| Orthopedic surgeons in countries like Belgium and | | | | Mumbai, India. Wockhardt in Mumbai is internationally |
| India have a decade more experience in Hip | | | | accredited by JCI. Dr Malhan created the world |
| Resurfacing Surgery because the FDA approved the | | | | famous Wockhardt Hip Resurfacing Center there. |
| procedure only in 2006. North American patients find | | | | Another reason your doctor might not have included |
| the greater experience, lower cost and five-star | | | | resurfacing as an option is he or she might not be |
| facilities an alluring reason to become medical tourists. | | | | familiar with the procedure because it was approved |
| Perhaps you've already taken the first step: to see | | | | by the FDA only in 2006. Few U.S. orthopedic doctors |
| your local orthopedic surgeon for x-rays and advice. | | | | possess the hip resurfacing experience of surgeons in |
| Maybe you've already been told you need a Total Hip | | | | such countries as Belgium and India. |
| Replacement. You might even have researched | | | | For example, Hip Resurfacings by Dr. Koen de Smet's |
| options to Total Hip Replacement (THR)and | | | | private clinic in Belgium total more than 3000. Dr. de |
| discovered a newer, less invasive alternative: Hip | | | | Smet's experience has earned him a spot at the top |
| Resurfacing. | | | | of his field worldwide; and his skill lures surgeons from |
| At this point, particularly if full insurance coverage is | | | | around the world eager to learn from him. |
| an issue, you might have become overwhelmed with | | | | All three doctors are part of WorldMed Assist's |
| choices and unanswered questions. Here's a quick five | | | | network of carefully screened physicians offering |
| step guide to help you over the hurdles: | | | | lower cost, high quality orthopedic surgery overseas. |
| Step 1: Understand the difference between Total Hip | | | | Step 3: Understand the advantages of Hip |
| Replacement and Hip Resurfacing | | | | Resurfacing if you qualify |
| In hip replacement, the surgeon removes the | | | | Patients whose hip condition qualifies them cite these |
| damaged and worn hip socket and ball, and replaces | | | | advantages of Hip Resurfacing: |
| both with smooth, artificial implants to restore the | | | | - Removes only unhealthy bone and replaces it with a |
| hip's strength and flexibility. A stem is installed into | | | | metal on metal articulation. The femur head remains |
| the thigh to support the implants. This surgery alters | | | | viable after surgery, so for example, they can squat |
| the hip's bone architecture and load balancing over | | | | or sit cross-legged without the risk of dislocation. |
| time, and may require additional surgery after ten to | | | | - Everlasting, based on 35-year history of metal on |
| fifteen years. With resurfacing, far less bone is | | | | metal implants. |
| removed. A small shaving is taken off the top of the | | | | - Excellent restoration of full function. |
| femur so it can accept a smooth metal cap which | | | | - Faster recovery and return to full activity levels. |
| becomes the joint's new surface. | | | | - Overall 99% success rate - ideal option for the |
| After Vicky Marlow of Fremont, California researched | | | | younger or more active patient. |
| both replacement and resurfacing to alleviate pain | | | | Step 4: Determine availability of an affordable, high |
| from her osteoarthritis, she came to her own | | | | quality option in the U.S. |
| conclusion: "It's like the difference between pulling a | | | | For either Hip Replacement or Resurfacing, first and |
| tooth and doing a complete root canal (replacement) | | | | foremost, choose a surgeon with a solid track |
| or crowning a tooth (resurfacing)." Her youth and | | | | record, then determine the total cost: travel, hospital |
| overall joint health made her a good candidate for | | | | fees, surgeon fees, and all add-on expenses. What |
| resurfacing. | | | | will your insurance, minus deductibles and other |
| Marlow's research and personal experience with hip | | | | out-of-pocket expenses, cover? It can be daunting |
| resurfacing led her to start an on-line forum, Surface | | | | to collect all-inclusive costs in the U.S. because the |
| Hippy ( where patients around the world learn more | | | | primary players, such as surgeon, hospital, |
| about the differences between replacement and | | | | anesthesiologist and physical therapist, often bill |
| resurfacing. There's also a place on the site to share | | | | patients separately. Be persistent, so you can learn if |
| experience and advice( | | | | you're a candidate for high quality surgery abroad at |
| Step 2: Understand why your doctor didn't propose | | | | a significant savings. |
| Hip Resurfacing | | | | Step 5: If no high quality, affordable option exists in |
| Resurfacing is not the right solution for everyone | | | | the U.S., contact a reputable medical travel company |
| with chronic hip pain. According to world renowned | | | | to help you understand options for surgery abroad |
| hip resurfacing surgeon Dr. Vijay Bose at Apollo | | | | Do careful research on selecting a company that will |
| Hospital in Chennai, India, "Resurfacing is a technique | | | | handle every detail of your overseas arrangements, |
| invented specifically for younger patients. | | | | stay in constant contact with you and provide |
| Conventional Total Hip Replacement is a better option | | | | knowledgeable, professional service from first |
| for an elderly person, but because it can fail over | | | | contact through full recovery. Find a company that |
| time, it is a poor choice for young patients." Before | | | | has a well-managed and carefully researched and |
| settling back in India, Dr. Bose was on the ground | | | | accredited network of partner hospitals, and will |
| floor of hip resurfacing at the Royal Orthopedic | | | | provide you with a total "no surprises" cost--inclusive |
| Hospital in Birmingham, England, where the procedure | | | | of travel, lodging and all medical expenses. WorldMed |
| was invented. | | | | Assist patients have been consistent in their |
| Another one of the world's top hip resurfacing | | | | recommendation to others: "Save yourself the |
| surgeon is Dr. Kaushal Malhan. Also UK board certified, | | | | headaches and frustration of trying to arrange |
| he performs hip surgeries at Wockhardt Hospital in | | | | overseas health care on your own. |