Hip Resurfacing Surgery in India - How to Cut the Costs in One Fourth by Alampallam Venkatachalam Hip replacements are in great demand amongst America' s Baby boomers afflicted by Osteoarthrits. A total hip replacement is the ideal operation for these people in their seventies and eighties. In India however the majority of patients afflicted by hip arthritis are young. Ankylosing spondylitis, avascular necrosis, post traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis are conditions affecting young patients in their thirties. Hip resurfacing or Proxima hip replacements are the ideal operation for these young patients as they preserve bone, last longer and cause less pain.
What are the types of Hip replacement?
The traditional total hip replacement has been around for nearly 40 years and provides great benefits to the elderly afflicted by osteoarthritis of the hip. In this a metal stem is implanted in the upper end of the thigh bone and a socket made of polyethylene is cemented into the acetabulum. Wear particles are liberated and these lead to aseptic loosening in fifteen years. Bone loss occurs and a revision surgery may be needed after the time of the prosthesis runs out.
A Surface hip replacement resurfaces only the top of the hemispherical head of the femur. It is a bone conserving surgery. It has been in the market for nearly 5 years.
A latest type of hip prosthesis has been introduced in India called the Proxima hip. It consists of a large diameter metal head and cup. It resembles a total hip with the distal or long stem like portion cut away and the prosthesis is implanted only in the proximal part of the femur or thigh bone( Hence the name Proxima). It has a ten year follow up in the hands of the designer Orthopaedic surgeon from Italy.
The advantages of the Proxima hip are:
a) Less incidence of dislocation and
b) Low wear rate leading to longevity for hopefully more than 20 years.
A surface hip replacement needs a large incision to implant the prosthesis. However the Proxima hip can be introduced through a small approach. Minimally invasive surgery or MIS. This new hip replacement has been performed recently for the first time in South India.
Hospitals in Chennai.
The hospitals are well equipped and have laminar air flow operating theatre, which reduces the infection rate tremendously. Your stay in hospital would be comfortable in a choice of rooms and special menus can be ordered.
Costs of total hip replacements in the west and India.
A Total hip replacement costs about 30, 000 US dollars and is unaffordable by those without medical insurance. A surface hip replacement is also infrequently available operation in the United States as there are few trained surgeons only. This costs more than 40, 000 US dollars. Hip replacements surgeries done in India are easily affordable and performed to the same standards as in the west. The cost in India is about 6000 - 7000 US dollars. Thus by choosing Chennai for your Hip resurfacing or Proxima hip replacement, you will get the best quotation for your operation in India.
After surgery, you can have a post surgical holiday in a beach near Chennai or head of to the neighboring Kerala or Goa.
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