If you are experiencing pain or difficulty sitting, walking, or standing up, which becomes an absolute nightmare, then it may be rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or osteonecrosis. In this case, hip replacement is considered one of the advanced surgical techniques to improve the quality of life for patients with these conditions.
When considering where to go for quality medical care in hip surgery, it is ideal to opt for orthopedic surgeons in Mexico. A destination ranked as one of the best alternatives in medical tourism.
This is not only because affordable prices for surgical procedures can be found, but also because highly competent professionals are available, healthcare facilities are equipped with all necessary amenities, and access to medical treatments with advanced technology.
In this regard, with the support of a medical provider like Blue Ribbon, it is possible to take advantage of the benefits of a specialized care program to find a competent doctor and travel to Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, for a successful hip surgery.
What is hip arthroplasty?
It is a surgery that aims to treat hip pain. Through this intervention, artificial implants can be implanted into areas of the joint to replace one or both parts of the hip.
The purpose is to allow the patient to resume routine activities and exercise without experiencing severe pain in this body area.
Who can undergo a hip replacement?
This type of medical intervention is recommended for patients with pain, inflammation, and significant damage in the hip due to:
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Tumor in the hip joint.
- Injury such as a hip fracture.
- Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis).
How is the need for hip surgery determined?
When the quality of life is affected by hip pain, it may indicate that medical attention is required to treat the condition that arises in this area on time. Signs of deterioration include:
- Difficulty performing simple tasks such as climbing stairs or dressing.
- Inability to get restful sleep due to pain.
- Inability to engage in preferred activities without difficulty.
The doctor may recommend other treatments, such as medication for inflammation or pain, physiotherapy, or injections into the joint.
However, when there is no relief from pain and stiffness, hip replacement is then considered.
Types of hip prostheses
Several factors help determine the type of hip prosthesis a patient may require. In this case, the specialist will consider each of them to plan proper treatment according to the patient’s needs.
Total and partial hip prostheses
In total hip arthroplasty, both the socket and the femoral head are replaced. In contrast, only the femoral head is changed in partial hip replacement.
Anterior, posterior, and lateral hip prostheses
A specialist can access the hip from various angles. Among the usual ones are:
- From the front (anterior approach to hip prosthesis).
- From the back (posterior approach to hip prosthesis).
- From the side (lateral approach to hip prosthesis).
Conventional and minimally invasive hip prostheses
Conventional hip replacement
Conventional hip arthroplasty involves a single large incision that allows the orthopedic surgeon to access the hip, usually from the side or the back.
In this case, the recovery may take longer because the specialist needs to cut or detach specific muscles and tendons to reach the joint. However, these are repaired when the hip implants are placed.
However, there is a risk of dislocation until each of the supporting structures of the new hip has healed.
Minimally invasive hip prosthesis
This alternative seeks to minimize the intervention’s impact on healthy tissues, such as blood vessels and muscles. In this regard, the orthopedic surgeon will explain which type of approach or surgery is most suitable for the patient’s condition.
In this sense, when referring to minimally invasive surgery, the doctor accesses the hip joint through one or two small incisions. This may have some advantages, such as:
- Less pain.
- Shorter hospital stay.
- Lower risk of muscle damage.
- Lower probability of hip dislocation.
Hip replacement through this technique is not recommended for every patient. Factors such as age, physical constitution, and other factors will help the specialist determine whether we are candidates.
What is hip prosthesis revision surgery?
The implant may wear out or loosen over time. Likewise, it can be damaged if an injury or dislocation occurs. In this regard, a revision operation is required to replace the affected areas of the prosthesis.
To prolong the life of the implant, it is recommended that low-impact exercises be regularly performed, that high-impact activities be avoided, and that the corresponding precautions be taken to prevent falls.
An uncommon risk for a hip prosthesis is infection, which can occur if bacteria circulating in the bloodstream become trapped in the prosthetic pieces.
Discussing the best approach with the doctor
The surgery recommended by the doctor depends on multiple factors, such as how the specialist can access the hip, the type and style of the implant, and how it can be fixed, as well as age and activity level, bone shape and health, etc.
In this regard, the possibility of future medical intervention may also influence this decision, as specific surgical approaches and types of implant fixation may facilitate or hinder a revision surgery.
As part of the analysis to make this decision, the specialist will discuss the available alternatives and how the operation and type of implant will be planned.
Parts of a hip prosthesis implant (hip replacement)
The hip prosthesis or hip implant can consist of two parts:
- A metal acetabular cup, usually made of titanium, containing an inner layer of plastic that can be fixed to the hip joint socket, allowing the prosthesis to rotate smoothly.
- A ceramic ball attached to a metal stem is inserted into the thigh bone (femur) to provide stability.
- Types of fixation for socket implants
- Cemented prostheses are fixed using bone cement.
- Uncemented prostheses are fixed with a porous surface, which helps the bone to grow over time and hold it in place.
Both cemented and uncemented methods may effectively achieve prosthesis fixation. As the technique has evolved over time, the cement used has also improved.
In certain hip implants, the orthopedic surgeon may change the methods. There may be a preference for cement in the femoral stem and uncemented attachment in the socket piece that fits into the hip bone.
What happens during a hip prosthesis operation?
Hip replacement can be performed in a hospital or surgical center. It is usually considered an outpatient procedure, although the patient may stay under observation for one or two nights to address any complications. In this case, some steps may include:
- the doctor will place an intravenous (IV) line in the operating room in the hand or arm. They may also insert a urinary catheter.
- General or regional anesthesia below the waist may be administered, as the anesthesiologist and orthopedic surgeon recommends.
- The specialist positions the patient to access the hip joint and proceeds to make the incision. The location of the incision depends on the doctor’s approach (frontal, lateral, or posterior).
- The surgeon removes the femoral head and makes an opening in the upper part of the femur. Then, they insert the spherical prosthesis stem, with or without cement. Next, they attach the ceramic replacement head to the upper part of the femur prosthesis.
- The doctor removes any damaged cartilage from the acetabulum and attaches the new cup.
- Subsequently, they bend and move the leg to ensure proper function.
- The layers of tissue may be closed with dissolvable stitches. The outer layer of the skin is closed with surgical glue. In this case, no stitches need to be removed after surgery.
- Finally, the patient is taken to the recovery room for a few hours and then transferred to a hospital room. The doctor will notify you when it is safe to return home.
What Medical Network can I choose?
Having the support of a Medical Network like Blue Ribbon provides the necessary guidance to plan a trip to Mexico (Ensenada, Baja California) and receive hip replacement surgery. General aspects to consider in this case include:
- Working with a reliable medical provider that assigns a coordinator to provide all pertinent guidance.
- Ensuring access to the best medical team in the region to prevent serious health complications.
At Blue Ribbon, we have the best selection of doctors and are partnered with Velmar Hospital to offer optimal facilities, quality hospital care, and affordable prices for patients worldwide. But why is it cheaper in Mexico than in other countries? There are several factors, including the exchange rate.
It is an economical but also safe option for medical needs. If you have further questions, don’t worry. By choosing us as your medical provider, we will assign you a coordinator (doctor) who will clarify any doubts about the planning of your surgery.
In our fees, the following are included:
- Medical team, consisting of a patient coordinator, specialized surgeon, anesthesiologist, surgical assistants, and nurses.
- Operating Room (OR) use.
- Medications during the procedure and hospital stay, provided there are no medical complications.
- A hospital room.
- A detailed nutrition plan with meals is included during the hospital stay.
- Transportation to and from the airport (San Diego or Tijuana).
Excluded items:
- Airfare to and from the place of origin.
- Pre- and post-procedure adjustments.
- Hospital fees and treatment in case of a complication. Every surgical procedure carries inherent risks, and we are proud to say we have not had any complications.
How can I plan my hip replacement surgery with Blue Ribbon?
At Blue Ribbon, we stand out as a Medical Network composed of over 40 certified specialists with extensive experience in various healthcare sectors. Find comprehensive support from start to finish so you can receive quality medical care tailored to your condition.
Furthermore, we have a partnership with Velmar Hospital to offer fully equipped and furnished facilities with all the necessary conditions to receive your preferred medical treatment.
If you’re interested in hip replacement or want to learn more about our services, you can contact us by phone or fill out the form available on our website.
Call from the USA at: 213 995 3029. We are located at Arenas 151, Fraccionamiento Playa Ensenada, CP 22880, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.