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Author: Pedro Henriquez

Hip Replacement vs. Hip Resurfacing: Which Is Right for You?

Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing

This article provides a comparison between hip replacement and hip resurfacing to help you understand their differences, benefits, risks and recovery expectations so you can select the most suitable option for your mobility and quality of life recovery.

Rehabilitation After Spine Surgery in Spain: Process, Timeline and What to Expect

Rehabilitation After Spine Surgery in Spain

Recovery after spine surgery goes far beyond healing the incision site. At Ribera Care International in Spain, we offer a structured, expert-led rehabilitation program for international patients seeking spine surgery recovery in Europe. The recovery process requires a structured approach which combines physical rehabilitation with expert guidance and personalized care to help patients achieve mobility and quality of life. Many people share your curiosity […]

Knee Replacement Surgery: Is it Possible to Return to Sports?

Knee replacement surgery Ribera Internacional

At Ribera Health Group, especially at our specialized center, IMSKE Hospital in Valencia, we frequently receive a key question from athletic patients—both young and adult: after a knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty, can I return to sports? The answer, with the right approach, is yes. Many of our patients have successfully returned to their […]

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Dr. José Lizón

Dr. José Lizón is an orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive techniques, with a medical degree from the University of Oviedo. Throughout his career, Dr. Lizón has distinguished himself for his expertise in endoscopic spine surgery, playing a key role in advancing this technique in Spain.

Languages spoken: Spanish (native), English (intermediate)

Specialties:

  • Endoscopic spine surgery
  • Endoscopic treatment of disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis
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Dr. Gerd Bordon

Dr. Gerd Bordón is an orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive techniques. He graduated from the Free University of Berlin and completed his residency at Hospital Universitario La Fe in Valencia, where he later worked as a spine surgeon from 2007 to 2011. He furthered his training in endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery in Germany under Dr. D. Rosenthal, and earned his PhD from the University of Giessen in 2007. He has authored key publications on thoracoscopic disc surgery and complex spinal deformity correction. Dr. Bordón currently serves as Head of the Spine and Back Unit at Hospital Ribera IMSKE.

Languages spoken: German (native), Spanish (intermediate), English (intermediate)

Specialties:

  • Minimally invasive spine surgery
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal canal stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Cervical disc herniation
  • Lumbar disc herniation
  • Back rehabilitation
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Dr. David Fernández Fernández

Dr. David Fernández Fernández is an orthopedic and trauma surgeon with expertise in the surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and spine surgery. He has extensive experience managing complex trauma, spinal disorders, and advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures.

He obtained his medical degree from the University of Valladolid and completed his specialization in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, with dedicated training and clinical experience in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine surgery. Dr. Fernández is actively involved in continuous medical education and has participated in numerous national and international courses, congresses, and scientific publications.

Languages spoken: Spanish (native), English (intermediate), French (basic)

Specialties:

  • Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology
  • Spine Surgery (Cervical, Dorsal, and Lumbar)
  • Treatment of Vertebral Fractures and Spinal Deformities
  • Trauma and Complex Fracture Surgery
  • Hip and Knee Pathology
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Minimally Invasive Musculoskeletal Procedures




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Dr. Pedro Galindo Fernández

Dr. Pedro Galindo Fernández is a renowned general surgeon specializing in breast surgery and oncological surgery. With extensive experience and advanced training, he is recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive techniques and complex breast pathology procedures.

Dr. Galindo Fernández obtained his medical degree from the University of Murcia, where he also completed his surgical residency. To further specialize, he pursued a Master’s in Mastology and Breast Pathology at the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo, the only program accredited by the Fundación de Estudios Mastológicos (FEMA) in Spain. His dedication to continuous medical advancements has positioned him as a leader in breast cancer surgery and reconstructive procedures.

Languages spoken: Spanish and English

Specialties:

  • Breast Surgery and Mastology
  • Oncological Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive and Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Soft Tissue and Tumor Surgery
  • Endocrine Surgery
  • Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery
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Hospital Ribera HCMiraflores

Hospital HCMiraflores is a leading healthcare facility known for its advanced medical services and patient-centered care. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a team of highly qualified professionals, the hospital offers a wide range of specialties to meet the diverse healthcare needs of patients.

Location:

Zaragoza

Year opened:

2020

Operating rooms:

8

Employees:

181

External consultations annually:

10,524

Surgeries annually:

194,266

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Hospital Ribera Polusa

Hospital Ribera Polusa, located in Lugo, is a trusted private hospital offering high-quality medical care across a wide range of specialties. With advanced technology and a dedicated team of professionals, it provides personalized treatments to ensure the best outcomes.

Location:

Lugo, Galicia, Spain

Year opened:

1981

Operating rooms:

5

Employees:

156

External consultations annually:

44.014

Surgeries annually:

4,604

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Clínica Assistens Coruña

Clínica Assistens, located in A Coruña’s Matogrande area, offers a wide range of medical specialties, including general medicine, surgery, and psychotherapy. With a focus on personalized care and state-of-the-art services, it is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to its patients.

Location:

A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

Year opened:

2023

Operating rooms:

2

Employees:

50

External consultations annually:

88.477

Surgeries annually:

_

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Clínica Ribera Ciudad Quesada

Clínica Ribera Ciudad Quesada is a private healthcare facility offering over 20 medical and surgical specialties, including cardiology, gynecology, and physiotherapy. Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, the clinic provides immediate, high-quality care without waiting times.

Location:

Rojales, Alicante, Spain

Year opened:

2023

Operating rooms:

1

Employees:

22

External consultations annually:

9.550

Surgeries annually:

100

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Hospital Ribera Caravaca

Hospital Ribera Caravaca provides 24/7 emergency care, general medicine, and advanced diagnostic services with state-of-the-art technology. Established in 1972 and integrated into the Ribera Health Group in 2022, it is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care and actively supports community health initiatives.

Location:

Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia

Year opened:

1972

Operating rooms:

1

Employees:

97

External consultations annually:

2,791

Surgeries annually:

2,481

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Hospital Ribera de Molina

Hospital Ribera de Molina is a private healthcare facility offering a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services. It has become a regional benchmark for quality healthcare. Equipped with modern technology and a dedicated team of professionals, it has been recognized for its commitment to excellence.

Location:

Molina de Segura, Murcia, Spain

Year opened:

2000

Operating rooms:

6

Employees:

195

External consultations annually:

13,870

Surgeries annually:

13,839

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Hospital Ribera Juan Cardona

Hospital Ribera Juan Cardona, located in Ferrol, is a well-established private hospital providing comprehensive medical and surgical services. Equipped with modern technology and a skilled team of professionals, it offers high-quality, patient-centered care.

Location:

Ferrol, Galicia, Spain

Year opened:

1974

Operating rooms:

5

Employees:

289

External consultations annually:

57,056

Surgeries annually:

5,138

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Hospital Ribera Povisa

Hospital Ribera Povisa is one of the largest private hospitals in Europe, renowned for its comprehensive medical services and cutting-edge technology. Located in Vigo, it serves as a benchmark for specialized care and advanced treatments across multiple disciplines.

Location:

Vigo, Galicia, Spain

Year opened:

1973

Operating rooms:

14

Employees:

1387

External consultations annually:

421,751

Surgeries annually:

17,141

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Hospital Ribera Virgen de la Caridad

Hospital Ribera Virgen de la Caridad is a renowned healthcare center offering high-quality, patient-focused medical care across various specialties. Equipped with advanced technology and led by a team of skilled professionals, it ensures exceptional care and outcomes.

Location:

Cartagena, Murcia, Spain

Year opened:

2018

Operating rooms:

5

Employees:

530

External consultations annually:

186,960

Surgeries annually:

6,161

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Hospital Ribera Covadonga

Hospital Ribera Covadonga is a trusted healthcare facility known for its patient-centered approach and comprehensive medical services. With a highly skilled team and modern infrastructure, it delivers personalized care across a range of specialties.

Location:

Gijón, Asturias, Spain

Year opened:

1915

Operating rooms:

3

Employees:

100

External consultations annually:

80,000

Surgeries annually:

3,000

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Hospital Ribera IMSKE

Hospital Ribera IMSKE is a leading center for musculoskeletal health, specializing in advanced treatments for orthopedic, sports, and rheumatologic conditions. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a multidisciplinary team, it offers personalized care to ensure optimal recovery and patient satisfaction.

Location:

Valencia, Spain

Year opened:

2020

Operating rooms:

5

Employees:

100

External consultations annually:

28,860

Surgeries annually:

3,500

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Dr. Pilar Serrano

Dr. Pilar Serrano is a General and Digestive Surgery Department Head at Ribera. A graduate of the University of Alicante, she holds a Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery, awarded Cum Laude and with an Extraordinary Doctorate Prize. Dr. Serrano completed her residency in General and Digestive Surgery at the General University Hospital of Elche, where she also served as a specialist before joining Hospital Universitario del Vinalopó in 2010 as Head of the Department. She leads the accredited Coloproctology Unit and has spearheaded the implementation of national quality indicators for colorectal cancer care across multiple Ribera hospitals. Dr. Serrano is also the President of the Digestive Tumor Committee and has been recognized for her innovative contributions, including awards like the “Isabel Ferrer” Prize and the Top 20 Award for Best General and Digestive Surgery Service.

Languages spoken: Spanish and English

Specialties:

  • Hepatobiliary Surgery
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery
  • Esophagogastric Surgery
  • Breast Surgery
  • Bloodless Surgery
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Dr. José Gil Martínez

Dr. José Gil Martínez is a highly qualified General and Digestive Surgeon, dedicated to delivering advanced medical care with a focus on patient well-being. With a robust academic and professional background, he is a trusted expert in his field. He holds a Medical Degree in Medicine and Surgery, a specialization in General and Digestive Surgery, and a Ph.D. from the University of Murcia. He brings advanced expertise in Coloproctology and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis, ensuring exceptional care and outcomes for his patients.

Languages spoken: Spanish

Specialties:

  • General and Digestive Surgery
  • Coloproctology (colon, rectum, and anus conditions)
  • Management of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
  • Advanced surgical techniques for digestive health
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Dr. Antonio Climent Aira

Dr. Antonio Climent Aira is an accomplished General Surgeon with over three decades of experience in surgical practice and leadership. He holds a degree in Medicine from the University of Santiago de Compostela and completed his specialization in General Surgery at the Complexo Hospitalario Xeral – Cíes in Vigo. Dr. Climent Aira has advanced expertise in Coloproctology and colorectal and pelvic floor surgery, supported by a Master’s degree from the University of Zaragoza. A founding member of the Galician Group of Coloproctology, he has contributed extensively to research, education, and the advancement of surgical practices.

Languages spoken: Spanish

Specialties:

  • General Surgery
  • Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Surgery (Coloproctology)
  • Minimally Invasive Techniques in Digestive Surgery
  • Infection Control in Surgical Practice
  • Leadership in General Surgery Departments
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Dr. José Albors Martín

Dr. José Albors Martín is a highly regarded cardiac surgeon and a Cardiac Surgery Department Head at Ribera. After earning his medical degree from the University of Valencia in 2003, he completed his specialization in Cardiovascular Surgery at the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia in 2010. Joining the Vinalopó and Torrevieja University Hospitals in 2011 as a cardiac surgery specialist, he was appointed Head of Cardiac Surgery at Vinalopó in 2020. A principal investigator in the ROMA trial on coronary surgery since 2020, Dr. Albors also achieved accreditation from Harvard Medical School’s Surgical Leadership Program in 2022, reflecting his commitment to advancing cardiac care and leadership.

Languages spoken: Spanish and English

Specialties:

  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Coronary Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Techniques
  • Surgical Leadership
  • Clinical Research
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Dr. Luis González

Dr. Luis González is an accomplished cardiologist with extensive expertise in electrophysiology and acute cardiac care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Seville and completed his cardiology specialization at the Virgen Macarena University Hospital in Seville. His academic achievements include a Master’s in Biomedical Research from the University of Seville, a Master’s in Acute Cardiac Care from the Spanish Society of Cardiology and UCAM, and a Master’s in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Cardiac Electrophysiology from CEU San Pablo University. Additionally, he has specialized training in atrial fibrillation from the University of Santiago de Compostela and holds European accreditation in Interventional Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology from the European Society of Cardiology and EHRA.

Languages spoken: Spanish and English

Specialties:

  • Cardiac Electrophysiology
  • Atrial Fibrillation Management
  • Acute Cardiac Care
  • Clinical Cardiology
  • Cardiac Interventional Procedures
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Dr. Manuel Carnero

Dr Manuel Carnero is an Adult Cardiac Surgeon at Ribera. His expertise is in arrhythmia surgery, minimally invasive procedures and heart failure treatment. Manuel is a member of the scientific committee of the Spanish National Registry of Cardiovascular Surgery. Manuel has a Postdoctoral master’s degree in Research Methodology and Statistics and is a statistical reviewer for EJCTS and ICVTS as well as a member of the editorial board of Revista Española de Cardiología. Manuel has a postdoctoral master’s degree in Clinical Management and is the Quality Manager of the Cardiac Surgery Department at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos. Manuel also has a postdoctoral master’s degree in echocardiography. Manuel is also a member of EACTS and the Spanish Society of Cardiology, former General Secretary of the Spanish Society of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery, and Investigator for the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC).

Manuel has authored 147 manuscripts as first author or collaborator.
ORCID ID: 0000-0001-5045-576.

Languages spoken: Spanish

Specialties:

  • Adult Cardiac Surgery
  • Arrhythmia Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Cardiac Procedures
  • Heart Failure Treatment
  • Echocardiography
  • Quality Management in Cardiac Surgery
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Dr. Carlos De Diego Rus

Dr. Carlos De Diego Rus is a distinguished cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology and arrhythmias. He earned his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Madrid, where he also completed his cardiology specialization at the prestigious Fundación Jiménez-Díaz. Further honing his expertise, Dr. De Diego trained in electrophysiology and arrhythmia management at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and in Madrid. Since January 2018, he has served as a Head of Cardiology at Ribera, where he leads advancements in heart health with a focus on cutting-edge treatment and patient care.

Languages spoken: Spanish and English

Specialties:

  • Electrophysiology
  • Arrhythmia Management
  • Cardiology
  • Advanced Cardiac Procedures
  • Leadership in Cardiology
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Dr. Ignacio Valenciano BilbaoMuñoz Criado

Dr. Ignacio Valenciano Bilbao is a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon with a career spanning over two decades in both public and private healthcare sectors. After earning his medical degree from Universidad de Santiago de Compostelaand completing his specialization via MIR at Arquitecto Marcide Hospital in Ferrol, he pursued advanced training in spinal surgery at La Fe Hospital in Valencia and pediatric orthopedics at Niño Jesús Hospital in Madrid. Constantly updating his expertise, Dr. Valenciano specializes in primary and revision prosthetic surgery and advanced arthroscopic techniques. Currently, he serves as a Traumatology Department Head at Ribera.

Languages spoken: Spanish and English

Specialties:

  • Primary and Revision Prosthetic Surgery
  • Navigation-Assisted Surgery
  • Arthroscopic Surgery
  • Traumatology
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Spinal Surgery
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Dr. Pedro Antonio Martínez Victorio

Dr. Pedro Antonio Martínez Victorio is an esteemed orthopedic surgeon with extensive international experience. He completed his specialization in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology at Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca in Murcia and has pursued advanced training at renowned institutions, including the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. As an invited surgeon, he has performed complex procedures in leading hospitals across Spain and Europe. His expertise spans minimally invasive techniques, sports injuries, and cutting-edge prosthetic innovations, earning him recognition as a leader in orthopedic surgery worldwide.

Languages spoken: Spanish and English

Specialties:

  • Joint Replacement Surgery
  • Sports Traumatology
  • Arthroscopic Surgery
  • Reconstructive Surgery
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Infection Management
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Dr. Paulino Sánchez Arteaga

Dr. Paulino Sánchez Arteaga is a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in advanced reconstructive and robotic knee prosthetic surgery. With international training at prestigious institutions such as the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York where he focused on hip and knee arthroplasty under Dr. Friedrich Boettner, he has become a leader in complex cases requiring cutting-edge technology. Dr. Sánchez is also an expert in sports traumatology, accelerated recovery protocols for hip and knee arthroplasties, and infection prevention. He has authored numerous high-impact publications in national and international journals, contributing significantly to advancements in orthopedic surgery and traumatology.

Languages spoken: Spanish and English

Specialties:

  • Reconstructive Surgery of the Upper Limb
  • Robotic Knee Prosthetic Surgery
  • Sports Traumatology
  • Trauma and Emergency Care
  • Fast-Track Hip and Knee Arthroplasties
  • Infection Prevention in Surgery
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Dr. Ignacio Muñoz Criado

Dr. Ignacio Muñoz Criado is an internationally renowned orthopedic surgeon and the Medical Director of one of Ribera’s hospitals. With a distinguished career spanning decades, he has worked with elite athletes, served as the doctor for the Spanish Tennis Federation at Grand Slam tournaments, and contributed to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He played a key role in establishing Spain’s first hospital dedicated to the musculoskeletal system. A passionate educator and speaker, Dr. Muñoz has given numerous talks and lectures in Spain, England and the United States and he has collaborated with world-renowned surgeons. His surgical expertise and pursuit of perfection have earned him a reputation as one of the top orthopedic surgeons worldwide.

Languages spoken: Spanish and English

Specialties:

  • Total knee arthroplasty.
  • Total hip arthroplasty.
  • Achilles tendon.
  • Knee ligament reconstruction (ACL). Treatment via arthroscopy.
  • Arthroscopic knee surgery. Meniscectomy.
  • Arthrolysis of major joints.
  • Shoulder arthroscopy.
  • Hip arthroscopy.
  • Hallux valgus (bunion surgery).
  • Dupuytren’s disease.
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