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.
Recovering from a medical procedure like a joint surgery is a multi-stage process. Tracking your progress through each phase makes it easier to keep care teams informed, which is imperative for identifying warning signs and obtaining approval to return to certain physical activities.
Due to limitations of their public healthcare system, countless Canadians choose to receive joint surgery and other medical treatment in the United States.
