Is chronic body pain holding you back from living your best life? Orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, is your answer!

Keep reading to learn how this tourist-friendly destination can help you save up to 86%.

Mike From Canada Talks About Getting Meniscus Repair in Tijuana 

Don't let joint pain hold you back any longer!

Get started today

Cost of Orthopedic Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico

You can undergo high-quality yet affordable orthopedic surgery in Tijuana.

For instance, hip replacement surgery in Tijuana costs $10,750 vs. $45,000 in the US.

A knee replacement procedure costs $7,000 in Tijuana. On the contrary, it sets you back by $50,000 in the US.

You can save up to 86% by undergoing orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.

See the prices for some of the most popular procedures in the table below.

Savings on Orthopedic Surgeries in Tijuana, Mexico
Procedure Tijuana USA Savings
Hip Replacement $9,000 $45,000 80%
Knee Replacement $7,000 $50,000 86%
Meniscus Repair $7,800 $20,000 67%
Back Surgery $7,700 $45,000 83%
Lumbar Surgery $17,500 $63,000 75%
Lumbar disk replacement $17,500 $50,000 69%
ACL reconstruction $7,700 $35,000 78%
Knee Arthroscopy $7,000 $22,000 72%
Cervical spine herniated disc resection $20,000 $30,000 63%
*Prices may vary for each patient

Ready to give your life a breath of fresh air? Contact us today and say goodbye to pain!

The price difference between orthopedic procedures in Mexico and the US is NOT due to lower quality.

The cheaper rates are only because of lower living costs in Mexico vs. the US.[1]Expatistan
Cost of living in the United States compared to Mexico
“Cost of living in the United States is 100% more expensive than in Mexico.”
View in Article

Lower prices are not the only reason why you should consider Tijuana.

Read to learn why you should choose Tijuana, Mexico, for orthopedic surgery. 

Why Choose Orthopedic Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico?

Some of the benefits of choosing orthopedic surgery in Tijuana include the following.

Save Up to 86%

Affordable

  • Procedures here are much more affordable than in the US or Canada.
  • With low-cost orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, you can save up to 86%.

Top Surgeons & Equipment

Surgery


English-Speaking Staff

Medical Staff

  • There will be no language barrier between you and the healthcare staff.
  • The staff and surgeons at our partner clinics are bilingual and can speak English and Spanish.

Proximity to the US

Tijuana Arc

  • It will only take 45 minutes to reach Tijuana from San Diego.
  • You can cross the border via car, bus, or trolley. All these options can help you save a lot of money.

A Stunning Mexican holiday

Bonus Mexican Holiday

Bonus Mexican Holiday

Mexico is a breathtaking tourist destination.

Get a taste of history by visiting stunning Mayan temple ruins and can kick back on picture-perfect beaches.

Enjoy the Mexican experience with local flavors – from tasty dishes to toe-tapping live music!

If these aren’t enough to convince you, learning about the top surgeons and their credentials will be. 

Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Tijuana, Mexico

Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna

Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna is one of the most recognized names for orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.

After completing his studies in traumatology and orthopedics at UNAM, he opened his practice.

He has been performing surgeries since 2014 and accepting patients from all around the world.

Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna

Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna

Credentials of Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna

  • Experience: 9+ years
  • Specialization: Osteosynthesis of fractures & placement of prostheses in joint wear
  • Certification: Mexican Council of Orthopedics and Traumatology

Where will your surgery be performed? Read the following section to find out! 

Top Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico

We are partnered with the most renowned hospital across Tijuana.

Oasis of Hope (3.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 127 Reviews)

Oasis of Hope is a fantastic destination for orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.

This modern, full-service hospital was founded over 50 years ago.

Since then, they have treated more than 100,000 people from over 60 countries.

They can help you achieve your health goals while keeping patient safety in mind.

Oasis of Hope

Oasis of Hope, Tijuana
  • 50+ years of operations
  • Comfortable rooms with guest amenities
  • Free Wi-Fi & phone calls to the US and Canada
  • Complimentary shuttle service and ample parking space
  • Modern operating rooms equipped with the latest technology
  • On-site lab & advanced diagnostic imaging facilities, including portable X-rays

Your joints need special attention! Contact us today and get rid of chronic joint pain!

The following section will tell you which surgeries are the most requested. 

Orthopedic Surgeries: Getting You Back on Your Feet!

Orthopedic surgery is concerned with treating severe injuries, as well as both congenital and acquired disorders.

It focuses on addressing arthritic or overuse issues. These issues affect bones, joints, and soft tissues.

The soft tissues include muscles, nerves, and ligaments.[2]Royal College of Surgeons of London
Orthopaedic Surgery
“Orthopaedic surgery is a specialty dealing with acute injuries, congenital and acquired disorders, and chronic arthritic or overuse conditions of the bones, joints, and associated soft tissues, including ligaments, nerves, and muscles. Video Courtesy: AAOS Online Pubs ”
View in Article

Which Orthopedic Surgeries Are Available in Tijuana, Mexico?


Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, addresses hip pain. In this procedure, surgeons replace the hip joints with artificial implants.[3]NHS
Hip Replacement
“A hip replacement is a common type of surgery where a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one (known as an implant).”
View in Article

Video Courtesy: AAOS Online Pubs
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Recovery: 2-4 weeks
  • Durability: 10-25 years[4]WebMD
    Guide to Hip Replacement
    “95% of hip replacements last at least 10 years, about 75% last 15 to 20 years, and just over half last 25 years or more.”
    View in Article


Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, is ideal for people with knee arthritis and joint pain. In this procedure, surgeons use metal and plastic parts to cap the ends of the bones forming the knee joint.[5]PubMed
Knee Arthroplasty
“Knee arthroplasty is the reconstruction of the knee joint. It is more commonly referred to as a total knee replacement and is a very reliable procedure with predictable results. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an excellent treatment option for individuals with symptomatic osteoarthritis in at least 2 of the 3 compartments of the knee who have failed conservative treatment.”
View in Article

Video Courtesy: Understand
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Recovery: 6-12 weeks
  • Durability: 15-25 years[6]PubMed
    How long does a knee replacement last?
    “In the meta-analysis, we weighted each series and calculated a pooled survival estimate for each data source at 15 years, 20 years, and 25 years, using a fixed-effects model.”
    View in Article


Meniscus Repair

Meniscus repair surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, is intended for people with a torn or injured meniscus. In this procedure, surgeons will repair the damaged meniscus by sewing the torn pieces together.[7]Healthline
Surgery for a Torn Meniscus: Causes, Procedures, and Recovery
“If your doctor recommends a meniscus repair, they will insert sutures or “meniscus repair anchors” to hold the remaining parts of your meniscus together. Over a period of several weeks or months, the meniscus will then heal as one piece.”
View in Article

Knee meniscus surgery

Meniscus Repair in Tijuana
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Recovery: 2-3 weeks
  • Durability: 7 years[8]Springer
    A systematic review about long-term results after meniscus repair
    “A total of 12 retrospective case series (level 4 evidence) were identified that reported about failure rates of more than 7 years follow-up.”
    View in Article


Back Surgery

Back surgery can ease any pain in the back. There are different types of back surgeries. Depending on your condition, you might need spinal fusion or laminectomy.[9]WebMD
Back Surgery: Pros and Cons
“Each type comes with its own risks and benefits…Spinal fusion. This is the most common surgery for chronic nonspecific back pain with degenerative changes…Laminectomy. This is the most common surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.”
View in Article

Spinal Fusion

Spinal Fusion in Tijuana, Mexico
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Recovery: 2-6 weeks
  • Durability: 5+ years[10]PubMed
    The durability of minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis: Long‐term follow‐up
    “Based on our analysis, the mild procedure is durable over 5 years and may allow elderly patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis to avoid lumbar decompression surgery while providing significant symptomatic relief.”
    View in Article



Lumbar Surgery

Lumbar surgery is any orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, that deals with the lumbar spine or lower back. Depending on your condition, you might need lumbar decompression or lumbar fusion.[11]National Health Service
Lumbar decompression surgery
“Lumbar decompression surgery is a type of surgery used to treat compressed nerves in the lower (lumbar) spine.”
View in Article

Lumbar Fusion

Lumbar Fusion in Tijuana, Mexico
  • Duration: 1-4 hours
  • Recovery: 4-6 weeks
  • Durability: 5+ years[12]PubMed
    The durability of minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis: Long‐term follow‐up
    “Based on our analysis, the mild procedure is durable over 5 years and may allow elderly patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis to avoid lumbar decompression surgery while providing significant symptomatic relief.”
    View in Article


Lumbar Disk Replacement

Lumbar disk replacement is ideal for people with chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. In this procedure, surgeons replace degenerated discs in the lower part of the spine with artificial discs.[13]Spine-health
Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement for Chronic Back Pain
“Lumbar artificial disc replacement surgery may be recommended to treat chronic, severe low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. ”
View in Article

Video Courtesy: BisiHealth
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Recovery: 3 weeks
  • Durability: 10 years[14]Journal of Spine Surgery
    Long-term outcomes following lumbar total disc replacement with M6-L
    “Total disc replacement (TDR) with M6-L showed clinically significant improvement in PROMs that were sustained at long-term follow-up. There were no osteolysis induced device related failures. The device ROM was maintained and showed a downward trend over the 10-year study follow-up period.”
    View in Article


ACL Reconstruction

ACL reconstruction is for people with knee pain. This surgery helps stabilize and support the joints while easing the pain.[15]MedlinePlus
ACL reconstruction
“ACL reconstruction is surgery to reconstruct the ligament in the center of your knee. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects your shin bone (tibia) to your thigh bone (femur).”
View in Article

ACL knee replacement

ACL Repair in Tijuana, Mexico
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Recovery: 2-3 weeks
  • Durability: 12 years[16]ResearchGate
    Relationship between ACL reconstruction and meniscal repair. Quality of life, sports return and meniscal failure rate. 2 to 12 years follow-up
    “Conclusions good results with 92% of sports return, low rate of complications, and low retear rate, even lower when is associated to ACL.”
    View in Article


Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in Tijuana that can help diagnose and treat knee injuries. In this procedure, the surgeon inserts a small camera (arthroscope) into the knee to evaluate the problem.[17]Healthline
Knee Arthroscopy
“Knee arthroscopy is a surgical technique that can diagnose and treat problems in the knee joint.”
View in Article

Knee Arthroscopy Tijuana

Knee Arthroscopy Tijuana, Mexico
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Recovery: 6-8 weeks[18]Medical News Today
    What is knee arthroscopy?
    “A person may be able to return to light activity in 1–3 weeks and resume most other physical activities in 6–8 weeks”
    View in Article


Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement

Cervical artificial disc replacement is an orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, for neck conditions.

In this procedure, surgeons will replace the damaged disc with an artificial disc.[19]Healthline
Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery: Eligibility, Procedure, Recovery, and More
“A cervical disc replacement (CDR) is a procedure that replaces a damaged disc between the vertebrae in your neck with an artificial disc. Discs are gel-like cushions that reduce friction between your vertebrae. The goal of CDR is to improve mobility through your neck and reduce pain.”
View in Article

Cervical disc replacement

Cervical Disc Replacement in Tijuana, Mexico
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Recovery: 1-3 weeks
  • Durability: 10+ years[20]SpineUniverse for Professionals
    Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Outcomes at 5 to 10 Years
    “Furthermore, 10-year outcomes data from a prospective, randomized study involving 128 patients who underwent total disc replacement and 104 patients who underwent ACDF found that the overall success rate was significantly higher for the disc replacement group, 81% versus 66% with ACDF (P=0.005).”
    View in Article


 

Tijuana Orthopedic Surgery Reviews

Here’s patient feedback on our partner hospitals and surgeons!

“Dr. Hans is one of the most caring and dedicated doctors I’ve ever met. We came from Canada just to be treated by him!”

~Alex M

“My mother had surgery here. They were kind, punctual, and informative. I’d recommend them to anyone needing their services.”

~Sydney Dettmer

As an international patient, we understand you’d be concerned about safety.

Let’s resolve your concerns in the below section. 

Is Tijuana Safe for Orthopedic Surgery?

Undergoing orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, is entirely safe if you choose the right surgical center.

1️⃣ Our partner clinics are located in the safest parts of the city.

2️⃣ They use the latest technologies and meet international healthcare standards.

3️⃣ These clinics prioritize patient safety by working with the best orthopedic surgeons in Tijuana.

4️⃣ These surgeons are internationally trained and have global experience. 

Hence, undergoing orthopedic surgery in Mexico is completely safe and worry less!

Ready to pack your bags? Let’s help you plan your trip! 

Medical Tourism in Tijuana, Mexico

Tijuana, the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja, California, is a border town. It connects the US to Mexico.

Medical tourism in Mexico has become a trending topic in the last few years.

Below is a small tourism guide to help you save time!

Medical Tourism in Tijuana

Medical Tourism in Tijuana, Mexico

Travel

International patients prefer to drive there to save on their trip expenses.

The drive from the nearby city of San Diego to Tijuana takes only 45 minutes.

If you’re from a farther city or country like Canada, you can fly to San Diego and then travel to Tijuana by road.

The table below shows how long it will take you to reach San Diego from different cities.

Flights from US/ Canadian Cities to San Diego Airport
Arrival Duration Connectivity
Chicago (ORD) 4 h 25 min Direct
New York (EWR) 6 h Direct
Vancouver (YVR) 2 h 53 min Direct
Toronto (YYZ) 5 h 20 min Direct
Montreal (YUL) 5 h 56 min Direct

Visa

  • Make sure you have all the necessary documents prepared to enter Mexico.
  • American citizens won’t need a visa for a stay of up to 6 months.[21]Travel.state.gov
    Mexico
    “TOURIST VISA REQUIRED…Yes, if visiting for more than 180 days.”
    View in Article
  • However, they must provide a valid passport and a tourist card to enter the country.[22]Travel.state.gov
    Mexico
    “PASSPORT VALIDITY…Passport must be valid at the time of entry.”
    View in Article

Basics

You should know the latest currency exchange rates for USD and CAD to Mexican Pesos.

While our surgeons speak English, you should know a few basic Spanish phrases for a smoother trip. Here are some helpful phrases:

  • Hola!: Hello/Hi
  • Mucho gusto!: Nice to meet you
  • ¿Habla inglés?: Do you speak English?
  • Adiós: Goodbye
  • Muchas gracias: Thank you so much
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much does it cost?

Attractions

  • Tijuana is a great tourist destination.
  • Make sure to visit the Tijuana Arc, Plaza Santa Cecilia and Playas del Tijuana.

Tijuana Arc

Tijuana Arc

Plaza Santa Cecilia

Plaza Santa Cecilia

Playas del Tijuana

Playas del Tijuana
  • Mexico has one of the best cuisines in the world. So indulge in authentic Mexican food like tacos, Conchas, and Albondigas, amongst other Mexican dishes.

Nachos

Nachos

conchas

Conchas

Albondigas

Albondigas


Use this guide, and we promise you will have the best time!

If you have any more questions, see our FAQs section below. 

FAQS


How soon after the orthopedic surgery can I come home from Tijuana, Mexico?

Your length of stay in Tijuana, Mexico, depends on the orthopedic procedure you’re getting.

After a simple procedure, you can leave Tijuana, Mexico, within 4-5 days.

You may need to stay 14 days or more after complex surgeries.

Your surgeon can tell you more about this after evaluating your information.

How much can I save by getting orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico?

The low cost of orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, vs. the US and Canada, allows you to save up to 86%.

For instance, you can get hip replacement surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, for $10,750.

Meanwhile, you must pay $45,000 in the US for the same procedure.

How can I pay for orthopedic surgery in Tijuana?

Our surgical centers and partner surgeons in Tijuana accept payments in the form of the following:

  • Cash
  • Bank transfers
  • Debit and credit cards


Conclusion

Are you ready to find relief from musculoskeletal pain?

Then pack your suitcase and contact Medical Tourism Corporation for a medical trip to Tijuana! 

MTC offers high-quality orthopedic surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, at an affordable price.

Please fill out our free estimate request form today to begin your journey toward a pain-free life!

References

  1. Expatistan: Cost of living in United States compared to Mexico 
  2. Royal College of Surgeons of London: Orthopaedic Surgery
  3. National Health Service: Hip Replacement
  4. WebMD: Guide to Hip Replacement
  5. PubMed: Knee Arthroplasty
  6. PubMed: How long does a knee replacement last?
  7. Healthline: Surgery for a Torn Meniscus
  8. Springer: A systematic review about long-term results after meniscus repair
  9. WebMD: Back Surgery: Pros and Cons
  10. PubMed: The durability of minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis: Long‐term follow‐up
  11. National Health Service: Lumbar decompression surgery
  12. Spine-health: Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement for Chronic Back Pain
  13. Journal of Spine Surgery: Long-term outcomes following lumbar total disc replacement with M6-L
  14. MedlinePlus: ACL reconstruction
  15. ResearchGate: Relationship between ACL reconstruction and meniscal repair
  16. Healthline: Knee Arthroscopy
  17. PubMed: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for a degenerative meniscus tear
  18. Healthline: Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
  19. SpineUniverse for Professionals: Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Outcomes at 5 to 10 Years
  20. Travel.state.gov: Mexico