Orthopedics in Hong Kong

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 Hong Kong?

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 Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong

About Hong Kong

The former British colony became a special administrative region of China in 1997, when Britain's 99-year lease of the New Territories, north of Hong Kong Island, expired. Hong Kong is governed under the principle of "one country, two systems", under which China has agreed to give the region a high degree of autonomy and to preserve its economic and social systems for 50 years from the date of the handover.

Hong Kong welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Orthopedics procedures. Hong Kong is a well-established hub for medical tourism, although it is better known for its quality and cutting-edge procedures than for cost.

Popular Parts of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a blend of a dynamic cultural landscape with an astonishing skyline, glamorous shopping, as well as one of the world’s top culinary destinations. 

• Victoria Peak (The Peak) offers the best view of Hong Kong’s modern skyline. It is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and the most visited spots by tourists. You can ride the tram to the top where you will find the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria. The peak is covered by a large park filled with incredible greenery.  
• Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha Statue) is located in Lantau Island. It is one of the largest Buddha statues and took 12 years to complete. It is the perfect place for tourists who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by forest and ocean, the statue gives an incredible view. The best way to reach the Buddha is by riding the Ngong Ping Cable car which will take you on a spectacular ride over the forest.
• Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the most popular temples in Hong Kong. It was named after the famous monk of yore, Wong Tai Sin. It is said that he has the ability to punish evils, heal the wounded, rescue the dying, and grant whatever is requested. The temple is also known as Sik Sik Yuen and has a traditional Chinese temple style. 
• Temple Street Night Market is the best night market for tourists. Starting at 6.00 pm, it is the place to go if you want to taste Hong Kong’s street food. You can also find vendors selling gadgets, trinkets, clothing, household goods, jewelry, and traditional Chinese crafts. The place is brimming with atmosphere and it has served as the backdrop to many movies.
• Hong Kong Disneyland is a wonderful world for any Disney lovers. The park is divided into seven lands: Adventureland, Grizzly Gulch, Main Street, Mystic Point, Fantasy Land, Toy Story Land, and Tomorrowland. Here, you will find various adventures, parades, and musicals. In the evening, you can watch the fireworks over the castle.
• Star Ferry is a beloved icon of the city. It is said that your visit to Hong Kong will never be complete without cruising on the famous ferry. You can see the sparkling landscape of the city while enjoying the refreshing breeze.

Weather and Climate in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s weather is influenced by the monsoon subtropical climate. The temperature is mostly mild all year round. May to September are the warmest months with an average temperature of 33 °C while mid-December to February are the coldest months with the temperature falling to 10 °C. Spring starts from March and ends in early May and the weather during this season is pleasant with many sunny days, but you can also have foggy, rainy, and stormy days. 

The summer in Hong Kong is hot and humid with a perpetual threat of rain showers, thunderstorms, and sometimes even typhoons. Summer lasts for around four months from May to September. With August as the wettest month in the city.

The best time to visit Hong Kong is in the autumn, starting from October to early December when the days are generally sunny and the temperatures range from 22 °C to 28 °C. Winter is the holiday season in the city and the average temperature is around 16 °C to 18 °C but it can drop under 10 °C.

Getting Around in Hong Kong

The main gateway to Hong Kong is the Hong Kong International Airport. The airport is built on reclaimed land on the island of Chek Lap Kok and it serves international destinations to almost every major city in the world, including, Dubai, Amsterdam, Seoul, Canada, Singapore, and Sydney. For affordable travel, budget airlines such as AirAsia, Eastar Jet, and IndiGo are available. There are a wide variety of public transport services to and from the airport. The best options are Airport Express, public buses, and taxis.

To get around Hong Kong, it is best to purchase Tourist Day Tickets which gives you unlimited access to the main MTR and certain Rail lines for HK$65. If you are planning to stay longer in the city, the Octopus Card will be a big help. The card is reusable and can be used for almost every public transportation mode and you can buy the card for HK$150.

One of the fastest and easiest ways to get around the city is by the MTR (Mass Transit Railways) and it is one of the most advanced metro systems on the planet. The MTR operates 11 lines from 06.00 am to 01.00 am. The fare ranges from HK$3.6 to HK$52.6 depending on the distance. 

The public bus is a great way to explore Hong Kong, especially the south side of the island and the New Territories. Most buses are double-decker and air-conditioned and it is an affordable way to get around the city and the fares will vary based on the distance traveled. Other public transportation modes such as tram and ferry are also available.

If you need a more flexible way of travel, taxis are easy to find and offer excellent value. There are three types of taxis, the red taxis operate throughout the city except for Lantau Island and the fares start at HK$24. The green taxis only operate in the New Territories and the fares start at HK$20.50. The blue taxis serve Lantau Island and the fares start at HK$19.

Tourist Visas in Hong Kong

Citizens of around 170 countries and territories may visit and stay in Hong Kong without a visa for up to 180 days. Other countries not listed in the visa-free entry such as Albania, Armenia, and Cambodia need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least one to six months beyond the date of entry to Hong Kong. Visitors can apply for a visa from their nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Hong Kong Dollar. US$1 converts to HK$7.78.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists can find ATMs almost everywhere, and most ATMs are linked up to international money systems such as Maestro, Cirrus, and Visa Electron. Credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is generally not expected and restaurants usually add 10% to 15% service charge to your bill.
3. Local Language: Most people in Hong Kong speak Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin). However, English is also widely spoken since it is one of the government official languages. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: Many people in Hong Kong either follow Buddhism, Confucianism, or Taoism. Christianity is also one of the major religions in the city. Other religions such as Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and the Bahá'í Faith are also freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Hong Kong celebrates major religious holidays such as Lunar New Year, Ching Ming Festival, and Christmas.