Orthopedic Surgery in India
Are you considering orthopedic surgery in India as surgery in the US is expensive? The good news is that thousands of Americans and Canadians travel to India for surgery each year. Read to know about medical tourism in India for orthopedics.
Orthopedic Surgery in India
Traveling to India to do orthopedic surgery saves you thousands of dollars, and you get access to the best surgeons in the country.
Many of these surgeons were trained in the USA and Europe and speak English fluently. This makes India a practical solution for orthopedic patients in the USA.
Why Choose India to Do Orthopedic Surgery?
1. Surgery in India is Affordable
India offers more affordable healthcare compared to popular medical tourist destinations like Turkey, Mexico, and Spain.
This is the main reason patients choose to do their knee surgery in India instead of these destinations.
The average cost of knee replacement surgery in India is around ₹1.5 lakh or $2,000.
At the same time, the average cost of knee surgery in the USA is an astonishing $49,000 to $57,000. The price of surgery in the UK is slightly lower at $40,000 to $48,000.
India's cost is considerably lower even if compared with other popular medical tourist destinations like Turkey.
You can expect to pay $7,500 in Turkey for knee surgery. It is more affordable than the USA or UK, but three times higher than the cost in India.
| Country | Cost |
| India | $2,000 |
| Turkey | $7,500 |
| USA | $49,000 - $57,000 |
| UK | $40,000 - $48,000 |
2. India Is a Beautiful Place
Another reason why many patients visit India for surgery is it's a beautiful destination to take a vacation.
If you've been postponing a well-deserved vacation, consider taking it before your procedure in India. It's affordable, and you get to see beautiful places like:
Taj Mahal
Ranthambore National Park
3. India Offers Some of the Best Orthopedic Surgeons
While the most significant benefit of surgery in India is affordability, you'll think that the facilities and surgeons aren't that good.
However, the complete opposite is true. India offers some of the world's best hospitals and surgeons.
For example, Newsweek and Statista ranked Apollo Hospital as the world's best smart hospital in 2021 for using the most advanced technologies.[1]
Robotic Surgery in India
Many Indian surgeons also studied and practiced in the USA, Canada, and Europe, so they speak English fluently. Those who didn't study overseas studied in world-renowned universities in India. Some include:
- The University of Delhi
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- St. John's National Academy of Health Services
It ensures that you're surrounded by some of the world's best surgeons when you do your operation.
Now that we've looked at the benefits of surgery in India, let's see how much orthopedic surgery costs.
How Much Does Orthopedic Surgery Cost In India?
We already covered the cost of complete knee replacement surgery in India, which is around $2,000. But let's see how much other types of orthopedic surgery cost:
- Knee replacement surgery
- Total hip replacement surgery
- Shoulder and rotator cuff surgery
- ACL surgery
If you're doing knee replacement surgery, you'll pay around $49,000 to $57,000 for surgery in the USA. In India, it'll only cost $2,000.
On average, you can expect to pay around $4,000 for total hip replacement surgery in India. In the USA, you'll pay between $23,000 and $74,000 for the same procedure.
With shoulder and rotator cuff surgery, you'll pay around $7,200 and $8,100 in India. Compared to the USA, the same surgery costs around $20,000 but can go up to $50,000.
When doing an ACL procedure in India, you’ll only need about $2,500. In the USA, expect to pay $20,000 to $50,000.
| Procedure | USA | India |
| Total knee replacement surgery | $49,000 - $57,000 | $2,000 |
| Total hip replacement | $23,000 - $74,000 | $4,000 |
| Shoulder and rotator cuff surgery | $20,000 - $50,000 | $7,200 - $8,100 |
| ACL surgery | $20,000 - $50,000 | $2,500 |
*Prices are subject to change.
Applying for orthopedic surgery abroad can seem intimidating, and this causes many patients to avoid it and do surgery in their home country, where it’s more expensive.
However, preparing for a trip to India is straightforward and even fun. Here’s how to apply for orthopedic surgery in India with minimal fuss:
Step 1. Do Thorough Research
You never want to head overseas without doing extensive research about where you’ll be staying, what hospital you’re doing surgery at, and how to get around town.
The first step is to read reviews and learn about hospitals in India that specialize in orthopedic surgery. This could be via email, video call, or text message with a medical tourism expert.
Here’s your opportunity to ask them any questions you might have. Some may include:
- Do surgeons operate on medical tourists frequently?
- How long must I stay in hospital after my surgery?
- Does the hospital staff speak English?
Once you’ve spoken to several hospitals, decide which hospital you like best, depending on their answers to your questions.
During this time, it’s crucial to get an idea of how far your accommodation is to the hospital. Will you need private transport or is public transport fine? Also, how will you get around when you’re recovering?
For this reason, it’s best to live in a hotel nearest to your hospital of choice.
Pro tip: Talk to people who traveled to India for surgery. Most ex-patients are happy to help, and you can get an idea of how their experience was, what mistakes they made, and how to avoid it.
Step 2. Book Your Accommodation And Hospital Appointment
Once you’ve done extensive research, book a room at a nearby accommodation. It doesn’t have to be a hotel. Feel free to use a vacation rental service like Airbnb since they can be cheaper and closer to your hospital.
You’ll also need to set an appointment with your hospital. If you’re going to take a vacation before your surgery, book tickets for local tours to iconic landmarks, nature reserves, and other tourist attractions.
Step 3. Get Your Documents Ready
Once everything is set, get the necessary documentation ready. This includes:
After you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, make a copy of each one and take a picture of it with your mobile phone.
This way, you’ll always have backup papers, and in the unlikely situation where you lose your backups, you’ll have pictures on your phone.
Here Are the Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery in India
When doing surgery in India, you want to be sure that you’re in one of the best hospitals employing top surgeons in Delhi, Mumbai, or Hyderabad.
This is where researching beforehand plays a vital role in the quality of your trip. To make your life a little easier, here are some of the best hospitals to do knee replacement surgery:
JCI and NABL-accredited, the 710-beds Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, is one of the leading healthcare providers in the city.
It was first awarded the JCI accreditation in 2005 and reaccredited in 2008 and 2011. Spread over 15 acres and 600,000 sq ft, it offers 52 specialties, including oncology, cardiology, and transplant care.
It has NABL-accredited labs and cutting-edge technologies like PET-CT, Da Vinci Robotic Surgery, and 3 Tesla MRI. This flagship hospital of Apollo Group maintains the highest clinical standards with a team of expert consultants and staff.
Indraprastha Apollo leads healthcare innovations in India with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
- 1995 Established
- 5,000+ Pharmacies
- 11,000+ Care Providers
Apollo Hospital is a healthcare facility that’s deeply connected to India’s history.
It employs over 60,000 professionals and is famous for its high-quality healthcare. This makes it a popular choice for medical tourists in the USA and Canada.
Apollo built several hospitals around India. Some of these are located in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
This way, you can choose which city to operate in and visit breathtaking landmarks, museums, and national parks in the area.
With advanced diagnostic units, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, is a renowned 250-bed hospital in South Delhi, India.
It has 12 modular theatres, emergency care, Tesla MRI and Cath Labs and 50 critical beds. The hospital offers Cardiac Sciences, Orthopaedics, Urology, Neurology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology.
With 300+ specialists working here, it is a highly sought-after healthcare centre.
- NABH Accredited
- 300+ Doctors
- 22+ Departments
The Max Super Specialty Hospital employs some of the best orthopedic surgeons in Delhi.
Many of their surgeons were trained in the USA and Canada and speak fluent English.
Some of these surgeons studied at world-renowned institutions like:
-
- University of Oxford
- University of California
- Johns Hopkins University
You’re surrounded by the best knee replacement surgeons in India when you walk into the operation room.
The hospital also brings in some of the best robot-assisted technology because they always spend time and money developing quality medical equipment.
NABH-accredited, Max Hospital, in Gurugram has 290 doctors and 201 nursing staff.
It offers comprehensive care, equipped with 16 ICU beds, 6 PICUs, 7 NICUs, and advanced facilities like endoscopy and radiology.
The 104+ bed Max Hospital Gurugram has treated over 5 lakh patients, applying its expertise across 36 specialised fields.
These include Cardiac Sciences, Minimal Access, and Laparoscopic Surgery, Neurosciences, Urology, Orthopaedics, Aesthetics, and Reconstructive Surgery, and Nephrology.
- NABH Accredited
- NABL Accredited
- 36+ Specialties
Max Healthcare Hospital, located in Gurgaon, India, is a 72-bed facility that operates on thousands of medical tourists each year.
Here are some surgeries they specialize in:
- Partial and total knee arthroscopy
- Hip joint resurfacing
- Shoulder replacements
- Anterior cruciate ligament or ACL reconstruction
The modern healthcare facility also contains 12 ICU beds, 5 PICUs, 5 NICUs, and 5 cardio care beds.
Regardless of what type of bone surgery you need, Max Healthcare employs hundreds of professionals with decades of experience.
They also receive millions of dollars in investment capital, allowing them to invest in the best equipment and house more patients.
It's location makes it a great choice if you’re looking to have some fun before your procedure.
Max Hospital, Dehradun, a 200+ bed NABH-certified facility with NABL-accredited labs, has treated over 3 lakh patients.
Equipped with Neuro Navigation and 6 high-end modular OTs, it provides advanced treatments. A skilled team of 130 doctors and 300+ nurses ensure expert, holistic care.
It offers 63 ICU beds, 67 critical care beds, and 24 HDU beds, ensuring top care. The hospital excels in 25 specialties, including Neurosciences and Cardiac Sciences.
- NABH Certified
- NABL Accredited Labs
- 130+ Expert Doctors
World Class Orthopedic Suites in India | MTC Partner Hospital
Now that we’ve looked at the best hospitals in India to do your orthopedic surgery, let’s cover the best surgeons.
Top 10 Orthopedic Surgeons In India
Dr. Anil Arora
Dr. Arora, a Guinness World Record holder, is a leading ROBOTIC joint replacement surgeon.
He has performed over 12,000 joint replacements.
He completed fellowships in joint replacement surgery in the UK, Australia, and the USA. His extensive career includes roles as Assistant Professor and Professor in orthopedics.
He was awarded “Top Knee & Hip Replacement Surgeon of The Year 2022” by the Economic Times.
Educación
National Board of Examinations and Dr. SN Medical College, Jodhpur
Membresías
- Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association
- Indian Orthopaedic Association
- Delhi Orthopaedic Association (President)
Dr. J. Maheswari
Dr. J. Maheshwari is an orthopedic surgeon in New Delhi, trained at AIIMS and abroad.
He regularly uses computer navigation in joint replacement surgeries.
As a former professor, he brings academic excellence to his practice.
Dr. J. Maheshwari and his team have performed over 20,000 operations, including 6,000+ knee replacements. They have also conducted over 200 shoulder replacements.
Educación
AIIMS, New Delhi
Membresías
- Delhi Medical Council
- Medical Council of India
- Indian Orthopaedic Association
Dr. H.N. Bajaj
Dr. H.N. Bajaj is a leading orthopedic surgeon in New Delhi.
He was a consultant orthopedic surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Malaysia.,
He was also a senior registrar at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia.
Dr. Bajaj trained at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
He received the Chairman Award for outstanding services in 2011.
Educación
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
Membresías
- Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI)
- Delhi Orthopaedic Association (DOA)
Dr. Ramneek Mahajan
Dr. Ramneek Mahajan is the Senior Director and Head of the Joint Reconstruction Unit (Knee & Hip) at Max Healthcare.
He holds fellowships in Joint Replacement from:
- Singapore General Hospital
- The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane, and
- Püttlingen Hospital in Germany
He has performed over 32,000 surgeries, including more than 15,000 joint replacements of various types.
Educación
Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
Membresías
- Indian Arthroscopy Society
- Indian Orthopaedic Association
- Indian Federation Of Sports Medicine
Dr. Vikas Gupta
Dr. Vikas Gupta is a leading expert in hand & upper extremity surgery.
He is an associate professor at AIIMS, New Delhi. He is the first surgeon in India to perform wrist replacement using Ceramic on Ceramic technology.
He did an AO fellowship from Germany and a Hand Surgery fellowship from Mayo Clinic, USA.
With over 6,000 complex hand and upper extremity surgeries, he is a leader in his field.
Educación
AIIMS, New Delhi
Membresías
- Delhi Orthopaedic Association (DOA)
- Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA)
- Association of Spinal Surgeons Of India (ASSI)
Dr. Ashish Jain
Dr. Ashish Jain is a renowned joint replacement & reconstruction specialist.
He has performed Computer-Assisted TKR for over a decade. He has received training in Hamburg, Germany, for the same.
Dr. Jain is skilled in osteoporosis treatment, musculoskeletal pain management, and heat therapy.
Educación
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka
Membresías
- Delhi Medical Council (DMC)
- Indian Arthroplasty Association (IAA)
- Indian Society of Hip & Knee Surgeons (ISHKS)
Dr. Lavindra Tomar
Dr. L. Tomar is an orthopedic surgeon. He is known for his expertise in both invasive and non-invasive orthopedic procedures.
Dr. Tomar holds a fellowship from the ICS, USA, and the Association of Osteosynthesis in Davos, Switzerland.
He has been a visiting fellow for joint replacement in Australia, Germany, the USA, and the UK. He has performed more than 10,000 joint replacement surgeries.
Educación
University of Dundee, Scotland, UK
Membresías
- Indian Arthroplasty Association (IAS)
- International College of Surgeons (ICS), USA
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Dr. Ashish Mittal
Dr. Ashish Mittal is an expert in trauma and joint replacement surgery.
He completed the Zimmer hip and knee course at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok.
He is an AO-trained surgeon specializing in operative fracture management.
He has also attended Stryker’s hip and knee course in Hong Kong.
Educación
KMC, Manipal, Karnataka
Membresías
- Indian Orthopaedic Association
- Delhi Orthopedic Association
Dr. Balvinder Rana
Dr. Balvinder Rana is an expert in orthopedics and joint replacement. His specialties include ankle and foot arthroscopy and ankle ligament reconstruction.
He has also completed his foot and ankle surgery fellowships in Ohio, USA.
He also specializes in flat foot reconstruction surgery and arthritis of the foot and ankle.
Educación
Wardha, India Nagpur University
Membresías
- Indian Foot and Ankle Society
- Indian Orthopaedic Association
- American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)
Dr. Chandeep Singh
Dr. Singh is currently is the director of orthopedics in Max Hospitals, Delhi. He has 22+ years of expertise in computer-assisted joint replacement surgeries.
He has a special interest in bone disorders related to extremities and complex traumatology.
Educación
University College of Medical Sciences & G.T.B Hospital, Delhi
Membresías
- Arthroplasty Society in Asia (ASIA)
- Indian Arthroplasty Association (IAA)
- Indian Society of Hip and Knee Surgeons (ISHKS)
Top Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore, India
Orthopedic Surgery in India - Patient Reviews
Knee Replacement Surgery - Iraqi Patient Testimonial
Knee Replacement Surgery - US Patient Testimonial
How To Get Around In India
When you arrive in India, you’ll have a few transport options:
- A ride-hailing service like Uber
- Bus
- Rented car
Navigating India might seem intimidating, but India contains big cities with effective transport options that allow you to get around with minimal hassle.
Consider taking the bus to explore a big city like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore.
Most Indian buses accommodate those with wheelchairs and crutches.
You can go to the nearest bus station and buy a monthly ticket for a few dollars.
It allows you to travel as much as you want for an affordable price.
Avoid government-owned intercity buses as they may be crowded.
However, a private bus service like that from Volvo can be comfortable to use.
You could also opt for an Uber or rent a car.
Uber is quite affordable, and they’ll help after your surgery if you’re in a wheelchair or need crutches.
Renting a car is also a practical choice for those with minor operations.
But if you’re getting knee or hip surgery, this may not be feasible.
Conclusion
Doing orthopedic surgery in the USA, Canada, or the UK can cost over ten times more than India. That’s why thousands of patients travel to India each year for affordable surgery. You also get access to some of the best orthopedic surgeons in the world.
Reference
1.Newsweek: The World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2021
