According to the National Association of Homebuilders, over half of the houses built in the U.S. are two stories tall. Many of these homes feature bedrooms, bathrooms, and other important areas on the second floor that may not be accessible when a weight-bearing joint is recovering from an invasive procedure, leading many people to wonder, “When can I climb stairs after total knee replacement surgery?”
Eighty-nine percent of individuals who were living with severe hip pain reported having only mild pain or no pain at all five years after getting total hip replacement surgery. In addition to reducing joint pain, this procedure can greatly improve mobility. However, to achieve the maximum benefits, patients should undergo physical therapy after hip replacement surgery.
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.
Getting a 2nd knee replacement may be necessary if you have experienced degeneration or loosening from wear, complications such as infection or improper alignment, or changes in joint health.
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.
Hip replacements help about 544,000 Americans relieve pain and restore mobility every year. Even though this procedure has gotten more efficient and less invasive, incisions are still required to access the joint and replace damaged bone and cartilage with a prosthetic, meaning hip replacement scars are unavoidable.
Dr. Shane Martin
