There are so many reasons Canadian patients choose U.S. surgeons for procedures like joint replacement surgery, from shorter wait times to access to the United States’ advanced surgical technology. Nevertheless, recovering from surgery abroad often presents challenges that go beyond the procedure itself and travel arrangements.
Even though most medical tourists would agree that the planning is worth it, there are many logistics to work out when traveling to the United States for surgery, even from a neighboring country like Canada. Accordingly, one of the most common questions Canadians ask before surgery in the U.S. is when they should return home.
More and more Canadians are traveling to the United States for elective surgeries, such as joint replacements, as many U.S. facilities offer shorter wait times and more advanced surgical technology than those in Canada.
Arthroplasty, the partial or total replacement of a joint with a prosthesis, is one of the best solutions for chronic knee or hip pain. Knowing you need one is only half the battle—patients have to decide where to have it done, when to schedule it, and how feasible the costs are.
There are so many reasons Canadians choose surgeons in the United States, from access to specialized care to shorter wait times. Even though getting a joint replacement in the U.S. is a smart idea, returning home can present unique challenges during recovery.
Many Canadians with orthopedic complications find it advantageous to travel internationally for surgery. Doing so can give them access to specialized care, shorter joint-replacement wait times, and more control over scheduling.