Spinal Surgery in Mexico
Has back pain limited your mobility and daily activities? Did you know that spine surgery in Mexico can let you enjoy life to the fullest again? Moreover, it costs 45-85% less than it does in the US!
Spine Surgery Facts
This article covers spine surgery costs, procedures, safety, & the quality of treatment in Mexico.
Spine Surgery in Mexico Reviews
Read the reviews of our partner hospitals' patients!
Miranda Mathews, USSpinal Surgery, Mexico
Friendly staff!
There was always someone at the hospital who spoke English, and everyone there made my stay comfortable.
Traci Jordan, USSpinal Surgery, Mexico
Amazing service!
Medical staff and environment was amazing. Everything was explained in detail.
Want a similar experience in Mexico? Keep reading to know how!But first let's learn more about spine surgery.
When Do You Need Spine Surgery?
Spine surgery may treat:
- Back pain,
- Pain in the legs
- Sciatica pain caused by a herniated disc
It is recommended when non-invasive methods have failed to provide pain relief.[2]
Have you also tried all non-surgical methods to no avail?
But is the surgery too expensive back home? Worry not!
Spine surgery in Mexico is much more cost-effective.
Herniated Disc
Source: NLM[1]
We break down the spinal surgery in Mexico cost for you below!
How Much Does Spine Surgery Cost in Mexico?
The cost of spine surgery in Mexico is almost 45-85% lower as compared to the US. Herniated disc surgery cost Mexico starts from $9,000 while it goes up to $30,000 in the US.
The approximate cost of spinal fusion in Mexico is $16,000 while in the US it can get as costly as $110,000. Refer to the table below for a detailed cost comparison of various spine surgeries in Mexico vs. US.
| Spine Surgery Type | Mexico | US | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spinal Fusion | $16,000 | $110,000 | 85% |
| Herniated Disc Surgery | $9,000 | $30,000 | 70% |
| Microendoscopic Discectomy | $13,500 | $25,000 | 46% |
| Cervical Disc Replacement | $12,750 | $34,600 | 63% |
| Lumbar Disc Replacement | $17,500 | $37,450 | 53% |
| Laminectomy | $8,500 | $28,000 | 69% |
| Kyphoplasty | $15,000 | $40,000 | 62% |
| Spinal Decompression | $13,100 | $24,000 | 45% |
| Scoliosis Surgery | $16,000 | $120,000 | 86% |
| Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery | $18,000 | $77,600 | 76% |
| Interspinous/Interlaminar Implant | $13,500 | $16,300 | 17% |
#Spine surgery Mexico prices are subject to change
Types of Spine Surgeries in Mexico
Find out more about various spine surgeries available in Mexico below!
Spinal Fusion relieves pain by eliminating motion in the problem segment of the spine. It fuses together two or more vertebrae, allowing them to heal into a single bone.
It may be recommended as a treatment for the following conditions:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal fractures
- Herniated disk
- Spondylosis
- Scoliosis
Source: OrthoInfo[3]
There are two kinds of spinal fusion surgeries:
Lumbar Spinal Fusion
This treats pain in the lumbar region of the spine, located in the lower back.[4]
Cervical Spinal Fusion
This is also known as ACDF and is done in the cervical region of the spine.[5]
Spinal Fusion in Mexico
Also known as a discectomy, this surgery treats pain caused due to herniated disc in the lower back. A herniated disc may cause back or leg pain when the disc presses a spinal nerve.
A discectomy removes the herniated disc and as a result, reduces pressure on the nerve. Getting a herniated disc surgery sooner rather than later leads to a quicker recovery time and better long-term health.
Herniated Disc Surgery in Mexico
Source: Medical News Today[6]
This is a minimally invasive spine surgery in Mexico. Here the surgeon makes a few small incisions instead of one large incision.
They may insert special instruments through these incisions to see and operate on the spine. This approach leads to better visualization and lower comorbidity.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Mexico
Source: NLM[7]
Artificial disc replacement provides relief from pain due to damaged disc material. Here an artificial disc replaces the damaged disc material.
It may be advantageous over spinal fusion because it can relieve pain without limiting motion in the spine.
Source: OrthoInfo[8]
Disc Replacement in Mexico
Laminectomy is a decompression procedure done to increase the area around the spinal nerve. It is basically the removal of the lamina (a bone in the back of the vertebra).
As a result, it releases pressure on a spinal nerve. It may be done alone or along with another procedure like spinal fusion and discectomy.
Laminectomy in Mexico
Source: Medline Plus[9]
Kyphoplasty surgery is done to stop pain due to a fractured spine. It involves inserting a balloon into the bone and inflating it once inside.
This restores the height of the fractured vertebrae.
Kyphoplasty in Mexico
Source: Medline Plus[10]
Feeling more informed about the procedures but still curious about how to proceed? Find out in the next section!
Journey of Spine Surgery in Mexico
Feeling anxious about your surgery in Mexico? Our medical tourism consultants will be there to help you through your journey of getting spine surgery in Mexico.
Here's a brief look at how things proceed when you contact us.
Step 1: Explain What You Need
- What spinal issues do you have?
- What are your expectations or concerns?
A dedicated medical tourism consultant will call or email you within 24 hours.
Step 2: Send Medical Records
Depending on your requirements, your consultant will share with you a medical questionnaire to fill out. They will also request you to send your medical records, such as X-rays and MRIs.
These reports will be forwarded to your spine surgeon in Mexico, who will analyze them and prepare a treatment plan. Your consultant will then send you a cost estimate for the surgery.
Step 3: Medical Trip Planning
Once you approve the treatment, we will send you a travel itinerary from day 1 to the last day. This will include:
- What to expect pre and post-surgery
- Any medical notes given by the spine surgeon
- Suggested hotels
- Payment options
Step 4: Arrival in Mexico
- Pick-up from the nearest airport
- Spine surgery pre-op consultation and tests
- Overnight stay (as needed)
- Surgery day
- Post-surgery hospital stay of 1-2 days and recovery
- Hotel stay for 4-7 days
Step 5: Departure and Recovery Back Home
After approval from your spine surgeon, you can travel back home. Recovery from spine surgery may take 3 to 6 months and complete healing can take a year. [11]
Your surgeon will give you instructions for an uneventful healing and recovery. If you have any questions or complications after you reach home, you can reach out to your MTC consultant.
Now that you know what your journey with us will look like, let's explore MTC's partner hospitals & surgeons!
Where to Get Spine Surgery in Mexico?
Looking for top hospitals in Mexico for spine surgery or the best spine surgeons in Mexico? MTC's partner hospitals and surgeons have got you covered.
Go through their highlights below!
Spine Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
The hospital offers various treatment options, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, bariatric surgery, and alternative cancer treatment services.
Over 100,000 people from 60+ nations have chosen it fo
- 60 Years of Excellence
- 100k Patients
- BBB Accreditated
- MCNS certified surgeon
- Private rooms with all amenities
- On-site lab with imaging technology
- Hospital stay, ground transportation, & aftercare services included in the package
Spine Surgery in Mexicali, Mexico
Around 60% of its patients are from the US or are American nationals.
Many of the hospital's physicians are US-trained specialists recognized as top surgeons in northern Mexico, with over 30 years of surgical expertise.
With board-certified surgeons, advanced
- 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
- GHC CERTIFIED
- ISO CERTIFIED
- Founded 20 years ago
- ISO-9002 certification
- 5 operating theaters with the latest technology
- Private rooms equipped with satellite TV & WiFi
- 24-hour pharmacy & 24-hour consultations provided
Best Surgeons
Spine Surgery in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Dr. Maximilian Greig
25+ years
MD Orthopedics
Expertise
Orthopedic Surgery
Education
National University of Mexico
- Associated with AAOS, AAHKS, and AANA
- Did a rotation at South Texas Orthopedic Surgery Center
- International training from German Academical Exchange Program (DAAD)
Dr. Martha Carolina Hernández
10+ years
MD Orthopedics
Expertise
Orthopedic and Spine Surgery
Education
CDMX Health Secretariat
- Member of AO Spine Foundation
- Associated with AMCICO & CMOT
How to Reach Mexico?
Have you decided to get your surgery in Mexico but don't know how to get there? You can easily drive or fly to Mexico from any US city.
Refer to the tables below for more details.
| US City | Duration |
|---|---|
| San Diego | 30 min |
| Los Angeles | 2 hr 40 min |
| Las Vegas | 5 hr 19 min |
| US City | Duration |
|---|---|
| Yuma | 1 hr 10 min |
| Phoenix | 3 hr 54 min |
| Los Angeles | 3 hr 51 min |
Nearest airport: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport
| Origin | Duration |
|---|---|
| Houston (IAH) | 2 hr 26 min |
| Dallas (DFW) | 2 hr 38 min |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 3 hr |
| San Francisco (SFO) | 3 hr 46 min |
Nearest airport: Puebla International Airport
| Origin | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|
| Houston (IAH) | 2 hr 14 min | Nonstop |
| Atlanta (ATL) | 5 hr 38 min | 1 |
| Chicago (ORD) | 5 hr 53 min | 1 |
| Dallas (DFW) | 6 hr 10 min | 1 |
Tijuana
Mexicali
Puerto Vallarta
Documents Required to Drive to Mexico
When driving to Mexico, make sure to have with you:
- Valid passport
- FMM entry permit issued by INM
- Proof of vehicle registration & Mexican tourist auto insurance
Sources: US Dept of State,[12] Forbes[13]
Still have some questions? Refer to the FAQs below!
FAQs
A major surgery like spine surgery always involves a certain risk. However, MTC only partners with certified hospitals and experienced spine surgeons in Mexico.
Our hospitals are ISO-9002 certified and have all the amenities you need. Our surgeons have national & international accreditations:
- International: AAOS, AAHKS, AANA, & AO Spine Foundation
- National: AMCICO, CMOT, & MCNS
They also have international training from the US & Germany. Their experience & qualifications can be counted upon for successful spine surgery.
Yes, our partner spine surgery hospitals and surgeons provide minimally invasive spine surgery in Mexico. The surgery is called a Microendoscopic Discectomy and it costs only $13,500 in Mexico.
You need the following documents for spine surgery in Mexico:
- Medical reports, such as X-rays and MRIs
- List of prescription medicines (if any)
- Records of any previous surgeries
- Local currency (Mexican Peso)/traveler checks/credit or debit cards
- Passport, entry permit, vehicle registration, & Mexican auto insurance
Conclusion
Spine surgery in Mexico can be your light at the end of a dark, painful tunnel. Spend 45-85% less than you would in the US to get your life back on track!
References
1. NLM: Patient Satisfaction in Spine Surgery
2. OrthoInfo: Deciding whether to have spine surgery
3. OrthoInfo: Spinal Fusion
4. NLM: Anatomy, Back, Lumbar Spine
5. Science Direct: Regional bone mineral density differences . . .
6. Medical News Today: What to know about herniated disc surgery
7. NLM: Microendoscopic discectomy (MED) for lumbar disc herniation . . .
8. OrthoInfo: Artificial Disk Replacement in the Lumbar Spine
9. Medline Plus: Laminectomy
10. Medline Plus: Kyphoplasty
11. Medline Plus: Spine surgery – discharge
12. US Dept of State: Crossing the U.S. – Mexico Border by Land
13. Forbes: How To Buy Car Insurance For Mexico