Hip replacement surgery has become an increasingly important medical treatment for those patients who are suffering from Chronic hip pain, reduced mobility and illness. Hip fractures, osteoarthritis surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis are some of the conditions which lead to severe joint damage which cannot be treated by only physical therapy. In Kenya, Demand for Hip replacement surgery has steadily increased over the past decade due to many factors; due to road-traffic accidents and several injuries which contributed to hip-related problems.
What is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which a natural hip joint is replaced by the artificial implant. This surgery involves removing disease or damaged/fractured parts of the hip joint which consists of a ball and a socket. The main focus of this procedure is to enhance the quality life of an individual to perform daily routine activities such as walking, bending, climbing stairs without having problems. It gives relief from the pain caused by the damaged or diseased hip joint, it improves the function of the hip joint, it also increases mobility.
Total Hip Replacement
Total Hip replacement which is also known as Total Hip Arthroplasty. It is a surgical procedure which is performed to get the relief from the pain and restore the function in patients. When the joint damages due to disease or injury, movement of hips becomes painful and it affects the quality of life of an individual.
Partial Hip Replacement
Partial Hip Replacement which is also known as Hemiarthroplasty. It is the procedure which replaces only the damaged femoral head of the hip joint. It is performed to heal the hip fractures in elderly or less active patients. The main advantage of partial hip replacement is that it takes less surgical times and less blood loss as compared to total hip replacement.
Anterior Hip Replacement
This surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which is used to replace a damaged hip joint accessed from the front of hip or by side which allows the patient's fastest recovery, less pain and less risk of dislocation.
Posterior Hip replacement
It is the most common surgical procedure which involves 6-10 cm incision for total hip arthroplasty at the back of the hip which is near the buttock to access the joint.It is also known as the muscle-sparing technique. Recovery from this surgery can be done within 2 weeks but in some cases it may take 6 weeks depending upon the patient's conditions.
Average Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in Kenya
The average cost of total hip replacement surgery in Kenya ranges up to approx. USD 9,000 to USD 14,000 (approx. 8,00,000 to 12,00,000 in Indian Rupee). Premium hospitals in Nairobi which probably charge more than public institutions. It is a viable destination for orthopedic procedures which offers high-quality care in private hospitals at lower costs as compared to western countries like the US or Europe.
Price Range depending upon the type of Hip Replacement-
Total Hip Replacement - USD 9,000 to USD 14,000
Partial Hip Replacement- USD 5,000 to USD 6,000
Here are some of the factors regarding costing of Hip Replacement in Kenya:
1) Type of Surgery -
2) Hospital and location -
3) Surgeon's Fees-
4) Pre- and Post-Operative care-
Conclusion
In this blog, I've discussed several topics related to Hip Replacement Surgary. One of the key strengths for hip replacement surgery is the balance between Cost and Quality care. The overall cost of hip replacement surgery can vary which depends on various factors such as hospital location, skilled surgeon, etc.
