Spine 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
No more chronic pain
Restore your lifeThis 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!
Medical staff and environment was amazing. Everything was explained in detail. My spouse went with me and accommodations in the same room were made.
– Traci Jordan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There was always someone at the hospital who spoke English, and everyone there made my stay comfortable. They even checked up on me once I was home.
– Miranda Mathews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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, or
- Sciatica pain caused by a herniated disc
Source: NLM[1]National Library of Medicine
Patient Satisfaction in Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature
“Patients with preoperative back pain…radicular leg pain…patients who were functionally incapacitated by the thoracic disk herniation…”
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It is recommended when non-invasive methods have failed to provide pain relief.[2]OrthoInfo
Deciding whether to have spine surgery
“…when does a patient decide whether to have a spine operation? Ideally, when the patient and physician both agree that…the patient has attempted an appropriate course of nonoperative treatment…even with nonoperative treatment, the patient is still limited in many daily activities.”
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Herniated Disc
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.
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
Ready to jumpstart your journey to a pain-free life at minimal cost?
Contact us for a free quote today!
Types of Spine Surgeries in Mexico
Find out more about various spine surgeries available in Mexico below!
Spinal Fusion in Mexico
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]OrthoInfo
Spinal Fusion
“Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to correct problems with the small bones in the spine (vertebrae). It is essentially a welding process. The basic idea is to fuse together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. This is done to eliminate painful motion or to restore stability to the spine…Spinal fusion may help relieve symptoms of many back problems, including: Degenerative disk disease…Spondylolisthesis…Scoliosis…Fractured vertebra…Herniated disk…”
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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]National Library of Medicine
Anatomy, Back, Lumbar Spine
“The lumbar spine comprises the lower end of the spinal column between the last thoracic vertebra (T12) and the first sacral vertebra (S1)…Lumbar fusion is a common surgery used to manage…low back pain.”
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Cervical Spinal Fusion
This is also known as ACDF and is done in the cervical region of the spine.[5]Science Direct
Regional bone mineral density differences measured by quantitative computed tomography in patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery
“Surgery to the anterior column of the cervical spine is commonly performed for a variety of spinal pathologies….anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)…”
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Spinal Fusion in Mexico
Herniated Disc Surgery 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.
Herniated Disc Surgery in Mexico
Source: Medical News Today[6]Medical News Today
What to know about herniated disc surgery
“…the herniated disc presses against a nerve in the spinal column. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness…Open discectomy: The surgeon performs open surgery to remove the herniated section of the disc…According to the North American Spine Society, people who undergo surgery for a herniated disc earlier rather than later may have a faster recovery time. They may also experience improved long term health.”
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Microendoscopic Discectomy in Mexico
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.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Mexico
Source: NLM[7]National Library of Medicine
Microendoscopic discectomy (MED) for lumbar disc herniation: comparison of learning curve of the surgery and outcome with other established case studies
“Currently the term has been used interchangeably for discectomy procedure utilizing tubular retractors, either with an endoscope or microscope. The muscle retracting posterior approach in MED reduces the approach site comorbidity and the endoscope yields visualization beyond the confines of the tubular retractor…The size of the incision is small such that the scar does not exceed 3 cm. So, the procedure is less traumatic and more cosmetic.”
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Disc Replacement in Mexico
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]OrthoInfo
Artificial Disk Replacement in the Lumbar Spine
“In lumbar artificial disk replacement, worn or damaged disk material between the small bones in the spine (vertebrae) is removed and replaced with a prosthetic, or artificial disk. The goal of the procedure is to relieve back pain while maintaining more normal motion than is allowed with some other procedures, such as spinal fusion (which aims to prevent motion).”
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Disc Replacement in Mexico
Laminectomy 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.
Laminectomy in Mexico
Source: Medline Plus[9]Medline Plus
Laminectomy
“Laminectomy is surgery to remove the lamina. This is part of the bone that makes up a vertebra in the spine…The procedure can take pressure off your spinal nerves or spinal cord…Laminectomy opens up your spinal canal so your spinal nerves have more room. It may be done along with a diskectomy…or spinal fusion.”
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Kyphoplasty in Mexico
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]Medline Plus
Kyphoplasty
“Kyphoplasty is used to treat painful compression fractures in the spine…A needle is placed through the skin and into the spine bone…A balloon is placed through the needle, into the bone, and then inflated. This restores the height of the vertebrae.”
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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.
1
Step 1: Explain What You Need
Fill out our form to tell us:
- 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.
2
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.
3
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
4
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
5
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]Medline Plus
Spine surgery – discharge
“It takes at least 3 to 4 months after surgery for bones to heal well, and healing may continue for at least a year…It may take up to 4 to 6 months for older people with more extensive surgery to get back to work.”
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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
Oasis of Hope
Oasis of Hope
- 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
Hospital de La Familia
Hospital de La Familia
- 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
Spine Surgery in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Dr. Maximilian Andrew Greig
Dr. Maximilian Andrew Greig
- Associated with AAOS, AAHKS, AANA
- Did a rotation at South Texas Orthopedic Surgery Center
- International training from German Academical Exchange Program (DAAD)
Spine Surgery in Puebla, Mexico
Dr. Martha Carolina Hernández
Dr. Martha Carolina Hernández
- 10+ years of experience
- Member of AO Spine Foundation
- Associated with AMCICO & CMOT
Schedule a call with us now to book an appointment with the top hospital & spine surgeon in Mexico!
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.
Tijuana
| US City | Duration |
|---|---|
| San Diego | 30 min |
| Los Angeles | 2 hr 40 min |
| Las Vegas | 5 hr 19 min |
Mexicali
| US City | Duration |
|---|---|
| Yuma | 1 hr 10 min |
| Phoenix | 3 hr 54 min |
| Los Angeles | 3 hr 51 min |
PV
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 |
Puebla
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]US Dept of State
Crossing the U.S. – Mexico Border by Land
“U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.”
View in Article Forbes[13]Forbes
How To Buy Car Insurance For Mexico
“Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance. Your U.S. car insurance typically won’t cover you unless you buy extra insurance, sometimes called Mexico tourist auto insurance…You can buy a separate Mexican auto insurance policy from a Mexican insurance company or a U.S. company that works with Mexican insurers.”
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Still have some questions? Refer to the FAQs below!
FAQs
Is Mexico safe for spine surgery?
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.
Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) available in Mexico?
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.
What documents do I need for spine surgery 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!
Wait no more and contact us now to take the first step.
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
