Which doctor will perform hip surgery (total hip replacement)?
An orthopaedic surgeon performs surgical procedures on the skeleton (limbs and spine).
Orthopaedic surgery treats diseases, trauma (fracture, rupture, haematoma) and deformities of the musculoskeletal system, i.e., the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
An orthopaedic surgeon can perform surgery, make small incisions (arthroscopy), repair fractures or dislocations under anaesthesia (or not), stitch up large wounds or wounds requiring exploration to check for associated tendon, nerve or joint damage, open an abscess under local or general anaesthesia (panaritium) or simply put on a plaster cast or splint when surgery is not necessary.
What are the signs that I might need a hip replacement?
The signs vary, but the result is an obvious loss of mobility and autonomy, difficulty in walking, limping, and most often, a notable stiffening of the joint. If osteoarthritis of the hip joint (coxofemoral joint) is detected, the causes should be investigated, and the value of replacing the damaged joint with a total hip prosthesis should be discussed.
A hip replacement may also be indicated for certain fractures of the neck of the femur bone. In this case, the acetabulum (the upper part of the joint located on the hip bone) usually does not need to be replaced.
How is this hip surgery performed ?
The operation takes about an hour. If the operation was performed under general anaesthesia, the patient is then monitored in the recovery room for two to three hours, depending on how they are recovering.
The operation can also be performed under locoregional anaesthesia, via an epidural. This aims to desensitise a part of the body by blocking the nerves in the spinal cord, thereby suppressing pain.
A number of techniques to treat hip conditions have been developed by orthopaedic surgeons. No one size fits all, and the choice depends on your surgeon’s experience (skill), your anatomy and functional requirements and the prevention of complications (dislocation). The trend is towards minimally invasive surgery and catching the condition early. Rehabilitation care (prevention of dislocation) may be prescribed.
Preparing for your hospital stay with ELSAN in France
How can I make an appointment ?
FAQ
How can I obtain a visa?
To obtain your visa for France, you will need to apply to the French Embassy in your country of residence. Once you have paid the care cost estimate provided by the ELSAN International Patients Department, you will be sent a letter of invitation and a certificate of payment signed by the hospital where your procedure will take place. These documents should be attached to your visa application.
What about follow-up treatment?
Depending on your personal situation, your medical team may recommend a rehabilitation hospital stay. This will be discussed with you.
How long before I can fly?
Your doctor will make specific recommendations. We suggest that you ask them to issue a Fit to Fly certificate, as depending on your medical situation, it may be necessary to respect a certain time limit in the interest of your health.
Will I be reimbursed?
For patients not covered by French health insurance, we provide an estimate of the cost of treatment. You should submit this estimate, along with your treatment plan, to your insurer to obtain their prior agreement, in accordance with your insurance policy.
In some cases insurers will pay directly (avoiding any advance payments by the policyholder) or reimburse the policyholder on proof of payment (paid invoice). This will depend on your insurance policy.