Hip Replacement Surgery in Mexico
Consider undergoing Hip Replacement Surgery in Mexico if your hip has been damaged by arthritis or fracture.
Departing from the USA or Canada for a Hip Replacement Surgery in Mexico does not equate to less quality, but it means similar quality at low cost.
Patient Testimonial
What is the Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in Mexico?
The cost of Total Hip Replacement Surgery in Mexico is not more than 16,000 – 16,500 US dollars. The cost of Hip Resurfacing is not more than 17,500 US dollars.
This cost is inclusive, which means it covers all the medical, surgical, and logistic costs at the hospital in Mexico.
Hip Replacement Surgery Cost Comparison (USD)
| Procedure | USA | Canada | Mexico |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Hip Replacement | $30,000 | $24,000 | $16,300 |
| Hip Resurfacing | $45,000 | $29,000 | $17,500 |
#Costs for the USA and Canada are taken from different online sources. Fill our online quote form for the latest prices and specials.
While the surgery is very expensive in the USA, patients have to wait longer in Canada for several reasons.
As seen in the table above, you can be sure to save 40 to 65 % of what you pay back home for the same service. This cost includes using only FDA-approved materials and implants.
Why Consider Hip Replacement Surgery in Mexico?
Mexico receives global recognition for improving its medical facilities. Many of the facilities are known as “world-class”.[1]International Living
Healthcare in Mexico: Overview of Costs and Plans Available
“You will find, in general, healthcare in Mexico is very good…and in many places it is excellent.Every medium to large city in Mexico has at least one first-rate hospital.”
View in Article
Going for surgery in Mexico can bring many questions to your mind, especially if you do not know much about healthcare quality in Mexico.
There are many key reasons to select Mexico for the Hip Replacement.
Hot Medical Tourism Destination
- Mexico is the second major country for medical tourism in the world, just after Thailand.[2]Tourism Review News
MEDICAL TOURISM IN MEXICO GENERATE SIGNIFICANT REVENUES
“Mexico has positioned itself as the second most important country for medical tourism in the world, just below Thailand,”
View in Article - Records around 1.2 million travelers every year, mainly from the USA and Canada.
Proximity to the USA
- Shares border with the USA
- Easy approach from the USA by air and road
- Mexican hospitals offer a full range of services, right from airport shuttle transport.
Lower Treatment Costs
Though the US has the best healthcare system, it is very costly without enough health insurance for at-risk groups.[3]Healthline
Seniors in the United States Less Healthy Than in Other Countries
“Lack of health insurance coverage is a big reason older adults in the United States lag behind seniors in other developed nations.”
View in Article At-risk groups includes older patients.
There is a long wait time in Canada due to fewer doctors and hospital beds, inadequate funding for surgery, and the increased demand for procedures. These factors push patients to seek treatment in Mexico.
Regardless of which type of hip surgery you choose, Mexico is affordable compared to the US/Canada.
Reasons for Lower Treatment Costs in Mexico
Here are a few reasons that pertain to Mexico’s medical culture.[4]Expats in Mexico
Why Medical Costs Are Lower in Mexico
“Reasons that simply pertain to the medical culture of Mexico: Lower Salaries, No Student Debt, No Malpractice Insurance, No Third Parties”
View in Article
Low salaries of doctors in Mexico
Medical personnel’s compensation in Mexico is lower than in other countries. Mexican doctors’ average monthly salary is about 14 times less than the US.[5]Mexico News Daily
Doctors, nurses confront coronavirus—with long hours and low pay
“Medical and nursing personnel’s compensation in Mexico is significantly lower than in other countries of the world. Doctors’ average monthly salary is about 16,000 pesos, 14 times less than the US”
View in Article
No student debt
There is no student debt because medical studies in Mexico are either in free public schools or in private universities with much lower tuition costs. No debt to the doctor means a lesser cost to the patient.
Malpractice insurance is not needed.
- In the USA, physicians order costly tests to save themselves against probable lawsuits proactively. However, doctors in Mexico do not purchase such insurance.
- This saving is passed on to the patients.
No third parties
- Doctors in Mexico own their practice, and their attention is on patient care.
- There are fewer distractions from pharma companies and pharmacists.
- With no need to hire people to manage them and no corporates to grab the profits, doctors and hence patients have less expense.
Why Choose MTC for Hip Replacement Surgery in Mexico?
Choosing MTC for Hip Replacement has several benefits for you. We work with the best hospitals in Mexico and screen them based on:
- Hospital and Surgeon Credentials
- Hospital recognition – Both local and global
- Negotiated cost to the patient
- Track record and experience in treating patients from the US and Canada
Besides, at MTC, we have
✅ Bilingual case managers
✅ Thousands of happy clients
✅ A long list of positive reviews
✅ Provide free concierge services
✅ Highest A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) ranking
This kind of screening is enough to provide a safe surgical experience to the patient. Most importantly, the costs are low, and our manager largely takes care of most of your needs related to the treatment.
What is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip Replacement Surgery refers to a procedure carried out to replace a damaged hip joint. The natural joint is replaced with an artificial joint.
Hip Replacement Surgery was first performed in 1960. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) finds it one of the most successful surgeries.
In the past six decades, continuous research and improvements in the procedure have greatly increased the effectiveness of the surgery.
The hip is a ball-and-socket type joint and one of the body’s largest joints. The bone surfaces of the ball and socket are covered with cartilage that helps to move the hip. The synovial membrane, a thin tissue, surrounds the hip joint.
Hip Joint – Ball & Socket
In a healthy hip, this thin tissue produces fluid. It lubricates the cartilage and does not cause friction during hip movement. However, Hip Replacement Surgery is advised when one has pain and limited motion in the hip for varied reasons.
What Causes a Damaged Hip Joint?
The main reason for a damaged hip joint is hip pain for a long time. This pain is primarily because of arthritis, such as Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or Traumatic arthritis. Some other causes are osteonecrosis and childhood hip disease.
1️⃣ Osteoarthritis
- Age-related “wear and tear” type of arthritis
- Frequently seen in those with a family history of arthritis
- It occurs in people over 50 years of age
- Often due to wearing away of cartilage in the joint
2️⃣ Rheumatoid arthritis
- An autoimmune disease
- Synovial membrane gets inflamed, leading to damage of the cartilage, and thus, pain and stiffness
3️⃣ Post-traumatic arthritis
- Result of a severe hip injury or fracture
- Damaged cartilage leads to hip pain and stiffness
4️⃣ Osteonecrosis
- Limited blood supply to the joint causing surface of the bone to collapse, resulting in arthritis
5️⃣ Childhood Hip Disease
- Some infants and children have hip problems. Even if those problems are addressed at that age, they may still cause arthritis later in life.
Types of Hip Replacement Surgery
If you have an advanced form of hip arthritis, your doctor may suggest Hip Replacement surgery. It can either be a total hip replacement or hip resurfacing surgery.
Your doctor will study your case and suggest which type of surgery would be best for you. This suggestion depends upon your age, your gender, your stature, and the condition of your bones.
Total Hip Replacement
The head of the thighbone and the damaged socket are removed and replaced with metal, plastic, or ceramic components/ implants.
Advantages
- Provides pain relief
- Enhances mobility
- Restores normal function of the joint
Hip Resurfacing Surgery
The head of the thigh bone is not removed, but it is just trimmed and capped with a smooth metal covering. While trimming, the damaged bone and cartilage within the socket is removed and replaced with a metal shell.
Advantages
- Easy to revise, if need be
- Easier to exchange the implants that fail after hip resurfacing
- Lesser risk of hip dislocation (however, this is still under debate among doctors)
- More regular and natural walking pattern
Disadvantages
- Possibility of thigh bone neck fracture, later requiring a Total Hip Replacement.
- Metal ion risk
- Since a metal ball moves within a metal socket, ions can release due to friction between two surfaces.
- It can lead to pain and swelling and, finally, a need for repeat surgery.
How will You be Evaluated for Hip Replacement Surgery?
If you present with pain in the hip and limited mobility, your doctor will carry out specific exams and tests. You will be assessed based on several components:
Medical History
- General health and family history of the illness
- The extent of hip pain – mild, moderate, and severe
- Effect on quality of daily life
Physical Examination
Assessment of hip mobility, strength, and alignment
X-Rays
To provide a clear picture of the extent of damage and deformity in the hip.
Other tests
MRI scan to determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues of your hip
Is Hip Replacement Surgery for You?
If you respond “Yes” to any of the questions below, then you most likely need it!
- Do you have so much hip pain that you cannot even walk or bend?
- Is there hip pain even when you are resting?
- Do you have stiffness in your hip that limits you from moving and even lifting your leg?
- Is the pain relief from medicines or walking support not enough?
Pain Relief After Hip Replacement Surgery
Discomfort and pain may be a concern for you if your surgeon has suggested you Hip Replacement Surgery.
At some point after surgery, you will experience some level of pain, mainly after activity. However, there are many simple ways to reduce pain.
Video Courtesy: Home Care Assistance
Your doctor may inform you about “RICE” after surgery. RICE stands for:
1️⃣ Rest – Simply relaxing; Listening to Music; Practicing Meditation
2️⃣ Ice – Reducing swelling by applying ice packs every 30 minutes and not directly touching the skin
3️⃣ Compression – Compression Stockings to decrease swelling
4️⃣ Elevation – Prop the leg on a pillow after lying down
If pain persists, your surgeon may prescribe non-opioid drugs. For severe pain, they may be needed for the first few weeks.
You must speak to your surgeon before surgery to improve pain control after surgery.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Hip Replacement Surgery?
Ideal candidates for hip replacement surgery are:
- Those with hip pain and disability for a long time
- Person of any age and weight (mostly between 50 & 80 years)
- Young patients with childhood arthritis
- Elderly with OA or RA
Who is Not an Ideal Candidate for Hip Replacement Surgery?
In general, any candidate who:
- Smokes
- Is overweight or obese
- Has a previous heart attack or stroke
- Has any other medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
Patients with these conditions may not be ideal for the surgery because they will have an increased risk of complications.
However, your surgeon will try to decrease this risk before the surgery. He will take the help of other doctors or specialists.
Recommended Orthopedic Hospitals in Mexico
Hip replacement surgery is a non-selective surgery. This means you don’t select whether you want to go for the surgery, but you have to.
As a patient, you may not want to compromise on the quality of care and the surgeon’s skills and experience.
Our suggestion of the Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement Surgery in Mexico is based on:
- Doctor Credentials and Accreditation
- Patient testimonials
- Lower costs, but quality care
Based on these factors, we suggest these hospitals:
1. Hospital De La Familia (Mexicali)
- It is a multi-speciality hospital, featured in global publications such as The New York Times, French TV, Current TV, and China news.
- Specialist medical care with state-of-the-art technologies
- Board-certified and experienced surgeons
- Located just 200 yards from Calexico, Ca East Border.
2. CMQ Hospital (Puerto Vallarta)
- One of the most modern private hospitals in Jalisco, Mexico
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Internationally renowned doctors
- More than 20 on-site medical specialists
- Highly trained bilingual staff
- Five minutes away from Puerto Vallarta beach and hotel zone
3. Galenia Hospital (Cancun)
- Accreditations: Joint Commission International (JCI), Accreditation Canada International (ACI) & the General Health Council (CSG Mexico)
- State-of-the-art facilities & equipment
- Highly trained and well-accredited team
- A 25-minute drive from Cancun International Airport (CUN)
4. MAC Hospital (Puebla)
- Modern and fully equipped hospital in Puebla
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Highly qualified and bilingual health professionals
- Board-certified physicians in all specialities
- A 30-min drive from Puebla International Airport (PBC)
5. Hospital del Carmen (Tijuana)
- State-of-the-art hospital
- Offers expert care across a range of specialties, including orthopedics
- Quality medical care with a scientific-humanistic approach
- Highly experienced medical team
- Easily reached from Los Angeles and San Diego
Recommended Orthopedic Surgeons in Mexico
| Surgeon | Qualifications |
|---|---|
Dr. Maximilian Greig
|
|
Dr. Jesús Raúl Arjona
|
|
Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna
|
|
Dr. Jesus Gallarzo
|
|
Dr. Martha Carolina
|
|
Dr. Cesar Da Costa
|
|
Dr. Juan Bustamante
|
|
FAQs
Q. Are Mexican hospitals that do hip replacements equipped to deal with complex surgeries?
A. Yes, the quality of care provided at hospitals in Mexico is well comparable with international standards.
Q. I have concerns about undergoing surgery in a foreign land. How do you address my concerns?
A. Your anxiety and concerns in getting your surgery done away from your homeland is well understood. We urge you to ask us questions about things that concern you the most.
All relevant information will be provided to you to the best of our knowledge. We also urge you to check patient testimonials and make an informed choice.
Q. Once I return home after surgery, How will you handle follow-ups?
A. You will be required to stay in or near the hospital for the least number of days. Your surgeon will suggest this. They will let you know about the length of your stay. Once back home, we urge you to keep in touch with us.
If there is any complication in an unfortunate situation, we will evaluate it and deal with it accordingly.
Q. Why do I book my hip replacement through MTC if I think it is cheaper if I do it myself?
A. Our manager will be in touch with you. He will be in touch right when you book a service with us until you are safely home.
We will prepare a full itinerary for you, including your consultation and surgery and your stay here in Mexico. We will take care of most of your errands.
Once you are back home, you need to keep in touch with us throughout your healing period. If you have any questions or concerns, we urge you to contact us, and we will respond promptly.
Q. Where will I go after the hip replacement surgery?
A. Many patients directly go to Rehabilitation or a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) after the surgery. However, this does not lead to better outcomes.
Most patients are safe enough to go home directly after the surgery. RICE, Exercise, Physical therapy and Pain medicines are enough during your recovery period.
Q. What is the chance that my body rejects the components?
A. The chances of your body rejecting the components/ implants are rare. It is because the body well tolerates the materials used in routine hip replacement surgery.
Hip Replacement is being done for decades now, and there has been a long track record of successful replacement.
Q. Can I have hip replacement surgery in Mexico if I am allergic to metal?
A. Yes, you can have a hip replacement, even if you are allergic and sensitive to metal. It is because metal reactions are very rare. Yet, if you feel concerned, you should speak with your surgeon.
Conclusion
If you’re short on cash or lack health insurance, consider getting your hip replacement surgery in Mexico. You can receive premium care at a fair price, along with a well-deserved vacation after your surgery.
If you have any queries, contact us for free guidance.
References
1. International Living: Healthcare in Mexico
2. Tourism Review News: Medical Tourism in Mexico generate significant revenues
3. Healthline: Seniors in the United States Less Healthy Than in Other Countries
4. Expats in Mexico: Why Medical Costs Are Lower in Mexico?
5. Mexico News Daily: Doctors, nurses confront coronavirus—with long hours and low pay
