The ultimate guide to Hip Replacement in Thailand

Last fact-checked: 22 July 2020

Change your life for the better with a hip replacement in Thailand. If you aren’t insured or lucky enough to be covered by national healthcare, heading abroad to replace a damaged hip joint (or joints) with an artificial one could be the answer. 

The need for this surgery is generally indicated when everyday activities, such as standing or walking, become difficult with pain around the hip area caused by age-related conditions or injury. Discover how you can book your treatment at one of our high-quality facilities in Thailand and save over 50% on this normally expensive surgery. 

Why Would I Need a Hip Replacement?

The hip joints are the largest in the body, supporting the upper body when standing, bending, stretching, walking, running and even just sitting. In healthy hip joints, bones are connected to each other by lubricated ligaments, which help prevent friction. Hip joints can become damaged through injury or certain chronic conditions, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. 

Most conditions that cause damage to the hips are age-related, usually occurring in adults over 60 years old.

Who Is Suitable for a Hip Replacement?

If you are having persistent problems either due to pain or immobility centered around your hip(s), then you may be a candidate for hip replacement. This pain may be noticeable when participating in everyday activities, including getting dressed or walking, as well as just sitting down or getting out of bed.

If you have been injured or fractured your hip, a hip replacement may also be necessary. Regardless of the cause, a doctor at home will be able to advise whether a hip replacement is needed by taking x-rays.  

A hip replacement will relieve pain and improve function and mobility—giving you a better overall quality of life. You must be prepared for more discomfort and hard work on regaining your mobility after surgery.

Why Should I Have Hip Replacement Surgery in Bangkok?

Thailand is not only a leading country for affordable cosmetic surgery; it also boasts specialist surgeons across other areas, and orthopedic surgery is no exception. Bangkok is the nation’s capital, and so it follows there are more specialist orthopedic centers here than anywhere else in the country.

With the latest technology, modern, contemporary facilities and skilled surgeons, our partner hospitals in Bangkok offer patients world-class services, and a commitment to customer care which is often head-and-shoulders above the quality patients receive at home.

Orthopedic surgeons in Thailand undergo years of rigorous training, just like other surgeons, and have their own professional organization, the Royal College of Orthopaedic Surgeons of Thailand (RCOST), and so there is no need to feel that Thai surgeons are any less qualified.

The cost of hip replacements in Bangkok is the most prevalent reason that patients consider coming here. Patients can save tens of thousands here, a substantial sum that makes the trip worthwhile regardless of whether you are flying from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe or other Asian countries. 

Why Book with Medical Departures?

Cost may be the overriding factor for making the decision to travel to Bangkok for surgery, but it shouldn’t be the only reason. It’s imperative that you do your own due diligence to ensure you book with an experienced surgeon at reputable clinics or hospitals.

Booking with Medical Departures gives patients a much-needed safety net as we have already pre-checked all of the healthcare providers listed on our site. Our process includes:

• Confirmation of qualifications, experience and professional memberships

• Background checks into legal and criminal records

• Onsite visits to clinics and hospitals

• Publishing photos and real patient reviews on our site

As well as giving you free access to this wealth of information, booking with Medical Departures means that you’ll have our support team on your side. This is especially useful when going abroad for a hip replacement, as we can arrange transport when you touch down, ensure your hotel is close to your clinic and that any other accessibility-related needs are met. 

How Long Does Hip Replacement Surgery Take?

The surgery usually takes between one and two hours and may be carried out under general anesthetic or with an epidural (where the lower body is numbed). 

The surgeon first makes an incision into the hip and removes the damaged hip joint, replacing it with the artificial, prosthetic one, before closing the incision with stitches.

What Is the Hip Replacement Recovery Time?

Patients recover from hip replacement surgery at different rates, and as the majority of hip replacements are usually carried out in elderly patients, times vary considerably.

You will be encouraged to get up and walk about as soon as you can after surgery. Some people even manage to do this the same day, as moving around quickly helps to reduce swelling and other complications. Initially, there will be discomfort, stiffness, soreness and your legs or feet may be swollen. You may be given antibiotics and medication to prevent blood clots forming.

With the help of walking aids, such as crutches and physiotherapy, you will gradually improve over the next four to six weeks. Most people can usually return to most normal activities after two to three months, but it may take up to a year before you feel the full benefit. Be prepared to work on your mobility after surgery and keep up with your recommended exercises to speed up your recovery.

What Is the Cost of Hip Replacements in Bangkok Compared to Australia and New Zealand?

Hip replacements in Bangkok cost around AUD $12,000. In Australia, the same procedure can cost AUD $25,000. [Please note: these prices are approximate estimates based on international data, calculated at the time of writing.]

For updated prices, as well as clinic photos, surgeon profiles, patient reviews and other useful information, check out these three hospitals in Bangkok that offer hip replacement surgery to international patients:

• Yanhee Hospital Health & Beauty

• Phyathai International Hospital 2

• The World Medical Center Hospital

How Do I Book?

Find out more about our quality-checked orthopedic surgeons.

Ready to book? Get in touch with our Customer Care Team and save thousands on your hip replacement in Bangkok when booking through Medical Departures. Or if you are ready to book your appointment you can do so right here any time of the day or night, at no charge to you.

Sources:

Ishidou, Y et al. Osteoarthritis of the hip joint in elderly patients is most commonly atrophic, with low parameters of acetabular dysplasia and possible involvement of osteoporosis. March 2017.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5362671/

Why is Thailand so popular for medical tourists? The Thaiger. 19 February 2019. https://thethaiger.com/thai-life/why-is-thailand-so-popular-for-medical-tourists

Arthritis and Hip Replacement Surgery. WebMD. 5 May 2018. https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/hip-replacement-surgery

International Association of Orthopedists. Website accessed: 2 February 2020. http://iaorthopedics.com/