Orthopedics in Austria

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 Austria?

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 Austria 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 Austria

Austria is a mountainous landlocked country in south-central Europe. Although it is best known as the birthplace of Mozart and home to the Habsburg Empire, the country also boasts breathtaking Alpine scenery, contemporary architecture, world-class museums, delicious food, and wine country. Austria is also known to have one of the best healthcare systems in the world, making it a popular destination for international medical tourists. Many people, particularly from other European countries and Asia, come to Austria to receive medical care in one of its many internationally acclaimed medical centers, two of which are accredited by JCI. These medical centers feature cutting-edge technology and first-class facilities.

Popular Parts of Austria

Austria’s capital city, Vienna, is rich with remarkable Habsburg sights, such as Schönbrunn Palace and Lipizzaner stallions. It is also home to the Mozart Museum, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Naschmarkt, and Bulverde Palace where visitors can see an incredible art collection with works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. Salzburg is another popular city in the country. This city is frequented by fans of Mozart and the “Sound of Music.” It also boasts beautiful Baroque churches, a dramatic castle, and a stunning old town full of winding lanes. Other popular parts of Austria include Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut, and Tirol.  

Weather and Climate in Austria

June to August is summer in Austria with warm days and cool nights and an average temperature of around 18 - 19°C. Summer mornings are usually sunny, but thunderstorms can sometimes break out in the afternoon. Winter in Austria, from November to March, can be very cold as the temperatures plummet to an average of -1 to 5°C. Spring and autumn are generally nice and incredibly beautiful.

Getting around in Austria

There are 6 international airports in Austria, but the main airport where most tourists arrive at is Vienna International Airport. It serves as the hub for Austrian Airlines and Eurowings, as well as several budget airlines, such as Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Lauda. This airport connects Austria with many cities in other European countries, North America, Africa, and Asia. Getting around Austria is fairly easy since it's public transport system is fast, efficient, and reaches even remote regions. Internal flights are available, but given the size of the country, it is rarely necessary. The country’s national railway system (ÖBB) is integrated with the Postbus services. Cheaper bust options, such as the Flexibus, are available as well. Inside major cities, an extensive system of light rail, metro, bus, and tramway services are available. Taxis are reliable and relatively affordable.

Tourist Visas in Austria

Since Austria is a part of the Schengen Area, nationals of EU/EEA do not need a visa to enter the country regardless of the purpose of their travel. Citizens of about 62 countries are exempt from a visa to travel to Austria, including the US, Canada, Australia, and South Korea. Unless you are a citizen of these 62 countries, you will need a visa to visit Austria.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Austria uses the Euro (€) as its official currency. €1 converts to approximately US$1.17.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs (called Bankomats) are easy to find across Austria, especially in major cities and towns. Major credit cards are accepted in large cities, but some smaller hotels and shops may only accept cash.
3. Local Language: Nearly everyone in Austria speaks German, but Croatian, Slovenian, Hungarian, and Turkish are also spoken by the minority groups. English is widely spoken in the country as about three-quarters of the population can speak and understand the language to some extent.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Freedom of religion is protected by the constitution. Around 64% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. Other religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Sikhism, are freely practiced as well. 
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, National Day, and Christmas Day are some of the most important holidays in Austria.