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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Arthroscopic Surgery Unit is happy to answer any questions that patients my have. Below are the answers to frequently asked questions regarding appointments, injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), and how to deal with surgery. If you should have any request or question, do not hesitate to ask us via the contact form or by telephoning + 34 945 252 077.

  • MiKS Hospital is located in the Lakua-Ibaiondo district, in the northern part of Vitoria-Gasteiz, at 33 Duque de Wellington Street (01010, Araba/Álava). Its location offers easy access both from the main roads into the city and via public transportation.

     

     

  • Depending on the type of pathology, the urgency and the waiting list, waiting time may vary from a week to six months.

  • MAPFRE, DKV, IQUIMESA-ADESLAS, LAGUNARO, SANITAS, AEGON, GENERALI Y COSALUD.

    Nevertheless, there are exceptions which the Arthroscopic Surgery Unit recommends you consult via the contact form or by calling +34945252077.

  • During the first appointment, a medical history file will be set-up where we will collect all personal and other useful data which may help the medical and physiotherapy team and permit the close surveillance of the patient and his/her progress. Afterwards, an examination will be carried out and, if appropriate, any diagnostic tests necessary to determine the type and grade of the pathology will be requested, so as to determine diagnosis and treatment. If a radiological study is required, it can be carried out at the same consultation. Following the exploration and the preliminary diagnosis, if necessary, an MRI or CT scan or 3D reconstruction will be carried out, and you will be given an appointment for diagnostic testing and a new appointment with the medical team.

  • MiKS Hospital is located in the Lakua-Ibaiondo district, in the northern part of Vitoria-Gasteiz, at 33 Duque de Wellington Street (01010, Araba/Álava). Its location offers easy access both from the main roads into the city and via public transportation.

     

     

  • Yes, Children's UCA is a pioneer in the application of advanced surgical solutions for the treatment of highly complex pathologies in the paediatric population. Our solutions in paediatric orthopaedics and traumatology are specifically designed to adapt to the process of growth and transition to adulthood, using innovative authoring techniques supported scientifically and internationally.

  • No. Depending on the type of pathology, the doctor will ask you what type of tests need to be performed. 

  • Yes, it is possible. The hospital has a radiology service that has some of the most advanced equipment in diagnostic technology, including 3.0 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CT and X-Ray.

  • Depending on insurance, the diagnostic tests may or may not be included. In the case of a private consultation without insurance, the cost of the appointment does not cover diagnostic tests.

  • It all begins when the patient visits our clinic, where we provide detailed information and guidance on the specific treatment options for their situation. Once the decision has been made to perform surgery assisted by the Mako robot, a computed tomography (CT) scan is performed, enabling a three-dimensional reconstruction of the hip or knee that will be operated on.  This provides detailed knowledge of each patient's specific anatomy, allowing for precise selection of the size, orientation, and positioning of the components before entering the operating room. Once there, the robot will guide the surgeon with millimeter precision to achieve optimal implantation of the prosthetic components in the predefined position, avoiding damage to soft tissue and excessive bone resection thanks to its haptic technology.

  • The precision of its robotic arm enables less traumatic surgical procedures, resulting in improved recovery in terms of:

    Maximum precision and customization in each surgery
    Reduced post-operative pain
    Shorter recovery times

  • Any patient who is recommended for a hip or knee replacement may be considered a candidate for robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery. Our surgeons will evaluate your case in the same way we normally do and offer you the various treatment options available.

  • In fact, very few hospitals in Spain currently have Mako SmartRobotics. In fact, the Arthroscopic Surgery Unit (UCA) at MiKS Hospital is a pioneer in performing surgeries assisted by the Mako intelligent robotic arm and is the only center in the entire northern region to have this cutting-edge technology.

  • The Mako SmartRobotic represents cutting-edge technology backed by extensive clinical evidence, with more than 300 publications and an outstanding 17-year track record in surgeries assisted by this robotic arm. With more than one million surgeries performed by 2022, its use in internationally renowned centers such as the Mayo Clinic (USA), The Johns Hopkins Hospital (USA), and the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute (Italy) highlights its global recognition. The combination of this advanced technology with the surgeon's expertise results in an exceptional level of predictability, safety, and satisfaction in hip and knee surgeries, taking excellence to new heights.

  • It is worth visiting a specialised Pain mANAGEMENT Unit if your pain persists for more than 3 to 6 months despite conventional treatment and is significantly affecting your quality of life. You should also consider seeking help if pain is limiting your daily activities, interfering with work, sleep, or relationships. Additionally, after surgery or injury, specialised care may be necessary to manage your pain effectively.

     

  • We are pioneers in the use of minimally invasive biological treatments (PRP), which can relieve pain and improve joint function, avoiding surgery in many cases. We offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together pain management specialists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists for comprehensive treatment.

  • Knee and hip osteoarthritis.

    Shoulder, lower back, or neck pain.

    Herniated discs and muscle or nerve injuries.

    Chronic osteochondral problems.

  • This service specializes in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially pain affecting the spine and joints. It is recommended for patients who suffer from persistent and debilitating pain, even after having tried other conventional treatments.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and soft tissues, without using radiation.
    A CT scan (Computed Tomography) uses X-rays to create very thin cross-sectional images of the body, making it ideal for evaluating bones, lungs, and certain medical emergencies.
    At MiKS Hospital, we always recommend the most appropriate technique for your specific case, ensuring the most accurate and safest diagnosis possible.

  • A state-of-the-art 3T scanner offers:

    • Ultra-high-quality, high-resolution images.

    • Greater ability to detect small lesions and complex conditions.
      All of this contributes to more reliable diagnoses and better-targeted treatments.

  • Most scans do not require any special preparation.
    If contrast is used, fasting may be necessary.
    It is mandatory to remove any metal objects and inform the medical team if you have implants, pacemakers, or other internal prostheses.
    Our team will always provide you with personalized instructions before the test.

  • No, none of our procedures (MRI, CT scan, or X-rays) cause pain.
    In some cases, you may need to stay still for a few minutes or receive contrast to improve image quality, which can cause slight temporary discomfort.

  • No, the robotic arm does not perform operations nor can it make decisions on its own or move without guidance from the surgeon.

  • All of the answers about Plasma Rich in Growth Factors can be found in the biological services therapies section or on the website utbproject.org

  • You should bring the signed informed consent forms, provided by the UCA; your receipt of the appointment for treatment; and the signed quote, since this treatment is generally not covered by insurance companies.

  • The visit tends to take one to two hours, depending on the type of injection.

  • Normally there is no problem with driving after the injection.

  • No. Relative rest is recommended for 24 hours following the injection. After this period, you can go back to your normal life, always under the doctor’s supervision.

  • This depends on the site of injection. In general, intra-articular injections do not tend to cause pain other than the pricking of the needle. In the case of tendons and nerves, the injection may hurt.

  • Relative rest is recommended for 24 hours following the injection. After this period, you can go back to your normal life, always under the doctor’s supervision.

  • Once blood extraction has been carried out, you can go back to a normal balanced diet.

  • Depending on the type of pathology and injection, you may notice an improvement days or weeks afterwards.

  • In theory, you should not stop taking any medicine you habitually take. However, you should always consult your doctor about this.

  • No. Not unless you are told this prior to the injection.

  • It is a good idea to bring comfortable clothes, slippers which are closed if possible, as well as a toiletry bag with hygiene items for your stay. If you should need crutches or any other orthopedic device for the postoperative period, you should bring them when you come to the clinic. We recommend you talk to the surgeon about this in the preoperative consultation.

    You must not forget to bring your admission documentation: medical insurance documentation (permits, referral slips, etc.), preoperative anaesthetic tests, X-rays, scans and/or MRI scans (unless you have given them to the doctor at a prior consultation).

    It is advisable to bring a rucksack to carry everything you need, also enabling you to use crutches or any upper-limb orthotics.

    The hospital has Wi-fi, so you can bring electronic devices (tablet, laptop, etc) which may make your stay more comfortable.

    We recommend that you leave jewellery and other valuables at home if these are not necessary during your stay.

  • All of the hospital bedrooms have a bed for your companion and most insurance companies cover the cost. Nevertheless, there may be some exceptions. For this reason, the Arthroscopic Surgery Unit recommends that you directly consult the Vithas San José Hospital by calling +34 945 140 900.

  • The night before the operation, do not eat or drink after midnight. It is necessary to fast for at least 6 to 8 hours before surgery.

  • From 21:00 onwards, the hospital kitchen service is closed, so if you are admitted after this time, there will not be dinner service.

  • If you should need crutches, or any other orthopedic device for the postoperative period, your should bring them when you come to the clinic. You should discuss this with the surgeon in the preoperative consultation.