Have you been thinking of knee replacement surgery but worried about the costs involved? It can be difficult to afford surgery in the US, especially for uninsured patients. Perhaps some close border travel can help. Are you Intrigued?
Knee Replacement in Tijuana, Mexico: Your Roadmap to a Successful Surgery
Thousands of Americans travel to Mexico for treatment each year.[1] Undergoing knee replacement in Tijuana, Mexico, is worth giving a shot, especially if affordability is a key criterion for you.
This article covers the treatment costs for TKR (Total Knee Replacement) and PKR (Partial Knee Replacement) in Tijuana, the best hospitals there, and explores why this border city might be the best option for your surgery. Read on to know more.
Cost of Knee Replacement in Tijuana
Did you know that the cost of knee replacement in Tijuana is only 20-30% of what it might cost in the US? Surprising as it may sound, this is true.
You can also schedule your surgery conveniently without being bothered by any waiting periods. Tijuana is situated by the US-Mexico Border and is close to San Diego, California.
It is pretty easy to travel (17 miles on the road), and you could save both time & money.
Knee Replacement Surgery Comparison (USD) – USA vs Tijuana, Mexico
Cost of Implants, medications, medical reports, surgical fees, laboratory fees, anesthesia charges & OT fees
Travel support from the airport to the hotel/hospital
When you look at the cost savings, high-end medical infrastructure, and expert surgeons on call, Tijuana in Mexico is the perfect answer for patients traveling from the US and Canada.
This Mexican border town can help you get cheap yet high-quality knee surgery!
A knee replacement surgery may range from 30,000 - 50,000 USD in the US. Compared to that, it will cost you around 7,000 - 10,500 USD for the same procedure in Tijuana.
Whether it is Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR) or Partial Knee Replacement surgery (PKR), you can stay assured of a seamless experience with our medical partners at MTC.
Offering quality medical care, Hospital del Carmen in Tijuana operates within a scientific/humanistic framework. The hospital aims to provide safe, honest and courteous treatment at all times.
Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna, a certified orthopedic and trauma surgeon, performs specialized surgeries at this hospital, including spinal surgeries, fracture repair, and joint replacements.
For over 60 years, the Hospital in Tijuana has been a global leader in healthcare.
The BBB-accredited hospital offers various services, including general and orthopedic surgery, bariatric procedures, and alternative cancer treatments.
With over 100,000 patients from more than 60 countries, it’s a trusted name in cancer care.
Located in the town of Playas de Tijuana, the hospital has treated over 1 lakh patients from 60 countries over the last 50 years.
How to Reach the Hospital?
The closest American Airport (in San Diego) to the border town is 20 minutes away. It takes about 45 minutes to get from Fifth Avenue in downtown San Diego to the San Ysidro border crossing.
Americans and Canadians do not require a tourist card or a visa if they stay for less than 72 hours within the border zone (20-30 km/12-19 miles from the US border).
To travel beyond the Mexico border zone, Americans must own a tourist card, also called a Tourist Migration Form (FMM), available at entry points.
Note: Mexican immigration requires that visitors have passports valid for at least six months.
If you fly from the UK or Canada, you will have to fly to San Diego's Lindbergh Field in California. It is an hour away from Tijuana. Americans can access non-stop and connecting flights from all over the US.
You can take the 992 bus from the San Diego airport or a cab to get to the border from the San Diego airport.
Take highways I-5 or 805 S to the Mexican border at San Ysidro if you drive to Tijuana from the US.
The drive from downtown San Diego takes about 30 minutes, or you can park your car in San Ysidro and walk the 20 minutes to Avenida Revolución (the main tourist center).
Since traffic is challenging, after parking your vehicle, you can take the San Diego Trolley to the San Ysidro border.
Best Surgeon in Tijuana for Knee Replacement
Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna is a talented orthopedic and trauma surgeon in Tijuana, Mexico. He is an expert in multiple orthopedic surgical procedures, such as repairing bone fractures and prostheses in joint wear.
He is a specialist in Orthopedic Medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). With over seven years of experience in the orthopedic field, he has performed around 2,000 surgeries.
Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna
MD, 12+ Yrs of exp
Tijuana, Mexico
4.9 (64 Verified Reviews)
Dr. Serna has been performing orthopedic and traumatology surgeries since 2014.
Certified by the Mexican Council of Orthopedics, he prioritizes patient safety and comfort during procedures.
Knee Replacement Surgery Option in Tijuana, Mexico
Understanding Your Knee
The knee is a complex joint of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It may be described as a hinge joint, similar to the hinge on a door.
The knee can be divided into three compartments:
The medial compartment (the inside part)
The lateral compartment (the outside part)
The patellofemoral compartment (front part of the knee)
All these knee components, bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles have to work together properly for the knee to move smoothly.
Any damage or problems to these components (osteoarthritis or ligament damage) may require an orthopedic evaluation.
Depending on your knee condition and the type of knee replacement surgery needed, your surgeon may choose from the following:
1. Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR)
Condition: A Total Knee Replacement is advised by a surgeon when more than two compartments are affected due to knee injury or old age/osteoarthritis.
Duration of Surgery: 2 to 3 hours.
The surgeon removes any affected or damaged cartilage and bone fragments in this surgery.
Artificial joints or surfaces (made of metal or plastic) are used as implants.
Post-surgery Recovery: It is important to stay at the hospital post-surgery.
Recovery is usually within 2-3 days, with adequate physical therapy and medical attention based on your condition.
2. Partial Knee Replacement Surgery (PKR)
Condition: Partial knee replacement can be done when damage to the knee is confined to one compartment.
The surgeon removes only the specific damaged part and replaces it with artificial prosthetics.
Duration of Surgery: 1-2 hours.
Post-surgery Recovery: 1-2 days.
Since this surgery is less invasive than TKR, the recovery period is shorter.
3. Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Condition: Minimally invasive partial knee replacement is usually done where there is damage to a single compartment.
This surgical technique only causes minimal damage to the muscles and tendons around the knee since special customized surgical tools are used.
Duration of Surgery: About 1-2 hours.
Post-surgery Recovery: Hospital stays are shorter (between 1-2 days) as there is no major operative trauma or blood loss.
4. Revision Replacement
Condition: Sometimes, an existing knee replacement may become faulty or damaged. Somebody who already had a TKR or PKR surgery will experience chronic pain or swelling around the knee joint when this happens, a revision has to take place of the old components.
Duration of Surgery: Since this surgery involves the removal of the existing prosthetics and placing new artificial knee parts, it is a complex procedure. The surgery can last a minimum of 2-3 hours.
Post-surgery Recovery: The post-operative surgery period is long, depending on why the surgery took place. Sometimes, it can take several days for a patient to recover fully.
Recovering Post Surgery
A knee replacement surgery takes time to heal fully (minimum of 1-4 days).[2] Your caregivers at the hospital will help you take the first steps as a part of the post-operative recovery process.
Walking and stretching are simple methods of improving mobility and healing. The patient may experience some pain and swelling, but this will reduce over time.
Walking with Crutches
Physiotherapy Sessions
Your surgeon may ask you to consult a physiotherapist. It will help aid your healing faster. Physiotherapy sessions and regular exercise can improve the muscle tone and mobility of the joints.
Plan Your Knee Replacement Surgery in Tijuana
A typical itinerary for someone undergoing Knee Replacement in Tijuana with our surgeons will look like this:
Day 1: Pick up from San Diego. Transportation to Tijuana and perform pre-op testing and consultation procedures. Stay at the hospital and get ready for surgery.
Day 2: Complete the surgery. Post-operative rest is necessary. Choose to use the next couple of days to rest and heal.
Day 3: Recovering at the hospital. Follow stretching exercises to improve mobility. Start walking with a cane or walker.
Day 4: Consult with your surgeon. If your surgeon finds you fit to leave, choose to go home.
Day 5: You can choose to stay at the hospital for additional physical therapy sessions. We can help you look for physiotherapy options other than the hospital. Explore what Tijuana has to offer.
Procedure
Surgery Time
Hospital Recovery
Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
1-3 hours
3-5 days
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)
1-2 hours
1-3 days
Revision Knee Replacement
2-3 hours
2-5 days
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
1-2 hours
1-3 days
Knee Replacement in Tijuana – Patient’s Feedback
A
Angeles M. Vang, USKnee Replacement, Tijuana
(5)
Highly recommended!
He explained to me very well what my problem was and gave me a good solution; I completely recommend Dr. Hans.
M
Marlene Pineda, USKnee Surgery, Tijuana
(5)
Satisfactory treatment!
Very friendly and professional treatment, we will go again to give the proper follow-up to my mother.
Conclusion
It might be a good idea to enjoy some sightseeing as you heal from your knee replacement surgery. Medical tourism in Mexico is pretty popular due to Tijuana's local attractions, food, art, and music.
The Tijuana cultural center is a place to visit if you look for the arts. El Trompo will open your eyes to cultural shows, games, and multiple exhibitions that mesmerize the senses.
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