Why India Stands Out for Orthopedic Treatment

12 March,2024

Back and joint pain has become one of the most common problems people today face. While arthritis and osteoporosis are the primary causes behind most joint pain, other conditions include ligament tears, sports injuries, fractures, etc. If you are battling any health condition related to the musculoskeletal system and are looking for high-quality treatment, you have landed at the right place.

Today, India is a global healthcare destination for specialized medical services, including orthopedic surgeries. The country welcomes millions of patients each year for different procedures and treatments. In 2022, over 5.6 million orthopedic procedures were done nationwide. There are many reasons why patients choose India for orthopedic treatment, the primary ones being trained medical staff, state-of-the-art hospitals, availability of the latest medical technologies, and affordability.

This blog will explore why India is the first choice among patients seeking various orthopedic procedures. We will also examine the major orthopedic surgeries and their costs in India.

What is Orthopedics?

Orthopedics is the branch of medical science dedicated to diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. It includes diseases and conditions related to bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, joints, and muscles. 

An orthopedic surgeon is a trained physician to treat orthopedic diseases such as bone fractures, osteoporosis, sports injuries, arthritis, ACL/PCL tear, joint dislocation, etc. Orthopedic surgeons in India undergo extensive training for over eight years to become specialized in the field. 

There are various sub-specialties within orthopedics. These subspecialties help physicians to master particular aspects of bone health. Some of the common orthopedic subspecialties are – 

• Joint Replacement Surgeons: Orthopedic surgeons specializing in replacing damaged joints such as the hip, knee, shoulder, etc., are joint replacement surgeons.  
• Pediatric Orthopedic Doctor: Physicians specializing in managing orthopedic disorders in children are known as pediatric orthopedic doctors. 
• Orthopedic Oncologist: An orthopedic oncologist treats tumors/cancer of the bone and other musculoskeletal organs.
• Spine Surgeon: A surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of spinal conditions such as scoliosis, slipped disc, etc., is known as a spine surgeon. 
• Trauma Specialists are orthopedic doctors who manage emergency cases and trauma/accidental injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. 

Why choose India for Orthopedic Surgery?

Suffering from a condition that limits the person's mobility is a challenging experience. Most of the orthopedic diseases fall in this category. They reduce the person's movement, cause pain, and degrade the quality of life. Millions of patients suffering from joint pain are seeking the right treatment. India has bloomed as a one-spot destination for such patients. Various advantages of choosing India for orthopedic treatment and surgery are – 

• Well-developed Infrastructure: The Indian healthcare system is well-developed and has many state-of-the-art orthopedic hospitals and medical centers. They follow international quality standards and are accredited by top authorities like NABH and JCI. They provide a patient-centric environment and have a high satisfaction rate among patients. The infection control policy is also strictly followed by orthopedic hospitals in India, thereby reducing the chances of complications after treatment. 
• Cutting Edge Technologies: India has invested heavily in modernizing its healthcare sector. Most hospitals today are well-equipped with the latest technologies and equipment. New-age diagnostic tools like 3T MRI and 640-slice CT scanners help orthopedic doctors diagnose diseases accurately. Robotic systems and minimally invasive techniques are enhancing precision and surgery outcomes. 
• Skilled Surgeon: India has over 10,000 highly experienced and well-trained orthopedic specialists. They use both surgical and non-surgical techniques for managing musculoskeletal disorders. A multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, etc., works closely to provide optimum patient care. Many specialists have been internationally trained at prestigious orthopedic institutes and can manage complex cases.
• Affordability: The cost-effectiveness of orthopedic procedures in India is another luring factor for international patients. The country offers huge relief to patients regarding the prices of various surgeries, such as joint replacement and ligament repair/reconstruction. 
• Post-operative Care: Patients in India receive comprehensive care, which includes post-operative counseling, rehabilitation services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. This helps patients return to their everyday lives as soon as possible after the surgery without any complications. Post-operative support and care are necessary to regain mobility and functionality after any orthopedic procedure.

Which are the Most Common Orthopedic Procedures?

Orthopedic procedures and surgeries aim to correct the problems revolving around the bone and the skeletal system, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Some of the most common orthopedic procedures in India are – 

• Total Hip Replacement: The surgeon uses prosthetic joints to replace the worn-out hip joint.
• Knee Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique in which an arthroscope (thin tube with sensors, camera, and light) helps diagnose and treat various knee problems.
• Spine Surgery: Numerous spinal conditions, such as scoliosis, bulging disks, fractures, and stenosis, require surgery. Common spine surgeries include laminectomy, vertebroplasty, discectomy, decompression, and fusion. 
• ACL Reconstruction and Repair: ACL tear can occur due to sports or workplace injury. ACL surgery is done to repair or reconstruct torn ligaments. In ACL repair, the surgeon stitches and attaches the torn ligament, while in reconstruction, a new ligament from another body part replaces the old ligament.
• Total Knee Replacement: TKR is done to replace the deteriorated and damaged bones in the knee joint.

How Much Does Orthopedic Surgery Cost in India?

The cost of orthopedic surgery in India is low compared to Western nations like the USA and UK. Surgeons in India use the latest technologies like robotic and keyhole surgeries, and the prices are structured in a way that won't break the bank. The cost of common orthopedic surgeries in India is as follows – 

• Total Knee Replacement: USD 2,100 – 4,200 
• Total Hip Replacement: USD 2,400 – 4,800 
• ACL Reconstruction: USD 600 – 2,200 
• Knee Arthroscopy: USD 900 – 3,500
• Shoulder Replacement: USD 2,200 – 3,000
• Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: USD 500 – 1000 
• Spinal Decompression and Fusion: USD 3,600 – 8,500
• Laminectomy: USD 1,200 – 4,000

Please note these are average costs. The exact surgery price would depend on various factors like hospital type and location, surgeon's fees, type of implant used, duration of stay, etc. 

Which are the Top Orthopedic Hospitals in India?

The orthopedic hospitals in India combine the latest developments in orthopedic surgery with world-class infrastructure, offering high success rates for various procedures. The top 5 orthopedic hospitals in India are – 

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon: Artemis Hospital is a multispeciality hospital that JCI, NABH, and NABL have accredited. The Joint Replacement Orthopaedics Centre at Artemis provides world-class medical care for patients of all ages. Services offered by the hospital include sports medicine, shoulder arthroscopy, total joint reconstruction, foot and ankle reconstruction, hand surgery, knee arthroscopy, spinal surgery, fracture and musculoskeletal trauma surgery, etc. 
• Fortis Hospital, Noida: Fortis Hospital, Noida is a NABH-accredited hospital with 12 modern operating theaters and 92 critical care beds. It has a dedicated department for orthopedic care. Some of the most widely performed procedures at Fortis Hospital, Noida, include hip replacement, knee arthroscopy, shoulder replacement, ACL reconstruction, spine surgery, bone tumor extraction, etc. 
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi: The Apollo Institutes of Orthopaedics at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals was established in 1995. The department uses modern techniques for performing high-end surgeries. Joint replacement (primary and revision), arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, meniscal surgery, rotator cuff repair, micro-discectomies, spinal decompression & fusion surgery are some of the routinely performed surgeries at the hospital.
• Nanavati-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai: The Institute for Bone, Joint Replacement, Orthopaedics Spine, and Sports Medicine at Nanavati-Max Super Speciality Hospital is one of the best centers for orthopedic treatment. It has a dedicated team of skilled orthopedic surgeons, traumatologists, physiotherapists, and para-medical staff offering advanced treatment options. The surgeons at the hospital hold expertise in performing a variety of procedures, including replacement surgery of the shoulder and elbow joints, minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), total knee replacement, hip replacement surgery, limb salvage surgeries, and bone tumor surgeries. 
• MIOT International, Chennai: The MIOT International, Chennai, is a leading name in the field of orthopedics. The hospital's Institute of Orthopedics has adopted computer-navigated surgery for joint replacements and has performed over 40,000 replacement surgeries since its inception. The surgeons at the hospital perform 4,500+ trauma surgeries annually. It has a dedicated Spine Surgery Centre dealing with spine disorders, including degenerative disc conditions, infections, osteoporosis, and more.

Conclusion

From using advanced medical technologies to providing compassionate patient care, orthopedic hospitals in India have revolutionized the healthcare sector across the globe. Whether you're dealing with fractures, sports injuries, joint pain, or complex orthopedic conditions, the state-of-the-art medical centers offer a comprehensive range of treatments. Visit India today to regain mobility and live a pain-free life.