Orthopedics in Iran

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 Iran?

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 Iran 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 Iran

Introduction

Iran is a country situated in Western Asia, as well as the second-largest in the Middle East. It is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, starting from the fourth millennium BC when the Elamite Kingdoms were formed. Iran is widely known as the jewel in Islam’s crown, filled with awe-inspiring architecture and friendly people. The country is also a popular medical tourism destination due to its efficient healthcare system and experienced specialists. The medical centers in the country keep pace with the latest medical developments and provide top-class services. International medical tourists usually come to Iran for cosmetic procedures, which are currently witnessing a vast growth. Cosmetic procedures in the country, such as rhinoplasty and hair transplant, are performed with advanced scientific techniques and are highly successful. Furthermore, the healthcare cost in the country is a lot more affordable than in many other Western countries.

Popular Cities and Regions in Iran

The capital of Iran, Tehran, is the most populous city in the country. Situated at the foot of the snow-capped Alborz mountain range, the city is filled with museums, restaurants, parks, and friendly people. The most popular landmark in this city is the Azadi Tower, which is the symbol of the city. Besides this tower, visitors can also go to the Tehran City Theater to see its amazing architecture, explore the Treasury of the National Jewels to admire the largest collection of jewels found in the world and visit the Golestan Palace, which is the oldest historic monument in Tehran. Besides Tehran, Tabriz is another popular city and it is a modern industrialized city with a very rich history and historical monuments, such as the Blue Mosque and El Goli.

Transport in Iran

The main international airport is the new Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. It serves international flights to and from numerous cities around the world, including Dubai, Ankara, London, Bangkok, and Beijing. Budget airlines are operating from this airport, such as Pegasus Airlines and Air Asia. To get around Iran, domestic flights are affordable and fast. Buses and trains are also widely available with extensive networks. Taxis are best for inter-city travel.

Visas in Iran

Iran allows citizens of 16 countries to visit without a visa for up to 90 days, including Armenia, China, and Malaysia. Most citizens of other countries can obtain a visa on arrival. However, visa on arrival does not apply to citizens of 14 other countries, such as the US and the UK.

Weather in Iran

Iran experiences four seasons. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September –October) are pleasant with mild temperatures. Summer (June to August) can be scorching hot, with the temperatures soaring to 37°C. The winter can get bitterly cold as the temperatures drop to 0°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Iranian rial (IR). 1 USD is approx. 41,921 IR.
2. Money & Payments: You cannot use ATMs, credit or debit cards, or traveler's cheques in Iran. Therefore, bring all you’ll need in cash.
3. Local Language: Persian is the official language in Iran. However, the country has several main languages, including Azerbaijani and Kurdish. Not many people speak English in the country. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: About 99% of Iran’s population is Muslims, with the Shia branch of Islam as the biggest. The two largest non-Muslim religious minorities are Christianity and Bahá'í Faith. 
5. Public holidays:  Islamic Revolution Day, Nature Day, Eid e-Fitr, and Eid-e-Qorban are some of the most important public holidays in Iran.