Medical tourists increasingly flock to New York City for orthopedic care—and it’s easy to see why.
Patients seeking medical treatment don’t always find the specialized care they need close to home. Fortunately, they have options that extend far beyond their hometowns. Many hop on a plane to cities within their own country, or across international borders. One of the top destinations for medical tourism? New York City.
Medical tourism refers to people traveling significant distances to receive advanced medical care. It’s a booming industry. In fact, Grand View Research valued the U.S. inbound medical tourism market at $8.74 billion in 2024. It’s no surprise that the U.S. is a leader in this arena, offering state-of-the-art healthcare, cutting-edge technology, and world-class medical expertise. One of the fastest-growing areas in medical tourism is orthopedic surgery.
Let’s explore why more patients are coming to New York City for orthopedic treatment—and what types of care they can expect.
Advanced Orthopedic Treatment Options in NYC
Patients in search of the latest orthopedic techniques will find them in abundance in New York City. Here are four cutting-edge treatments that make NYC a top destination for medical tourists:
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
According to Harvard Health, about 750,000 arthroscopic knee surgeries are performed each year, making it one of the most common orthopedic procedures. This surgery is ideal for treating ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears, meniscal tears, loose joint fragments, and other cartilage or ligament damage.
The procedure is minimally invasive. Surgeons make two tiny incisions—about a quarter of an inch each—and insert a thin telescope-like instrument to view the inside of the joint. Special tools are then used to repair the damage.
Because it’s less invasive than traditional open surgery, patients typically recover faster and can begin physical therapy almost immediately.
In some cases, the ACL may need to be reconstructed. This can also be done arthroscopically by replacing the damaged ligament with a graft—often taken from the patient’s hamstring tendon. Screws or other devices are used to anchor the graft in place, allowing it to integrate as a new, functional ACL.
Endoscopic Spinal Surgery
For patients suffering from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other spinal issues, endoscopic spinal surgery offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open-back procedures.
Much like arthroscopic knee surgery, this technique uses a fiber-optic camera inserted through a small incision to view and repair the affected area. Patients benefit from faster recovery, less post-operative pain, and often return home the same day.
New York City spinal surgeons are also at the forefront of robotic-assisted and computer-navigated spinal surgery. For instance, robotic tools now guide surgeons in placing screws and implants during spinal fusion procedures—significantly improving surgical precision and safety.
Conditions treated with spinal fusion include degenerative disc disease, vertebral fractures, abnormal spinal curvature, and spinal stenosis.
When non-surgical treatments fail to relieve chronic knee or hip pain, joint replacement may be the best option. In the U.S., around 1.3 million knee replacements and 760,000 hip replacements are performed each year, according to UC Davis Health.
New York City is a premier destination for these procedures. During surgery, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant made of plastic or metal—designed to last up to 15 years or more.
Not all orthopedic solutions require surgery. Medical tourists can also explore regenerative orthopedic treatments in NYC. These non-invasive therapies use the body’s natural healing capabilities to treat conditions like arthritis or soft tissue injuries.
Two of the most common regenerative techniques include:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- Stem Cell Therapy
Both can be completed in a single office visit and are nearly painless, offering a promising alternative to more invasive procedures.
Why Choose New York City for Orthopedic Medical Tourism?
New York City is much more than a global hub for entertainment and finance—it’s also a leading center for world-class orthopedic care. Here’s why thousands of patients travel to NYC for treatment:
Unmatched Choice of Providers
NYC is home to over a thousand orthopedic surgeons, as well as top-ranked hospitals and private practices like New York Bone & Joint Specialists, offering cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical orthopedic care.
Convenient Accommodations
With over 100,000 rooms available, medical tourists can easily find lodging that suits both their comfort and budget.
Multilingual Support
For international patients, language barriers can be a challenge. Thankfully, New York City’s diverse, multicultural population means many healthcare providers offer services in multiple languages, making it easier for you to understand your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Comprehensive Patient Support
At facilities like New York Bone & Joint Specialists, medical tourists receive full-spectrum orthopedic care—from diagnosis and surgery to physical therapy and rehabilitation—all under one roof. Providers also assist with travel logistics, accommodations, and scheduling to ensure a seamless experience.
Come to the Best in NYC for Orthopedic Medical Tourism
New York Bone & Joint Specialists is one of New York City’s premier orthopedic care providers. We welcome medical tourists from across the U.S. and around the world. Whether you need surgery, therapy, or regenerative treatments, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and start planning your medical journey to New York City.
