High Flexion Total Knee Replacement – Dr. A.K. Venkatachalam

A welcome boon for patients with Knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of knees affects predominantly the senior citizen age group. Total knee replacement is a permanent solution to the aged suffering to provide permanent pain relief. The elderly become pain free and the quality of life improves.

However there has been a universal feeling amongst south Indians that the majority of implants available in India and Chennai do not allow more than 100 degrees of knee bending. The patients say that they are unable to squat on the floor or climb stairs easily with the operated leg going up first and have to drag it behind the good one.  Even computer assisted surgery cannot achieve these unless the prosthesis is designed to provide this extra bend.

They may have difficulty in climbing stairs, using Indian toilet and squatting on the floor. This is a great disadvantage to majority of South Indians who prefer to squat on the floor for prayer, social activities and meals. So, many people refrain from undergoing the surgery and suffer in silence.

Now with the advent of a new type of prosthesis, patients in South India undergoing a knee replacement need not be functionally impaired.  A new design of prosthesis allows knee bending up to 155 degrees.  The patient has to be motivated to regain high knee flexion and participate in early and aggressive physiotherapy.  They should not be obese and the pre operative knee bend should be above 90 degrees.

This prosthesis is implanted by special instrumentation which is minimally invasive and does not damage the tissues. Hence post operative pain is less and rehabilitation is faster. This prosthesis is different to the many claims of rotating platform prosthesis.

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Addressing the Health Needs of Baby Boomers

Understanding the Special Needs of Boomers
Baby Boomers – you know who you are – born in the post World War II years more commonly known as “war babies” back then. This generation, born in the period of 1946 to 1964, is slated to reach staggering numbers. Citizens around the world between the ages of 55 and 65 are one of the largest age demographic groups in the annals of history.

Along with this distinction comes a variety of health needs addressing chronic problems, rising health care costs, and the retiree’s desire to travel around the globe. Enter Medical Tourism to meet this growing demand. Sites such as PlacidWay.com offer resources to assist in the decision process and coordination of care and travel. These sites help to ease an often overwhelming task.

This generation is also expected to live longer and be more active than generations before them. Longevity increases the necessity to treat chronic problems and injuries, including the pervasive rise of a larger ratio of the population suffering from diabetes, coronary heart disease, asthma, and of course, the deterioration that comes with the aging process.

A significant percent of these baby boomers are currently uninsured. Many who belong to this age group have lost their jobs due to aging, unemployment or downsizing and are no longer covered by affordable health insurance.

Traveling beyond local borders offers this group, more than any other demographic, the opportunity to pursue and receive premium healthcare, alternative treatments and travel, all at the same time. How is that possible? Web sites such as PlacidWay.com promote Medical Tourism by offering consumers a wide range of options for receiving health care, and offering the tools to coordinate care and travel. 

Boomers are leading the way to more affordable healthcare. Boomers, more than any other age group, are seeking medical care overseas to address such needs as dental care, orthopedic procedures like knee and hip replacement surgeries, cardiac care, and alternative treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiac.

Leading Treatments and Procedures for the Boomer Generation
Leading health issues among baby boomers can be categorized as common health issues resulting from lifestyle habits indulged by this age group more than any other. These habits include, for some, smoking, inadequate diet, and poor exercise habits. The most common afflictions and conditions experienced by boomers today are:
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Arterial sclerosis
• Osteoporosis
• Breast, lung, and colon cancer
• Stroke
• Joint Complaints: bursitis, arthritis, tendonitis

Dealing with such chronic issues is not cheap, especially with the rising cost of health care. Coupled with astronomical fees, patients are often required to endure long wait times between physician’s visits as well as scheduling of treatments, procedures, and surgeries.

What Are Baby Boomers Doing about Medical Care?
Retirement is looming for many baby boomers. Many have the desire to travel. Research has shown that medical tourism, or the desire to travel internationally and across borders for health reasons, is becoming a viable alternative for the treatment and care of the specialized health issues experienced by this group of people from around the world.

After comparing the cost of procedures in the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia, most baby boomers are combining their retirement desires with ongoing medical care by traveling to various destinations for their needs.

For example, American boomers needing dental care and prescriptions often travel south of the border into Mexico or even as far as Brazil, Argentina, Panama, and Costa Rica for their needs. Dental procedures, as well as medications in Latin American countries, are less than half of what comparable procedures and medications cost in the United States.

Thailand, India, and Singapore are popular destinations for those needing hip or knee replacement or heart surgeries. Europeans are making trips to Hungary, Croatia and Poland for dental and cosmetic procedures at great savings, even after including the cost of travel and hotel or clinic accommodations.

Hospitals in South America or Asia generally cost one half of the price charged in the United States and Europe. For example, cardiac and orthopedic surgeries performed in India can save health travelers nearly $20,000 or more with one surgical procedure.

Who Benefits from International Healthcare?
Baby boomers are competing with the Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1980) for alternative healthcare treatments. Such treatments are growing increasingly popular among Americans and include aspects of yoga, meditation, ayurveda, and herbal therapies. The benefits of ancient Chinese practices such as acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain caused by bone disease, as well as for the treatment of depression, diabetes and obesity are also appealing.

When it comes to treating the special needs of the baby boomer generation, meaning arthritis, orthopedic procedures, cardiac care and cancer treatments; international facilities are increasingly catering to the needs of this age group.

Research and doing your homework
Standardization of credentialing is becoming more common.  A credentialing process requires facilities such as hospitals to meet specific quality/performance criteria. JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation has been sought by a number of international hospitals.  The JCI web site lists those facilities. 

Many international physicians have been educated in countries such as the UK and the USA. Many of them also practiced for a number of years in those countries before returning to their home countries to set up practices. Some of them have obtained board certification in the USA.  It is important to research the qualifications, education and experience of any physician or healthcare provider before receiving care.  Membership in professional organization can also be a good indicator of a reliable healthcare provider.

USA based health care organizations such as Johns Hopkins, the Cleveland Clinic, Christus Health have affiliation and ownership of facilities in international settings outside of the USA.  Quality of care is essential, no matter where a procedure is performed. Foreign healthcare providers continue to offer superlative facilities, physicians, and surgeons to meet the needs of an ever-increasing number of foreign travelers. Learn more about the top healthcare centers across the world by visiting PlacidWay (www.placidway.com) web portal.

AIDS/HIV Cosmetic Surgery (Facial Lipoatrophy) – Health Tourism Panama

Nip and Tuck Panama, Panama based Medical Tourism provider, announced today a new procedure being offered to Medical Tourists through Doctor Guido Spadafora Clinic in Panama. 

Medical Tourism now has Facial lipoatrophy for severe cosmetic problem for some HIV-infected patients and may be a sign of HIV lipodystrophy syndrome, which commonly occurs in HIV-infected patients who are treated with a combination of antiretroviral medications, especially protease inhibitors and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. In these patients, fat redistributes away from the face and limbs, towards the central trunk, breasts, and dorsocervical fat pad. Dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and osteoporosis may also be associated with the syndrome. 

Dr. Spadafora told Nip and Tuck Panama that Facial lipoatrophy is characterized by sunken cheeks, bitemporal wasting, and deep nasolabial folds. Patients develop a hollow appearing face. This facial appearance is easily recognizable and can serve as a social stigma for HIV patients causing psychological stress. Many patients with HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy are eager to correct their appearance. In Bioplasty, polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) is used for facial and body implants for the following reasons:

• Biocompatibility
• Does not migrate or move from the application site
• No allergic reaction
• No need for sensitivity tests
• Sculpted at the time of application
• Permanent
• Relatively low cost
• Ambulatory treatment
• Only very small amounts of local anesthetic are required
• The amount of product applied depends on the degree of correction desired
• It can be applied to various layers of the skin and deeper tissues (subcutaneous, juxta-periostium, mucous and intramuscular)
• Low incidence of complications
• Application with non-traumatizing cannulae instead of needles 

Panama Medical Tourism Industry is one of the few countries that offer Bioplasty which is an offshoot of traditional filling techniques, but it goes beyond filling. While in filling the biomaterial is lodged inside or just under the skin, in Bioplasty the application is done at much deeper levels, allowing the creation of shapes and angles.  

Nipandtuckpanama.com are informed that the traditional surgical technique removes excesses but does not add beauty. Bioplasty renews and enhances beauty. The technique can create harmonious lines for those who do not have them, enhance beauty, recover the contours of an aging face or add to the results of previous cosmetic surgery. Through bioplasty we can transform a person who is not beautiful into a beautiful person, and make a beautiful person even more beautiful. Bioplasty has already been used almost secretly by famous models, artists, and people who depend on good looks all over the world. Many international stars are anonymously having treatment where the procedure exists.

Bioplasty is getting more popular. Not only for famous but also ordinary people long for its benefits and a revolution in medical aesthetics begins to take place. Arrangements for the entire Bioplasty procedure including accommodation and transfer can be made through South Seas Pharmaceuticals. 

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Private Nursing Assistants – Medical Tourism Panama

Nipandtuckpanama Nursing is a service offered with our Medical Tourism Company based in Panama which consists of private nursing assistants who perform health care services for private patients and home nursing. Nursing assistants are readily available for Medical Tourists relating to health care of patients who require home or private nursing. All services are performed by private nursing assistants to ensure that the individual is adequately cared for while in our care in the Republic of Panama. 

We pay more attention to our Medical Tourism clients as we only assign one patient per Assistants at a time and therefore the patient is receiving the optimum treatment from a private Nursing Assistant.  Our Nursing assistants are extremely caring towards the Medical Tourist as they become individually involved with each client.  Nipandtuckpanama private nursing Assistants are mostly made available to terminally ill patients, clients undergoing Cosmetic Surgery or are simply Medical Tourist seeking that extra special care and attention.  

Nipandtuckpanama.com your Medical Tourism specialists provide a wide range of innovative and cost effective services available to meet each unique set of needs and circumstances.Nipandtuckpanama.com offers a wide range of support services to our clients in Panama and Chiriquí for the Medical Tourist visiting the Republic of Panama. 

The primary objectives of our Nursing Assistant service are:

• To assist recovery safely and maintain personal dignity by restoring patients to normal family living and useful functional activity.
• To achieve and sustain a state of health, activity and independence for those we serve.
• To furnish personal care services at a competitive cost to patients.

Our Services

Nipandtuckpanama.com your medical tourism expert provides efficient Hotel, Resort or private home health care services. Personnel are assigned according to each patient’s needs. Nipandtuckpanama provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

An initial assessment of the Medical Tourists’ immediate needs and ensures that the acute needs of the client are met.  This process evaluates the short or long term needs of the client and plans time frames in which to meet those needs.   Assessing the client and/or family member’s wishes is an integral part of the assessment process.   All information derived from the comprehensive assessment enables the staff to plan care that will allow the client to reach his/her highest level of functioning. 

Nipandtuckpanama are aware that while launching Medical Tourism it is also important to provide an inexpensive Nursing assistant service for those that require constant attention or visiting Panama for a Medical procedure whether it be Cosmetic Surgery, Dental Procedures or Liposuction we have the services of a private nurse assistant.  

Please click here to learn more about Nipandtuckpanama Nursing.

Panama, the Land of Butterflies, Offers New Medical Tourism Options

Medical tourism is on the rise.  Many people from industrialized countries, where the cost of health care is almost prohibitive, are opting to visit other countries for medical attention.  These nations offer excellent medical services, at a fraction of the cost.  More and more, the Republic of Panama is the country that “medical tourists” are choosing to visit.  

Many of doctors in Panama not only speak English, but were trained in the United States or European countries.  Panama’s doctors are very experienced and hospitals and clinics here follow American standards when it comes to medical procedures.  In fact, the Punta Pacífica Hospital located in Panama City–is affiliated with the world-renowned John Hopkins Medicine International and has state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities.  At the same time, the cost of medical care in Panama is very affordable. 

Receiving world-class medical services while enjoying vacation in a luxury setting is affordable in Panama.  You will find a wide range of health services and experienced specialist physicians in all areas and specialties, such as dental implants, cosmetic or plastic surgery, assisted reproduction, cardiology, cosmetic dentistry, orthopedics, and many, many more.  You can even have an “extreme makeover” done and return home not only feeling great but looking like a new person.  After your surgery or procedure, you can recuperate in beautiful hotel-spas on the beach, in the rainforest, or in the mountains.  You can have everything arranged for you in advance.

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PlacidWay Partners with Sahara Medical to Offer Complete Guided Medical Tourism in India

Denver, December 1, 2007 – With increasing number of medical consumers seeking better pricing, better treatment, and a better experience, PlacidWay, a leading health and wellness tourism company, has announced its alliance with India’s leading medical tourism company, Sahara Medical.  The agreement will provide access to world’s top medical centers in India combined with rejuvenation tours to patients from across the globe. 

Sahara Medical offers healthcare treatments such as heart care, orthopedics – knee & hip replacement surgery, plastic & cosmetic surgery, cancer treatment, dental surgery, neurosurgery, eye surgery among others.  Sahara works closely with India’s top accredited hospitals including Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, Wockhardt, KIMS, along with renowned and certified surgeons all across India.  In addition, the company arranges complete medical travel services e.g., visas, language interpretation, sightseeing tours, and local transportation.   

“The PlacidWay alliance will allow us to promote our full service medical holidays in India.  We have a professional team who is dedicated to provide best experience to our clients from any part of the world.  Our services are geared towards people seeking complete medical solution from finding best health care providers to arranging all travel details,” says Mrs. Madhuruchi Lamba, Head Sahara Medical.

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PlacidWay Partners With South Seas Pharmaceuticals to Offer Full-Service Medical Tourism in Panama

Denver, November 20, 2007 – To provide full-service, high-quality, and affordable medical treatments in Panama, PlacidWay, a leading health and wellness tourism company, has announced its partnership with South Seas Pharmaceuticals.  The agreement includes wide range of procedures such as orthopedics, cosmetic/plastic surgery, ophthalmology, orthodontics, bariatric, angiograms, and spa treatments for those who want to be pampered.                                                                                         

PlacidWay’s alliance with South Seas Pharmaceutical will benefit thousands of medical tourists seeking private, affordable and full service medical holidays.  The medical tourism facilitation company works closely with internationally accredited hospitals such as Hospital Punta Pacifica, affiliated with John Hopkins Medicine International, and board certified surgeons with over 20 years of experience in their respective fields.  The surgical holidays include rest and rejuvenation at a destination of choice in Central America. 

Panama, a rapidly growing medical tourism destination, is quickly becoming popular destination among health tourists where medical services are available for 30-50% less cost compared to USA, Europe, or United Kingdom.  Panama’s modern infrastructure, availability of newest technologies, and highly skilled medical professionals presents a compelling case for health tourism.  

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