If severe knee pain, limited leg movement, stiffness, and arthritis keep you awake in the night, undergoing knee cartilage resurfacing in Tijuana, Mexico is an alternative worth giving a go, especially if affordability is a primary criterion for you.
As of 2010- 2012, nearly 1 in 2 people may develop symptomatic knee OA (osteoarthritis) caused by a joint disease from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone by age 85 in the US1.
Knee and knee joint play a vital role in the human body by bearing body weight and aiding movements of the lower leg and foot. Sometimes the articular cartilage (that provides low-friction to slide against one another) of the knee is injured or torn accompanied with severe knee pain. Most knee pain respond well to self-care but in some cases, surgical intervention such as knee cartilage resurfacing is required.
Why TJ for Knee Cartilage Repair?
Affordable Than US
The cost of Articular Cartilage Repair in TJ, Mexico is a third of the prices quoted in the United States. Therefore, Americans who cannot afford expensive treatment in the US can consider surgery south of the border.
Knee Resurfacing Cost Comparison – Mexico Vs USA
| Tijuana | USA | |
| Cost of Articular Cartilage Repair | $3,200 | $40,000-50,000 |
Note: USA costs taken from Health Line; all prices mentioned on the website are subject to change without notice.
Advanced Orthopedic Care
At TOC, we offer advanced diagnostic, surgical, and rehabilitation services for a wide spectrum of orthopedic treatments – from knee replacement to ankle fusion and hip replacement to rotator cuff repair in Tijuana.
Experienced Surgeons and Staff
TOC not only offers the advantage of enormous savings, but also maintains high medical standards in terms of technology and equipment. Our surgeons are highly qualified, and have international experience and education. English-speaking staff is always nearby and language is no barrier between the doctor and you.
Your surgery will be performed by Dr. Eliseo Mora Sanchez. He has an extensive experience of more than 30 years in orthopedics, and has been an international member of the prestigious American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) for 15 years now.
Less Waiting Time
Waiting times here are considerably shorter than in the United States and Canada. Long waiting lists can be a significant concern for individuals wishing to alleviate their medical condition as soon as possible.
Ideal Location
TJ is ideally located in proximity to the US with San Diego, CA less than 20 miles away. Your stay will be overlooked by our destination manager who will ensure a hassle-free experience throughout your medical trip.
Staying Safe in TJ
When in TJ, be watchful in the following places:
- Calle Coahuila, Zona Norte is the red light area of the city and should be avoided for security reasons.
- The east side of the city, with neighborhoods like El Florido, Murua, Mariano Matamoros, among many others are considered notorious. When you are in any one of these areas, be aware and cautious in terms of where you go and what you do.
- Beware of pharmacies selling generic medicines at low prices as some of them do not sell control medicines. It is recommended to carry a doctor’s prescription along when buying medication.
One must exercise caution including the following travel warnings from the US Department of State2 and the US Customs and Border Protection3:
- One must exercise caution at night in the Mexican state of Baja California
- Do not flash your expensive jewellery and other items
- Do not take deserted roads; instead opt for toll roads (known as cuotas) for better safety
- Stay in well-known tourist destinations
- Check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about import of medications before entering Mexico3
- You must be 21 years of age to possess alcoholic beverages; if not, the alcohol will automatically be confiscated3
Getting There
| By Air | By Car |
| The closest American airport to TJ is the San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN) which is just about 15 miles north of the international border, and one can reach the San Ysidro Port of Entry from there. | If you prefer to drive in your own vehicle, remember to obtain Mexican insurance (mandatory) before crossing the border; it can also be purchased online. |
| San Ysidro Port of Entry is open 24*7Phone: (619) 690-8800. | You can park your vehicle at the US side of the border or take it along into Mexico. |
Fill our FREE Estimate form to schedule an appointment with our orthopedi width=”319″c surgeon.
Articular Cartilage Restoration
Articular cartilage is the soft white cartilage that covers the ends of the bones and facilitates smooth joint movements. It does not have blood vessels or nerves; as a result any injury to the cartilage cannot heal on its own.
Articular cartilage damage results from twisting of the joint and ligament that loosen or subvert the knee. Other reasons that can damage the articular cartilage include previous injuries, removal of the meniscus cartilage, high BMI, and osteoarthritis (OA). It is often accompanied by:
- Inability to bend the knee
- Difficulty in walking and climbing the stairs
- Limping due to soreness
- Redness and swelling
Arthroscopic procedure for repairing the articular cartilage works through small incisions and replacing the damaged cartilage with healthy tissue from other parts in the knee or with cartilage from donors. It can also be achieved with patient’s own cartilage cells.
Benefits of Knee Cartilage Repair Surgery
- Faster recovery, if performed arthroscopically4
- Reduced pain and renewed function4
- Prevention or delayed onset of arthritis4
What happens during the initial examination?
The doctor examines your knee for a possible meniscus tear. He may ask you about past injuries (if any) and the cause for current injury. He may evaluate your knees for tenderness, range of motion, and stability. An X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may be conducted to ascertain the extent of injury.
What is the success rate of this surgery?
At the average follow-up of 3.5 years, patients reported higher activity levels and decreased pain, as well as a high degree of satisfaction with the procedure5.
How long will I be in TJ?
Our orthopedic surgeon at TOC recommends the following:
You will be in TJ for 3-4 days including 1-2 days in a hotel for follow-up and one day in the hospital following the procedure.
How do I make arrangements for surgery?
After your surgeon has scheduled your surgery, our Case Manager will contact you regarding your stay south of the border.
When will I be able to get back to work?
Most people take at least one month off from work but strenuous jobs will require a longer absence from work.
Are there any restrictions post surgery?
Yes, there are certain restrictions following the surgery including:
- Restriction to partial weight-bearing for 2 weeks with the knee locked in extension in a knee brace6
- Only gentle range of motion is allowed (0 to 90°)6
- Increased weight-bearing from weeks 3–86
- Running is allowed at 16 weeks and return to full activity is allowed between 6 and 9 months following the surgery6
For more information and a FREE Quote, fill in the website contact form.
References:
- http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm
- http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html
- https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/cbp-reqs-mexico
- http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00422
- https://www.hss.edu/newsroom_hss-study-cartilage-repair-effective-treatment-for-middle-aged-patients.asp
- Frank RM, Cole BJ. Meniscus transplantation.Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2015;8(4):443-450. doi:10.1007/s12178-015-9309-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4630226/
