The ultimate guide to Knee Replacement in Costa Rica

Last fact-checked: 18 August 2020

Have constant knee problems affected your mobility? Knee replacement in Costa Rica can get you back on your feet for less. When you go for your surgery to this Central American country, you can also holiday and recuperate in good surroundings.

When knees wear down or suffer damage from injury, it can become difficult to walk; even sitting and standing become painful. When you have pain in the knees and restricted movement, you will likely be on painkillers and exercise as a first step to combat the problem. If the damage gets worse and there are no further options left, then knee replacement may be an option to regain movement and improve the quality of your life.

Why Consider a Knee Replacement in Costa Rica?

If you have to pay for knee replacement surgery on your own because you do not have medical insurance, your copay is too high or there is a long waiting list in your country, it can be prohibitively expensive. Having surgery in Costa Rica, a country that boasts excellent medical facilities will be much lighter on your pocket. In fact, the country has several JCI-accredited hospitals, testifying to the quality of medical care available. 

Costa Rica sees thousands of medical tourists who come to its shores for the care and quality and pricing of medical treatments.

You can also enjoy a holiday in this beautiful country that is famous for its biodiversity, moderate climate, high standard of education and the fact that it is high on the World Happiness Index. If you can travel, there are many places you can go to since it is also a world-renowned eco-tourism destination. If you are not in a position to travel then you can choose to go to a recovery retreat after your surgery, where you will be well attended to by well-trained staff.

You can choose to have your surgery in San Jose, the capital, Santa Ana, Tibas, Liberia or Escazu. These are serviced by two international airports and from the U.S. and Canada the flights are not very long. If you are a resident of either of these countries (and many others) you may not need a visa as long as you have a return ticket or an onward journey ticket.

All these reasons will go a long way in making Costa Rica a great choice for your knee replacement surgery.

Why Book with Medical Departures?

Although you may at first be driven by cost savings when seeking treatment in a foreign country, it’s always important to make sure you are in safe hands. Booking through Medical Departures gives you that added level of safety as we have already verified all of the doctors listed on our website. We check their qualifications, experience and make sure they have the right accreditations. We even go as far as physically visiting the facilities to ensure they meet international standards.

How Long Does a Knee Replacement Take and What Is the Downtime?

While most people get one knee operated on at a time, if both knees are damaged, doctors may recommend an operation on both (simultaneously) as you will only have to endure one (albeit more uncomfortable) recovery time. 

The time taken for the procedure will also depend on whether you are having a partial or total knee replacement and can take between 45 minutes to three hours.

As a major surgery, knee replacements are usually carried out under general anesthetic and you will stay for two to three nights in hospital. After the damaged parts are removed and replaced with artificial joints, the incisions will be closed with staples or sutures.

You will be on intravenous fluids and medicines during and post-surgery. While you can expect pain, this will be mitigated with pain killers. You will also be starting some movement while in bed. After returning home, you can expect a downtime of four to six weeks. You will be advised to follow a strict regimen of physiotherapy so that you can quickly regain strength and mobility. You should be completely recovered within six months. 

How Much Can I Save on a Knee Replacement in Costa Rica?

Knee replacement in the US costs on average US $40,000 (CAD 56,491, £34,250, €37,946, AUD 55,000 (NZD 57,808). In Costa Rica, you can expect to pay at least 50% less than that.

How Do I Get Started?

Look forward to regaining your mobility while saving thousands in Costa Rica with knee replacement surgery. Our Customer Care Team provides 24/7 assistance and can help you book an appointment. Or if you are ready to book, you can do so right here any time of the day or night, at no charge to you.

Sources:

Which is the greenest, happiest country in the world? World Economic Forum. Website accessed: 18 February 2020. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/07/greenest-happiest-country-in-the-world/

International Association of Orthopedists. Website accessed: 18 February 2020. http://iaorthopedics.com/ 

Joint Commission International. Website accessed: 18 February 2020. https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/ 

Knee Replacement. Mayo Clinic. 29 December 2017. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/knee-replacement/about/pac-20385276