Key points
- Surgeons usually need recent X-rays and sometimes MRI, plus a full picture of the patient's general health.
- Physiotherapy usually begins soon after surgery and continues at home.
- The surgeon decides when it is safe to fly home, and with what precautions.
This page describes how we coordinate travel for orthopaedic care. It does not give medical advice or recommend surgery. The orthopaedic surgeon decides what is appropriate.
Records surgeons usually ask for
- Recent X-rays, and MRI or CT where done, as images and reports
- Consultation notes and the referring doctor’s letter
- Information about other health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease
- Recent blood tests
- A list of current medicines
See organising medical records.
Before surgery
Hospitals usually carry out checks before planned surgery to make sure the patient is ready. Allow time for these after arrival. If a health condition needs to be better controlled first, the surgeon may delay the operation.
Recovery and physiotherapy
Physiotherapy usually starts soon after joint surgery. Patients often stay near the hospital after discharge for further sessions and a review before travelling home. Choose accommodation that is step-free and close to the hospital; see where to stay near the hospital.
Flying home
The surgeon decides when it is safe to fly and may recommend precautions for the journey. Book wheelchair assistance and an appropriate seat in advance. Read returning home after treatment.
Questions to ask the surgeon
- What do you propose, and what are the alternatives?
- How long will the patient be in hospital and then nearby?
- What physiotherapy is needed, and how should it continue at home?
- When can the patient fly, and what precautions are needed?
How we help
We coordinate records, pre-operative visits, accessible accommodation, physiotherapy appointments and the journey home. See treatment in another Indian city or international patient services, and after discharge: recovery and follow-up.
