Hip Replacement

Hip replacement is the most common orthopedic surgical procedure when hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant. Hip replacement is done when the hip is damaged by arthritis, fracture or other conditions that make doing everyday activities difficult. First of all, people have to try physiotherapy or medication, but if that does not help hip replacement surgery may be needed. The procedure is a safe and it results in pain relief and increased motion.

Most common causes of hip pain resulting in hip replacement surgery are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Traumatic arthritis
• Avascular necrosis

These problems make everyday activities such as walking limited, cause pain and stiffness of a hip. Even though the procedure can be performed for everyone, in most cases it is performed for people above the age of 50.

If you choose Wellness Travels, hip replacement will be done in Lithuania at best possible price and no waiting time at all. You can schedule the procedure whenever it is convenient for you. After the surgery extensive rehabilitation must be performed. You can order to have it in Lithuania as well, which is much cheaper than in US, Scandinavia, UK, or the Netherlands. You will be looked after for as long as you need in high quality rehabilitation centers in Lithuania. All the care is strictly regulated by the European Union, so you will definitely be in good hands.

Before the Procedure

During the consultation, orthopaedic surgeon will review your personal case and discuss whether hip replacement surgery is the best method for you. It is best if you consult a specialist at your home country and try other treatment options (e.g. medication or physiotherapy) before.

The Procedure

The surgery is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. It lasts for a few hours. During the surgery the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic implant. First the femoral head is replaced with metal stem. Then a metal or ceramic ball is placed on the stem. Afterwards the damaged cartilage surface is removed and replaced with metal socket.  Lastly, a ceramic or metal spacer is placed between the ball and the socket inserted for smooth gliding.Different implants may be used, which varies in quality and price.

You will get to know everything about the procedure during your free online consultation with the orthopedic doctor that would be treating you here in Lithuania.

After the Surgery

You will be hospitalized in the clinic for a few days to let your hip recover.  Afterwards, it is recommended to have rehabilitation in the country as well. You will also have special medication to relieve the pain. Full rehabilitation takes about half a year.

After the procedure and the recovery period most people have a dramatic reduction of pain and can come back to performing everyday activities much easier. You can walk, swim, drive, hike, cycle, dance and do any other low-impact sports as well. If well cared, the hip implant lasts for many years.

Rehabilitation

It is advised for the patients who overcome the procedure to get physiotherapy rehabilitation. The average stay there is about 2 weeks. However, every case is different; thus, the needed rehabilitation will be determined according to every patients’ state. The doctor will also instruct you how to behave at home to successfully heel and come back to normal life rhythm.

The complication rate following hip replacement surgery is low; however as in any other surgical procedure it may happen. Some of them are:

• Joint infection
• Blood clots
• Leg-length Inequality
• Hip implant dislocation
• Implant loosening
• Nerve injury
• Bleeding, fracture, stiffness

Increased risk groups are obese people who may better undergo weight loss surgeries before.

The standard price of hip replacement is  6650 – 7300 USD / 5000 – 5500 EUR / 4340 – 4780 GBP. However it may vary from patient to patient as different implants can be used.

The price includes:

• Doctor consultations and assistance at all times
• Necessary health tests
• Implant, anesthesia and the surgery
• Up to 9 days of hospitalization with 3 meals per day
• Preparation of all medical documents

If you prefer having rehabilitation here in Lithuania, you can order it as well (additional costs). Regarding travel expenses, round-trip flights to Lithuania from US are usually around 800 USD, from Europe – 100 EUR. Accommodation is 40 USD / 30 EUR per night.

Therefore, all-inclusive surgery is usually around 8000 USD for US citizens / 5600 EUR for people from Europe. You will get to know all the exact prices during your free online consultation with the orthopedic doctor that will look to your exact case. You will have all the information before you make your decision to take the trip or not or pay any deposits.