movement and improve quality of life. You can do daily activities independently after the surgery.

Your surgeon will do certain tests before scheduling surgery, such as an X-ray of the shoulder, blood tests, a physical exam and many more. You may need to avoid certain medications before the surgery. Talk to your healthcare provider about any medicines or supplements you take.

The replacement surgery will generally take two hours. Your orthopedic surgeon will give anesthesia before the surgery begins so that you will not feel pain during the entire procedure. The healthcare provider will then make a cut on the shoulder area to access the damaged joint and finally remove the damaged bones and cartilage. The surgeon replaces it with artificial implants and closes the incision.

If your surgeon removes only the damaged ball portion, then it is known as partial shoulder replacement surgery. If the surgeon removes both ball and socket parts of the shoulder, then it is known as full shoulder replacement surgery.

Recovery from the shoulder replacement surgery takes several weeks to a few months, depending on your health condition.

What happens After Orthopedic Surgery?

You will be shifted to the recovery room after the orthopedic surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon and nurses will monitor your heartbeat, blood pressure and oxygen level. An orthopedic surgeon will prescribe certain medications to reduce pain and discomfort.

Some patients may leave the hospital a few hours after resting in the recovery room, while others may need to stay in the hospital for several days.

You will leave the hospital with instructions on how to care for your surgical site. You need to take plenty of rest after your surgery.

Your surgeon may suggest rehabilitation exercises to improve joint movement and restore muscle strength. You may need support devices like a walker and crutches initially. Your mobility gradually improves with time.

Regular follow-up visits are highly essential for patients. It helps doctors to monitor the surgical area and adjust rehabilitation plans accordingly.

Complete recovery from orthopedic surgery in India will take a few weeks to even months, depending on the surgical procedure and the patient's overall health condition.    

Why Should You Choose India For Orthopedic Surgery?

1. Affordable Treatment Costs

Orthopedic surgery in India is quite cheaper compared to developed countries like the US and Australia. You have to spend 70 to 85 percent lower costs in India for orthopedic surgery.

2. Experienced Orthopedic Surgeons

India has highly qualified and internationally trained orthopedic surgeons. They have years of experience in advanced orthopedic surgical procedures.

3. Advanced Medical Technology

Many reputed hospitals in India use advanced medical technology like robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive techniques, which help patients recover earlier.

4. Short Waiting Time

If we talk about developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, then the waiting time for surgery is quite long. This can adversely affect the health of the patient. But in India, healthcare providers schedule surgery quickly. Faster treatment reduces pain and discomfort earlier.

5. High Success Rates

Orthopedic surgery in India has high success rates. If we talk about the total knee replacement success rate, then it is 90-95 percent. Most patients are able to walk comfortably and climb stairs a few months after surgery. The success rate of hip replacement, spine surgery and ACL reconstruction is 90-95 percent.

Cost Of Orthopedic Surgery In India versus US

One of the significant reasons why many International patients choose India for orthopedic surgery is the huge difference in medical costs. Best and reputed hospitals in India offer knee replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery and Spine surgery at an affordable cost despite providing advanced technology and skilled surgeons.

Here is a comparison table between the cost of orthopedic surgery in India and the US.

 

Orthopedic Surgery	Cost In India	Cost In US
Total knee replacement	$3000 to $7000	$35,000 to $65,000
Hip replacement surgery	$4000 to $8000	$25,000 to $55,000
ACL reconstruction surgery	$2000 to $4000	$20,000 to $45.000
Spine surgery	$5000 to $12,000	$50,000 to $150,000

Factors Affecting the Cost Of Orthopedic Surgery in India

1. Type Of Orthopedic Surgery

The type of orthopedic surgery is one of the biggest factors in determining the overall cost in India. For example, arthroscopy will cost you less because of a limited hospital stay and a short operation time. But if we talk about knee replacement surgery and hip replacement surgery, then you need to stay longer in the hospital. They involve advanced surgical techniques and costly implants, and hence cost more.

2. Type Of Implants Used

Orthopedic implants are artificial components which your surgeon uses to replace damaged bones and joints. These implants are made from ceramic, metal or plastic. High-quality implants enable smooth joint movement and have a long lifespan.

If you use high-quality implants or internationally imported implants, then it will cost you more.

3. Hospital Category And Facilities

The category and reputation of the hospital also play an important role in determining the cost of orthopedic surgery in India. Internationally accredited multispeciality hospitals offer advanced medical infrastructure and premium patient services. They offer facilities like private and semi-private rooms and personalise nursing care. They maintain strict hygiene standards and follow advanced safety protocols, which improve the treatment quality of patients. If you decide to do orthopedic surgery in these hospitals, then it will cost you more.

4. Surgeon Experience And Expertise

The experience and qualifications of an orthopedic surgeon also have an impact on the overall cost of orthopedic surgery in India. A highly skilled and experienced surgeon will charge higher consultation and surgery fees.  But it offers better surgical precision, which reduces complication risks in patients.

5. Technology And Surgical Techniques Used

Traditional orthopedic procedures usually cost less as they use standard surgical techniques and equipment. But if your surgeon suggests you for minimally invasive surgery or robotic-assisted surgery, then it will cost you more.

Minimally invasive surgery is an advanced technique which involves smaller incisions and less blood loss.

Simultaneously, robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery is another modern technique which improves implant positioning and reduces tissue damage.

Why Should You Connect With Racure Healthcare?

Racure Healthcare is a popular medical tourism company in India. The company arranges a virtual consultation with the top orthopedic surgeon in India so that you can discuss your health condition before arriving at the destination.

We provide flight booking assistance so that you can travel without hassle. 

Simultaneously, we provide a personal care executive who stays with the patient round the clock to provide assistance.

Racure Healthcare provides treatment-related services along with travel and logistics services. You can visit our website to know more about our services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is orthopedic surgery?

It is a medical procedure used for treating problems related to muscles, joints, bones, ligaments and spine.

2. What is the average knee replacement cost in India?

The average knee replacement cost in India is approximately between $3000 to $7000.

3. How successful is orthopedic surgery in India?

Most of the orthopedic surgeries in India have high success rates. If we talk about knee and hip replacement surgeries, then they have success rates of around 95 to 97 percent.

4. How long do orthopedic implants last?

Modern orthopedic knee implants last for 15-25 years. If we talk about hip implants, then they will last for 15-20 years.

Final Words

Orthopedic surgery in India has become a trusted destination for many patients seeking excellent, quality treatment at an affordable cost.

India provides advanced orthopedic care supported by skilled and experienced surgeons and modern hospitals.

You can connect with Racure Healthcare, a medical tourism company. We provide a list of top hospitals in India from which you can choose for orthopedic surgery.

Connect with us today for affordable orthopedic surgery in India.