Orthopedics in Argentina

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, including the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. A doctor who specializes in orthopedics is called an orthopedist. The musculoskeletal conditions that orthopedists can treat may be present from birth or occur as a result of injury or age-related wear and tear. Some of the most common conditions that an orthopedist can treat are as follows:

• Bone fractures
• Joint pain from arthritis
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Soft tissue, including muscles, ligament, and tendon, injuries
• Shoulder pain and problems, such as bursitis
• Worn out and sports injuries, such as meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and tendinitis
• Congenital conditions, such as scoliosis and clubfoot.

Orthopedists can conduct diagnostic tests, including physical examinations and X-rays. They use both surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. The procedures performed by orthopedists include, but are not limited to:

• Total joint replacement
• Knee ligament surgery, including knee arthroscopy
• Shoulder arthroscopy
• Carpal tunnel release
• Fracture repair surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Hip replacement
• LaminectomyFracture repair surgery, including repair of the ankle, the femoral neck, and trochanteric fracture
• Bone grafting surgery
• Osteotomy
• Herniated disk surgery
• Debridement of muscle, bone, or fracture.

How Long Should I Stay in Argentina?

Depending on the condition for which you were treated and the type of treatment you underwent, you may be able to leave the hospital the same day or the day after surgery. In general, you should wait at least 4 to 7 days before you travel home for most surgeries. This is because surgery can affect your ability to tolerate turbulence. After total hip replacement, it is recommended that you take it very easy for around 3 months to minimize the risk of hip dislocation. During your stay in Argentina you will need to attend several follow-up checkups where your orthopedist will monitor your healing and remove any stitches (if necessary). 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Several factors determine your recovery period, including your overall health, the reason you needed an orthopedic treatment, and the type of treatment you had. Your orthopedist will give you a detailed post-operative plan, including when you can go back to your normal routine and work. The recovery period takes approximately 2 weeks to 3 months.

What Aftercare is Required?

Make sure to follow your orthopedist direction after treatment. In most cases, you will need to attend rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, which you can do at a facility in your home country or have home visits from a physical therapist. The goal of physical therapy is to increase your range of motion, improve function, and to regain your strength and ability. 

What's the Success Rate?

The advancement of orthopedics and a deeper understanding of the musculoskeletal system have made orthopedic treatments safer and highly successful. For example, over 95% of patients who had total hip replacement experience relief from hip pain. However, while orthopedics surgery generally does not cause major risks, you still need to be aware that complications can occur, such as infections, blood clots, blood vessel damage, bone fracture, and joint stiffness. 

Are there Alternatives?

There is typically no other alternatives than seeing an orthopedist if you experience any problems in your bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. However, depending on your condition, you may be able to undergo acupuncture, home exercise programs, and other alternative treatments.

Orthopedics in and around Argentina

Introduction

Argentina is beautiful and intriguing, the country’s cultural diversity, coupled with its beautiful nature, ensures a wide-ranging natural and cultural experience for tourists. Today, Argentina is emerging as one of the most important destinations in the world for medical tourism. Today, you will find highly-experienced healthcare professionals, medical centers with cutting-edge technology, personalized patient care, and high-quality services. The majority of medical tourists in this country arrive from Latin American countries, the USA, and Canada. These medical tourists travel to Argentina to undergo dentistry, bariatric surgery, breast implants, and ophthalmology.    

Popular Cities and Regions in Argentina

Known as the ‘Paris of South America,’ Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city in Argentina. It is known for its heavy European influence, which makes it diverse and vibrant. In this lively city, you will be welcomed with a dynamic food scene, magnificent architecture, colorful murals, lively nightlife, and glamorous tango. One of the most popular places in Argentina, besides Buenos Aires, in Córdoba, which is a fascinating city with a blend of old and new. In this city, you can find DJs spinning electro-tango next to 17th century Jesuit ruins. Another famous tourist destination is Mendoza. Filled with atmospheric plazas, leady avenues, and cosmopolitan cafes, this city captivates its tourists by its laid-back vibe. Those looking to relax on a beach should definitely visit Mar del Plata or Pinamar, where you can soak up some sun and have a lot of fun.

Transport in Argentina

Ezeiza International Airport is the largest airport in Argentina, located in Greater Buenos Aires. It connects the country with almost every country in the world, such as the US, Mexico, France, the UK, and the UAE. Since Argentina is very large, traveling around the country is easier with domestic flights. However, buses are popular among those who want to appreciate the country’s landscape. The best way to travel inside cities is by renting a car.

Visas in Argentina

Citizens of several countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, and the US, can visit and stay in Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days. Most other nationalities need to apply and obtain a visa to enter the country.

Weather in Argentina

Given the immense size of the country, the weather varies widely from one region to another. Buenos Aires tends to be hot from December to March, but it is very pleasant to visit between July and August. The south of Argentina is nice to visit from December to March, while July and August tend to be very cold. North Argentina has three climate zones and areas around the Iguazu Falls are generally tropical with humid weather.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Argentine peso (ARS) is the official currency. 1 USD is equivalent to 62 ARS. 
2. Money & Payments: You can find ATMs in nearly every city in Argentina. Most hotels, restaurants, and stores in major cities accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard).
3. Local Language: Spanish is the main language in the country. English is also widely spoken as it is obligatory in primary school.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Argentina is an overwhelmingly Christian country. Only a small percentage of the population practices other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. 
5. Public holidays: Public holidays in Argentina usually include Catholic based holidays, such as Christmas, although other religious holidays such as the Islamic New Year is celebrated. The country also celebrates historic holidays, such as Independence Day.