Today, the Land of Smiles has turned into a hotspot for surgery globe travelers, by which is meant low-cost, high-quality, and standards medical care service, holding US or European countries in history. That is the reason why the number of patients affected by ACL injury willing to choose Thailand as their destination for surgery increases day by day. From ACL reconstruction to knee replacement surgery, Thailand offers a wide range of orthopedic solutions. Better, let’s break down the knee gradually and comprehensively to get a better understanding of the ACL.
What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
This is a procedure that doctors use to repair you torn ACL with a new tissue graft. It is done by using arthroscopy. It means a technology where small cuts are made and a camera is used to guide the doctors. This method reduces recovery time and leaves smaller scars.
Usually, the majority of patients are under general anesthesia before the operation, and after that, they will be in a period of rest, recovery through physiotherapy, and a slow return to their usual activities for quite some time. If well taken care of, most individuals can get back to their usual activities within the span of 6-12 months.
Why Thailand is Popular for Medical Tourism
Thailand has become one of the leading countries for medical tourism, a place people choose to go for their treatment, and this is the reason:
- Thailand provides more affordable prices than other countries.
- Doctors of Thailand are well educated and highly trained.
- Hospitals use the latest and modern technology for surgery to get better outcomes.
- The hospitals of Thailand have been certified by an international organization.
- In Thailand, hospitals provide packages like accommodation, translation, and travel.
Factors Affecting ACL Reconstruction Surgery Cost
The cost of ACL surgery in Thailand can be based on several factors. Look at below:
- Arthroscopic Surgery: In this method, a doctor gets help from a camera for its minimally invasive nature.
- Open Surgery: This is the oldest method in which the surgeon can cut a larger part of your body to access the knee. It will be more expensive.
- Public Hospitals: Patients in the public hospital may also experience long waiting times for their treatment, but the services are very cheap for all.
- Private Hospitals: At a private hospital, foreign patients can quickly and without any hassle receive their treatment while enjoying great facilities and service.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: If the hospital is near your hometown, it will reduce the expensive.
- Longer Hospital Stay: If the hospital is too far from your hometown, it may increase your budget for surgery due to a longer stay.
- Medications: You need to buy some medicine after completing surgery to get a fast recovery, painkillers, and antibiotics.
- Lab Tests: Before surgery, you need to undergo for blood test and an X-ray.
Cost Breakdown For ACL Surgery in Thailand
Here is the cost estimate of ACL reconstruction surgery in Thailand
|
Item |
Estimated Cost (USD) |
|
ACL Surgery (Total Package) |
$3,000-$7,000 |
|
Big Private Hospital |
$5,000-$7,000 |
|
Smaller Private Clinic |
$3,000-$4,500 |
|
Surgeon’s Fee (included above) |
Varies based on experience |
|
Rehab / Physical Therapy |
$20-$40 per session / $300+ total |
Does Health Insurance Cover ACL Surgery in Thailand?
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is covered in majority of health insurance plans, but whether the coverage is full or partial depends on various factors such as:
- If there is an operation in a hospital, then your medical insurance needs to cover the hospital stays.
- Some plans cover the surgery itself, but may not cover special tools or implants used.
- After surgery, you need physiotherapy. Some insurance plans cover this, others don’t.
- If the injury happened before you bought the insurance, it might not be covered.
- There is a provision in most plans according to which a waiting period of 30 days to 120 days elapses before coverage of surgery is activated.
- The insurer may only pay for those hospitals or certain types of rooms in which the policyholder is accommodated.
- Be aware of insurance, like you should know how much your insurance will pay for your medical treatment..
Cost Comparison of ACL Surgery in Other Countries
|
Country |
Cost Range (USD) |
Notes |
|
Thailand |
$6,500-$10,000 |
High-quality care at a fraction of Western prices |
|
India |
$1,500-$3,500 |
It depends on the cities or hospitals for an affordable price |
|
Singapore |
$6,000-$12,000 |
Public hospitals offer lower costs; private hospitals are more expensive. |
|
United States |
$20,000-$50,000 |
High-end private hospitals can be significantly more |
Preparing for ACL Surgery in Thailand
There are some important tips to help prepare for ACL surgery:
- Learn about the surgery: Know the ACL surgery and the way it will ease your knee.
- Choose a hospital: Select a hospital or clinic in Thailand well known for this surgery that is good.
- Find a doctor: Search for a specialist doctor and get an appointment. Confirm the doctor is competent with ACL surgeries.
- Have tests done: You will be required to have certain tests done prior to your surgery such as X-rays, blood tests, and an MRI scan.
- Obey the directions: Adhere to the doctor’s instruction such as the time at which you are allowed to eat and drink before the operation.
- Prepare your stay: it is necessary for you to prepare the place where you will be staying after the surgery, it could be at the hospital or a relative’s home.
- Schedule the time for recovery: You will need to go through some tests and physical therapy after the operation for a speedy recovery of your knee.
Risks of ACL Reconstruction Surgery Treatment
Here are the risks for ACL surgery that you should know:
- It may happen to get infected around the knee after surgery.
- Blood clots can form inside the legs.
- Inside the knee, bleeding or swelling is possible.
- Maybe you might feel stiff or sore nearby knee after surgery.
- Sometimes, the new ligament may not heal well.
- Little possibility, your nerves around the knee can be damaged during the surgery is going on.
- Healing might take longer than expected.
- It will take a longer time to recover than you expect.
Conclusion
ACL reconstruction surgery in Thailand is still a wonderful alternative, and patients would get quality medical care, have access to trained doctors, and modern hospitals. Although there are some risks of infection or the patient taking longer to recover, the advantages include less knee pain, more mobility, and being able to do what you used to. Typically, a person would pay less compared to the West, but they are advised to allocate money for the operation, the trip, and recuperation. Most will be back on their feet within a reasonable time with the correct planning and rehabilitation.
