• A Desire To Save Money Often you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover orthopedic surgery so would have to pay out-of-pocket anyways. Savings of up to 80% can be achieved by visiting  state-of-the-art facilities abroad.

• High Quality Countries like Mexico (Puerto Vallarta) and Costa Rica are very well known for the large number of orthopedic procedures completed and the quality of the work. As with anywhere, including at home, it is important to choose a facility that specializes in orthopedic care.

• Long Wait Times For Orthopedic Surgery In Canada, orthopedic surgery is publicly funded, but unfortunately wait times average between 2 – 3 years for some procedures, diminishing quality of life.

From Joint Replacement to Arthroscopy: All you need to know about orthopaedic surgery 

Bone fractures, joint deformities and muscle tears can have a severe impact on our mobility, comfort and even daily life. Orthopaedic surgery is a medical specialty focused on treating such conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons, so that affected individuals can live their lives to normally.

1. What is orthopaedic surgery and what conditions does it treat ?

Orthopaedic surgery is a specialised field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Orthopaedic surgeons can perform various procedures to help improve mobility and function including joint replacement, arthroscopy, and other surgeries.

Orthopaedic surgery can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as arthritis, fractures, dislocations, ligament tears and chronic pain. It is also commonly used to correct spinal deformities and degenerative joint diseases. In addition to these common conditions, orthopaedic surgeons also specialize in the treatment of sports injuries, congenital deformities, and trauma related injuries.

2. Types of Orthopaedic Surgery

Joint Replacement: Joint replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures for treating arthritis or other joint problems. During this procedure, a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one in order to restore movement and reduce pain.

Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small instruments inserted into the joint area to repair tissue damage or correct motion abnormalities. This technique can help prevent further joint damage and improve joint function.

Spinal Surgery: Spinal surgery is used to treat back and neck pain caused by degenerative conditions, deformities or trauma. These procedures can help reduce pain and improve mobility by realigning the spine or correcting vertebral fractures.

Soft Tissue Surgery: Soft tissue surgery can be used to repair ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves and other soft tissues. This type of surgery can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.

3. What to Expect During Orthopaedic Surgery

Prior to undergoing orthopaedic surgery, you will need to discuss your medical history and any current medications with your doctor. You may also receive specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, such as fasting before surgery or taking certain medications.

On the day of your surgery, you will be given a general anaesthetic and taken to the operating room. Your orthopaedic surgeon will make an incision in the area being operated on, which is then repaired or replaced using various tools and techniques.

After the procedure is complete, the wound will be closed and the area bandaged. Depending on the size and complexity of your surgery, you may stay in hospital for a few days or be discharged soon after.

4. Other surgeries performed by orthopaedic surgeons

In addition to the common procedures mentioned above, orthopaedic surgeons can also perform:

• Sports Medicine Surgery – These surgeries are aimed at restoring athletes’ mobility and performance. Common sports medicine procedures include meniscus repairs, ACL reconstructions, rotator cuff repairs and cartilage transplants.

• Trauma Surgery – Trauma surgery is used to treat musculoskeletal injuries resulting from accidents or other serious incidents. This type of surgery often involves the repair of broken bones, ligament reconstruction, and soft tissue repair.

• Hand and Wrist Surgery – Orthopaedic surgeons can specialize in performing hand and wrist surgeries to improve function and reduce pain. These procedures include carpal tunnel release, joint replacements, tendon repairs, and nerve compression releases.

5. Benefits of Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgeries can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life by reducing or eliminating pain and restoring mobility. Depending on the type of surgery, patients can also expect to experience greater range of motion, improved joint function, and a reduced risk for further injury.

In addition, orthopaedic surgery can improve posture and the alignment of bones or joints. This can reduce tension on muscles and other tissues, allowing them to relax and reducing pain.

6. Recovery and rehabilitation

After orthopaedic surgery, patients should follow the instructions provided by their doctor for a successful recovery. This will typically include physical therapy and other rehabilitation exercises to help strengthen muscles and increase mobility.

Your doctor may also recommend using crutches or braces during the initial stages of recovery until your strength is fully restored. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid any strenuous activities that could cause further damage.

Once the recovery process is complete, you can begin to gradually return to your usual activities. With proper care and rehabilitation, you should be able to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle following orthopaedic surgery.

7. Costs of orthopaedic surgery

The cost of orthopaedic surgery will vary depending on the type of procedure and the facility in which it is performed. In general, these surgeries are expensive due to their complexity and the specialized equipment and staff that are often required. However, the cost can sometimes be waivered depending on the providers selected.

Additionally, some insurance providers may not cover all or parts of an orthopaedic surgery. Before scheduling a procedure, it is important to check with your insurance provider and understand their coverage policies.

Orthopaedic surgery can be expensive, but it can also improve the quality of life for those who suffer from severe musculoskeletal pain or injuries. If you are considering orthopaedic surgery, be sure to discuss the procedure and its potential costs with your doctor.

By understanding the full scope of an orthopaedic surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue it. With proper care and rehabilitation, orthopaedic surgery can be a safe and effective way to reduce pain and improve quality of life.