For many Canadians, the decision to undergo joint replacement surgery comes with a frustrating obstacle: wait times that can stretch months or even years. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that nearly 40% of patients awaiting knee replacement in 2024 did not receive one within the recommended 182-day benchmark.
Many Canadians travel abroad for joint replacement surgery, often heading to places like the United States. In turn, these patients can circumvent Canada’s joint replacement wait times and get quicker access to highly specialized orthopedic care.
Minimally invasive hip replacement is a surgical technique that replaces the damaged hip joint with as few incisions as possible. By creating only one or two 3 to 6-inch incisions, surgeons are able to minimize disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissue.
Approximately 760,000 hip replacements are performed on Americans each year. The procedure is incredibly popular due to its high success rate of relieving pain and restoring mobility in people with severe joint issues caused by arthritis, injury, or degeneration.
Any patient traveling from Canada or another country to receive joint replacement surgery in the United States must consider various logistics. U.S.-based medical providers can help prepare the body and mind for surgery and provide suggestions for packing.
With the right surgeon on your side, a joint replacement surgery can drastically enhance your quality of life by improving your mobility and alleviating pain. However, to receive the most optimal results possible, evaluating the specialist performing the procedure is essential.
Joints, such as knees and hips, play vital roles in someone’s ability to move freely and comfortably bear weight. Although they are essential for maintaining independence in everyday life, joints are also highly susceptible to injuries from wear and tear, repetitive stress, poor posture, and the natural aging process.
Dr. Shane Martin
