Need Hip Dysplasia Surgery But Facing Long Waits? How International Patients Are Accessing Expert Care in the U.S.

3 min read

A Global Problem with Local Impact

Hip dysplasia is a complex condition that affects thousands of young adults each year. For many, it causes chronic pain, limited mobility, and can even lead to early-onset arthritis. Yet around the world, access to specialized surgical care is limited. From long public waitlists in Canada to a limited number of hip preservation surgeons in regions like the UAE, India, and Latin America, patients are often left waiting—or worse, told to simply "wait and see."

This blog is for patients, families, and concierge providers looking for real answers. It explores how international patients are gaining access to world-class international hip dysplasia surgery in the United States—and why timing matters.

Person holding hip in pain beside globe illustration, with text “Why wait for answers?” — symbolizing global access to hip dysplasia care.

Why Hip Dysplasia Treatment Shouldn’t Wait

Hip dysplasia means the hip socket doesn’t fully support the ball of the hip joint, which leads to instability and abnormal wear on cartilage and the labrum. Left untreated, it can:

Cause labral tears and cartilage breakdown
Lead to chronic pain and activity limitations
Accelerate the development of hip arthritis

Many patients are young and active. They want to stay mobile, avoid total hip replacement, and live without pain. Timely treatment is key to preserving the natural joint and avoiding long-term damage.

Understanding PAO: The Gold Standard for Structural Hip Correction

Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) is a joint-preserving surgery that realigns the hip socket to better support the femoral head. It's a complex procedure that requires specialized training and experience. It is considered the gold standard in international hip dysplasia surgery for young adults.

Unfortunately, PAO is not widely available. Most general orthopedic surgeons don’t perform it, and even major cities may have only one or two providers—if any.

Why International Patients Are Seeking Surgery in the U.S.

Countries like Canada, the UAE, and India face common barriers:

Long Waitlists: In Canada, public wait times for hip dysplasia surgery can exceed 12–18 months.
Limited Specialists: Only a handful of surgeons perform PAO, often focused in academic centers.
Lack of Private Options: Many systems don’t allow for private-pay alternatives within the country.

That’s why patients are looking internationally—and increasingly turning to the U.S. for help with international hip dysplasia surgery.

Hip Preservation with Dr. Nimesh Patel in Colorado, U.S.A.

Dr. Nimesh Patel is a Harvard-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation, trauma, and joint reconstruction. Based at Panorama Orthopedics in Colorado, Dr. Patel and the Hip Preservation Team treat a high volume of patients with hip dysplasia and related conditions using techniques like PAO and hip arthroscopy.

To make this care accessible, the team at HipPreservation.org has built a dedicated program for international patients that includes:

Virtual consults within 7–10 days
Surgery scheduled in as little as 4–6 weeks
Concierge support with imaging, travel, and recovery planning
Transparent, private-pay packages

What to Expect as an International Patient

The process is designed to be smooth, supportive, and personalized. Here’s what most patients can expect:

Initial Consultation: Conducted virtually with Dr. Patel, based on your imaging and history.
Personalized Surgical Plan: If surgery is appropriate, you’ll receive a detailed treatment roadmap.
Travel Coordination: Work with our team to plan flights, accommodations, and pre/post-op logistics.
Surgery & Recovery: Performed at a top U.S. facility with a focus on safety and outcomes.