Orthopaedic is that field of medicine that deals with injuries, diseases and other conditions that bring significant charges in musculoskeletal system that includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. We dress here a list of the most frequent surgical procedures done in medical tourism or surgery abroad.

HIP REPLACEMENT

Procedure:

Total hip replacement is an orthopaedic surgical procedure that replaces a diseased joint with an artificial joint ( it’s called also arthroplasty). This new artificial joint relieve your pain, increase your motion and help you get back to enjoying normal life.

Preaparation:

A letter from your general practitioner (GP) or your specialist doctor in your country is recommended, to know your medical history, any previous treatement received or any other relevant medical details.

The following tests are carried out before coming in Tunisia: Blood tests, urine test, X-ray of the hip joint.

You need to carry out the infection foci tests: oral, dental and urine test. If there is any evidence of infection, you need to treat it before your travel.

Anaesthesia:

Total hip replacement is carried out under general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia.

Duration:

Total hip replacement surgery take about 1 to 2 hours. A revision of an old hip replacement can take pore than 2 hours.

Post surgery care:

You will be given pain killer to control the pain, blood thinning medication.

Weight bearing is generally allowed 24 to 48 hours after surgery, except particular conditions.

Drains are removed in 3 to 5 days.
Physiotherapy starts 24 hours after surgery.

You will stay 5 to 7 days in the clinic after which you will be discharged to your comfortable flat near the clinic, where you will get daily visits from your physiotherapist and your nurse.

A minimum period of stay of two weeks is required after the surgery.

Hip replacement risks and possible complications:

- Infection: is rare, but possible. Could be deep (joint infection) or superficial (skin infection).
If you notice one or more of the following symptoms, report it to your doctor as soon as possible: persistent fever, shaking shills, increased redness, tenderness or swelling of the hip wound, increasing pain in both rest and activity.

- Blood clots: ( deep vein thrombosis) : more common, can occur in the leg veins or pelvis. Your surgeon may prescribe you a prevention program including light exercises, and blood thinning medication. Notify your doctor if you notice one or more of the following symptoms: pain in your calf and leg, tenderness or redness of your calf, swelling of your thigh, calf or foot. These are some of the warning signs that a blood clot has travelled to your lung: shortness of the breath, chest pain, acceleration of the cardiac rhythm.

Hip replacement recovery :

Most patient begin walking with weight bearing 24 hours after surgery. Your physiotherapist will assist you and teach you specific exercises to strengthen your hip and restore movement walking and other dailing activities. Some discomfort with activity and at night is common for several weeks. You need to follow your surgeon instruction for a good and quick recovery. Avoid getting the wound wet until it has thoroughly healed.
Stitches are removed in 15 days after surgery.
A follow-up hip X-ray is needed after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. Make sure you visit your GP on your country for your hip replacement follow-up. Your surgeon will still in contact with your surgeon by mail or by phone.

Cost of total hip replacement:
The cost includes: surgery, prosthesis, pre and post surgery consultations, blood testes and X-rays, hospital fees, hotel stay, physiotherapy and airport transfers.

First hip replacement: from 5000 Euros
Revision of hip replacement: from 6500 Euros