A Brief History of orthopedic surgery in Iran: From Contemporary to Modern Times
Orthopedic surgery is currently a rapidly developing area that has benefited from the work of many scientists and surgeons. To advance research and practice and improve patient care and clinical outcomes, it is important to recognize the successes and failures of the past.
About orthopedic surgery in Iran, it is of great significance to know that many orthopedic surgeons trained overseas, left Iran after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, while others preferred to stay in the country. Furthermore, previous orthopedic training programs were managed in a way that the newly trained surgeons could manage limbs and spinal injuries imposed by the war between Iraq and Iran. On the other hand, some of the surgeons were sent to Europe and North America to be trained in hand, spine, knee and shoulder surgery. After returning to the country, they established their centers. Orthopedic training programs then were established in different universities and even modern orthopedic surgeries can now be carried out in Iran.
A number of around 3,000 orthopedic surgeons are practicing in most cities throughout the country, even in small cities. Diagnostic and therapeutic facilities are at a satisfactory level and the country is the place for the most modern orthopedic procedures.
Iran ranks among the top 10 countries in orthopedics
According to what Dr. Gholamali Akasheh, the head of the Iranian Orthopedic Surgeons Association, has said, Iran ranks among the top 10 orthopedic countries. Iranian surgeons perform high-quality orthopedic surgeries more affordable than other countries. Many patients from different countries such as Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Afghanistan come to Iran for orthopedic surgery. It is important to know that the most in-demand orthopedic services in Iran relate to knee surgery and bone fracture treatment. Regarding medical knowledge and experience, Iran’s standing is quite high. In fact, we equal to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Germany. Also, the Iranian Association of Orthopedic Surgeons was founded in 1973 and is one of the country’s oldest associations.
Specialized hospitals and equipment have distinguished Iran from other neighboring countries in terms of health. The Iranian health team has a strong academic background and is internationally renowned. Iranian doctors are also highly qualified in the treatment of diseases and surgeries such as plastic and cosmetic surgery, skin and beauty services, infertility and gynecology, dentistry, neurology, cardiology, and ophthalmology, and have a global ranking in the treatment of these diseases. Iranian ophthalmologists, for example, are known in the field of ophthalmology and eye care not only in Iran but also around the world. Every year, the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) test is conducted among the world’s young graduates in this field, and Iranian doctors are highly regarded as the best all around the world. Iran also ranked fourth globally, in rhinoplasty and ranked 10th in plastic and cosmetic surgery. In terms of scientific production, Iranian dentistry sector also ranked 14th and 12th in the years ended in 2016 and 2017, which is very important for this subcategory. Iranian neurologists’ ranked 27th among the world’s 200 countries, which is an acceptable position. It is very important to use laboratory and para-clinical equipment to diagnose neurological diseases, and in Iran, we use this equipment very well. Iran also ranked 4th worldwide, in treatment for infertility and gynecology.
What Diseases and Conditions Orthopedic Surgeons treat in Iran?
Fractures and dislocations, torn ligaments, sprains and strains, tendon injuries, pulled muscles and bursitis, ruptured disks, sciatica, low back pain and scoliosis, Knock knees, bow legs, bunions and hammertoes, arthritis and osteoporosis, bone tumors, muscular dystrophy and paralysis of the brain, foot of the club and unequal length of the leg, finger and toe abnormalities and growth abnormalities.
Learn the 7 items in orthopedic surgeries
• Knee
• Hip
• Foot and Ankle
• Shoulder
• Elbow, Wrist, and Hand
• Orthopedic Spine
• Pediatric orthopedics
Orthopedic Procedures
- Total Knee Replacement
- Total Hip Replacement
- Total Ankle Replacement
- Total Shoulder Replacement
- Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Joint Replacement
- Meniscus Repair
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
- Achilles Tendon Repair
- Disc Hernia Surgery
- Laminectomy
- Spinal Fusion
Orthopedic Surgery in Iran has Low costs
More tourists annually travel to other countries to receive better and more affordable medical treatment than the ones in their own countries. These types of trips are known as “medical tourism.” With this regard, Iran has great potentials in medical tourism that can be developed. One of the advantages of Medical tourism in Iran is “low – cost” health services. Besides the cost, “private healthcare” is also still fairly affordable in this country. Other advantages of medical tourism specifically orthopedic in Iran are well-equipped and professional healthcare facilities.
Economically speaking, Iranian currency has fallen sharply in recent years, and hence, medical costs (orthopedic surgeries) have dropped to one-third of previous segments; this has led to the attraction of many medical tourists from nearby countries. Patients can be treated and recovered and also enjoy a holiday in Iran for much less than what treatment in other countries would cost for them. Iran offers patients the opportunity to travel for medical care and benefit from reduced costs and the waiting time.
Know one of the Best Orthopedic Surgeons especially in Total Knee Replacement in Iran
Dr. Ganji is one of Iran’s best experts in total knee replacement and also one of the most qualified surgeons in the Middle East. He had completed his fellowship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the USA at the Rothmans Institute. He is one of the few doctors in Iran qualified to replace the knee in almost all cases at the same time. He attends conferences around the world to keep up with the latest advances in orthopedic technology.
Orthopedic hospitals in Iran
Orthopedic surgery is highly developed in Iranian hospitals. All procedures are performed by Iranian surgeons with the latest techniques using the most advanced technologies. There are many procedures, but some of them are very common
Lower Limb Reconstruction Surgery
- Bilateral Total Knee Replacement
- Unicondylar Knee Replacement for partial knee damage
- Hip Replacement and Revision surgery
- Correction of Mal aligned limb and leg
- Correction of Hallux Valgus
Sports Medicine Surgery
- Arthroscopic Ligament Reconstruction of Knee
- Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair
- Arthroscopic Cartilage Repair and Restoration
- Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery (Repair of Rotator Cuff)
Upper Limb Surgery
- Correction of Congenital Deformities
- Micro Vascular surgery on The Hand
- Surgical Treatment of Strictures, Compression, Neuropathies, and contractures
Fracture fixation
For fractures, we use the most advanced intra-medullary nailing techniques, fixation with clamping plates and external small wire fixation.
Pediatric Orthopedics
Such orthopedic surgeries include non-operative methods and surgical treatment of club foot, treatment with congenital hip dislocation.
Getting a Visa to Enter Iran is easy
If you think obtaining a visa is hard, let us guide you through the process. First, notice that depending on where you come from, there are some extra costs, but ask for more details. In addition, Iran is renowned worldwide for its hospitality. A driver will wait to pick you up from the airport, take you to the hotel and help you check in. An English-speaking assistant will also help you get around the city, give you tips, and most importantly help you to easily get to the doctor’s office and the hospital.
Where can I Stay while having orthopedic surgery in Iran?
“Ghasr Talaee” is one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in Iran’s second largest city. Each night at this 5-star hotel costs around $ 150. A more traditional hotel would be a bit cheaper and offer a more authentic experience. It might not be necessary, but you can get an English-speaking certified nurse to help you for as little as $15 a day.
Some people find it intimidating to come to Iran for medical treatments. This country’s hospitality will make you convinced to stay longer than planned. You will also find out how much Iranians love their guests. So, what keeps you back from coming to Iran to be treated by internationally renowned specialists?
Want to have Total Knee Replacement Surgery? Follow these steps
1. Talk to your surgeon
Doctors know how well other doctors in their fields are. So, when she/he suggests a doctor ask why. As a medical tourist, when you’re going to another country, make sure you talk to your doctor before you travel.
2. Consult with your Family & Friends
There are many people who can share their experiences with you. Talk to your family before the knee surgery because it’s invaluable to get information and tips from someone you trust. But, remember people are different; they have different tolerances for pain, or some people get healed more quickly or slowly than others.
3. Research the Surgeon’s Professional Reputation and Education
Surgeons should remain up-to-date with what is happening in their field. Search about the educational background of your surgeon. Are they attending conferences? Ask your surgeon how many procedures she/he has performed over the past 12 months. There’s a reason to book the best surgeons: “Every year they do hundreds of surgeries.”
In addition, make sure that if your orthopedic doctor has experience with high-risk patients. Once you visit your surgeon, she/he will ask a number of extra question such as:
Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, anemia, or other complications? Be sure to let your surgeon know.
Always provide the surgeon with as much honest information as possible. It is not advisable to be coy when you’re dealing with your health and be reluctant to give the necessary information.
4. Meeting with your Orthopedic Surgeon
How do you feel when you first meet with your doctor? We all get impressions from others for the first time. Does it take a lot of time for the orthopedist to answer your questions? Do they hurry you to get to the next patient? A good orthopedist always spends enough time with each patient to discuss their prognosis and options regardless of how busy they are.
Do not forget to write down all the questions you want to ask in advance. Once you have explained the situation, take notes on their opinions and suggestions during the appointment. You’re dealing with your health, so don’t be shy and be sure to ask your doctor about things.
You may feel completely comfortable with your doctor’s diagnosis. Still, getting a second opinion is advisable. If you get different information from the previous diagnosis, don’t be afraid to ask. Maybe if they vary widely, consider a different opinion.
5. Meeting with Office Staff
It is usual that the nurse is the person who controls most of all appointments. They should provide you with basic information about what to bring, what to expect, and any general questions you may have. You want to make sure that you feel comfortable when you visit the office and that the staff is genuinely concerned about your well-being. Doctor’s meeting staff should take the time to respond thoroughly all your questions. The staff is a big part of the business just like any other business when you receive a service. Not only for the receiver but also for the surgeon(s).
