Hip Replacement Overseas

What is a Hip Replacement?

Hip replacement (also known as Hip Arthroplasty) is a procedure to treat hip arthritis – a condition where the cartilage around the hip gets worn away, resulting in severe pain and stiffness. In a hip replacement, the surgeon removes the two damaged and worn parts of the hip joint: the hip socket (acetabulum) and the ball (femoral head). These are replaced with smooth, artificial implants called prostheses, which help make the hip strong, stable, and flexible again.

If you’re under 55 and lead an active lifestyle, hip resurfacing may be a better option for you.

How is hip replacement done?

• Time taken: 1–2 hours
• Anaesthetic: General or spinal
• During surgery: The surgeon will remove the damaged or diseased portion of the hipbone, replacing it with an artificial hip joint. A small drainage tube will be placed to help drain excess fluids from the joint area.
• After surgery: You will return from surgery with a large dressing on the hip area. You may need to wear “anti-embolism” stockings to reduce the risk of developing blood clots.
• Rehabilitation: You’ll start rehabilitation and physiotherapy immediately following surgery, and continue throughout hospitalization and at home for one year.

Why is hip replacement done?

The main reason for hip replacement surgery is relief from pain caused by hip arthritis. Elderly people may also have fractures in the neck of the femur, or hip joint tumours.

Risks and complications from hip replacement

There are possible risks and complications associated with anaesthesia, including respiratory or cardiac malfunction. Other complications from hip replacement can include:

• Infection requiring antibiotics and in some cases hospitalization. Infection can sometimes occur around the hip joint years after the surgery.
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can dislodge and move to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Injury to nerves or blood vessels.
• Fracture or dislocation of the new hip joint may necessitate additional surgeries.
• Stiffness or instability of the joint caused by extra bone growth.
• Retention of urine and bladder infection.

With time - sometimes as long as 20 years - the artificial joint will loosen and revision surgery will become necessary.

Risks can be reduced by following the surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery.

Are you a good candidate for hip replacement?

You’ll receive an extensive pre-operative evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for hip replacement. This depends on the degree of disability, impact on your lifestyle and pre-existing medical conditions. The surgeon will make the final determination after an examination and consultation with you. If you’re assessed as suitable, you’ll need to commit to a rehabilitation program.

Why have hip replacement overseas?

As well getting access to expert orthopaedic surgeons at world-class hospitals, having a hip replacement overseas means you can have the operation straight away. You don’t have to spend months or years in pain on a waiting list, during which time your hip condition could get worse.

Where is hip replacement available?

• Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
• Fortis Hospital, New Delhi, India

How long will I be away?

You’ll be away for 14–21 days including your initial assessment, surgery, and post-surgical recovery.

How much will I save?

Depending on the current exchange rate and other variables, you could save up to 50% compared to the cost of surgery in Australia.

To find out how we can help you get safe, high quality health treatments overseas at a low price, complete our easy registration process for a free quote and information about the procedure you are considering.

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