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Dr. Fabricio Picado Chaves

Dr. Fabricio Picado Chaves

Orthopedics

31+

Years of Experience

About Dr. Fabricio Picado Chaves

Dr. Fabricio Picado Chaves is an orthopedic and trauma surgeon, and he is the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic of CIMA Hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica. He accepts pediatric and adult patients and is internationally fellowship-trained in hand surgery, sports medicine, and trauma - a scope of subspecialty training that sets his practice apart in the area.

Professional Background

  • Experience/Years of Work: Since 1995.
  • Based in: Escazú, San José, Costa Rica

Innovations & Contributions

Dr. Picado is unique due to his international fellowship training in three orthopedic subspecialties and his role in furthering the education of sports medicine in Costa Rica.

  • Hand Surgery Fellowship: NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York (20012002)
  • Sports Medicine Fellowship: Brigham and Women Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston (2004-2005)
  • Trauma Fellowship: St. Gallen, Switzerland (2005)
  • Professional Affiliation: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
  • Leadership: Director of the Sports Medicine Congress, San Jose, Costa Rica.
  • Recognition: Graduated with Honors in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Universidad de Costa Rica (2001)

Good to know

Speciality

OrthopedicsSports MedicineSpine Care/SurgeryRehabilitationRehabilitation and Medical Spa Treatment

Language Spoken

SpanishEnglish

Awards

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica

Senior Orthopedic Surgeon & Lead Specialist

CIMA San Jose

2005 - Present

Sports Medicine Fellow

2004 - 2005

Hand Surgery Fellow

2001 - 2002

Hospital Affiliations

CIMA San Jose

CIMA San Jose

This is one of the leading, privately owned multi-disciplinary hospitals in Escazu, San Jose, Costa Rica. In addition to being an integral part of the global CIMA Hospital network since **2000**, this facility has earned a reputation as one of the top health-care institutions in all of Central America. In addition to adhering to strict international standards for health care quality, CIMA Hospital is accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI). This accreditation reinforces CIMA Hospital's dedication to patient safety and clinical excellence. As an internationally affiliated hospital, CIMA Hospital can treat international patients who come from other countries to receive medical attention or undergo surgical procedures. In fact, CIMA Hospital is a major destination for international patients receiving medical treatments while abroad. --- ### Medical Specialties CIMA Hospital can meet virtually all of your health care needs as you will see below: * Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery * Orthopedic and Trauma Care * Cancer Treatment (Oncology) * Neuro-Surgical Procedures * Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures and General Surgery * Bariatric Surgery * Obstetric/Gynecologic Care * Urologic/Nephrologic Care All of these specialty areas are supported by some of the most technologically advanced diagnostic equipment and treatment modalities available today. The hospital features modern operating suites, state-of-the-art ICU capabilities and high-tech imaging technologies that include but are not limited to MRI, CT and Interventional Radiology Systems. --- ### International Patient Services International Patients at CIMA Hospital have access to a number of different service options that cater specifically to their needs. These services include: * A personalized plan developed by our team to ensure all aspects of your treatment are coordinated properly * Assistance in a language that is native to you or translated into English or Spanish * Arrangements for transportation from the airport and accommodations during your stay in San Jose * Assistance with insurance coverage and other administrative tasks related to your care * Follow up care after discharge back home Because of its central location within San Jose and because we have structured international services to assist in your travel here and subsequent recovery once you leave, CIMA Hospital is often the first choice among patients who need high quality medical care at affordable prices. --- ### Patient Experience At CIMA Hospital, each patient receives medical care that is centered around the patient. Our staff of skilled physicians work together to create an individualized plan of care designed to address your unique medical issues. We emphasize a safe, comfortable and efficient environment for each of our patients. We do this through use of the latest medical technology combined with a focus on providing warm hospitality like care to every patient whether they live locally or are visiting from another country.

Learn More
All Procedures Performed by Dr. Fabricio Picado Chaves
Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Orthopedic surgery abroad covers [knee replacement](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/orthopedics/knee-surgery), [hip replacement](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/orthopedics/hip-arthroscopy), [ACL reconstruction](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/orthopedics/acl-reconstruction), arthroscopy, [shoulder surgery](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/orthopedics/shoulder-surgery), and spinal orthopedics performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons. Procedures range from minimally invasive arthroscopy to complex total joint reconstruction using computer-navigated and robotic-assisted techniques. The cost factor is the leading reason patients seek orthopedic surgery abroad. A total knee replacement that costs $35,000 to $55,000 at home may be available for $6,000 to $12,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with board-certified orthopedic surgeons using premium international implants. Leading international orthopedic hospitals offer shorter waiting times, high-volume surgical experience, and structured physiotherapy programs. Patients consistently report receiving more attentive surgical planning and rehabilitation care than they experienced at home. The surgeon's implant experience and the hospital's rehabilitation infrastructure are the most critical factors to ensure legitimacy. Confirm the implant brand and warranty, and verify the surgeon's annual procedure volume. Also never forget to ensure commitment of the facility to postoperative physiotherapy, activity restrictions, and follow-up imaging directly determines functional recovery.

Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine

Sports medicine treatment abroad offers expert care for athletic injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and performance optimization. Specialist treatment covers [ACL and ligament injuries](https://curemeabroad.com/blogs/acl-surgery-recovery-time-from-surgery-to-full-recovery), tendinopathy, cartilage damage, stress fractures, and return-to-sport rehabilitation by sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and physiotherapists. Timely sports medicine care is difficult to access in many countries due to long waiting lists. Arthroscopic sports surgery that costs $15,000 to $30,000 at home may be available for $3,000 to $8,000 abroad at equally accredited centers with fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons and sport-specific [rehabilitation](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/rehabilitation) programs. Leading international sports medicine centers offer rapid specialist access, same-week arthroscopy or injection appointments, and sport-specific rehabilitation programs. Patients — from professional athletes to active individuals — consistently report receiving more comprehensive, individually tailored sports care than they experienced at home. The sports physician's subspecialty training and the rehabilitation team's sport-specific expertise are the most important factors. Confirm your surgeon has fellowship training in sports medicine or arthroscopy. Adherence to phased rehabilitation protocols, return-to-sport testing milestones, and injury prevention programs directly determines re-injury risk and athletic performance recovery.

Spine Care/Surgery

Spine Care/Surgery

Spine care and surgery abroad covers disc replacement, spinal fusion, laminectomy, endoscopic discectomy, scoliosis correction, and spinal cord decompression performed by internationally trained spine surgeons. Options range from conservative pain management and physiotherapy to complex multi-level reconstructive surgery. The cost of [spine surgery](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/spine-care-surgery/spinal-fusion-surgery) is a major barrier in many countries. A [spinal fusion procedure](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/spine-care-surgery/posterior-fusion-spine-surgery) that costs $50,000 to $80,000 at home may be available for $7,000 to $18,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with fellowship-trained spine surgeons using premium implants and intraoperative navigation. Leading international spine centers offer shorter waiting times, advanced imaging-guided surgical precision, and integrated rehabilitation programs. Patients consistently report more comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation and structured postoperative care than they experienced at home. The spine surgeon's subspecialty training and the hospital's neuromonitoring capabilities are the most important factors. Confirm your surgeon is fellowship-trained in spine surgery. Postoperative physiotherapy compliance, activity modification, and maintaining a healthy weight are critical for long-term spine health and surgical success.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation treatment abroad offers intensive neurological, orthopedic, cardiac, and post-surgical recovery programs at internationally accredited rehabilitation centers staffed by physiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, and neuropsychologists. High-intensity [therapy](https://curemeabroad.com/blogs/how-much-does-targeted-therapy-cost-2026) programs using robotic and virtual reality technology accelerate functional recovery. Inpatient rehabilitation in many countries is expensive, short, and not sufficiently intensive. A comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program that costs $30,000 to $80,000 at home may be available for $5,000 to $20,000 abroad at equally accredited centers with equivalent or greater daily therapy intensity. Leading international rehabilitation centers offer 3 to 5 hours of daily therapy, advanced [robotic](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/robotic-surgery) rehabilitation technology (Lokomat, Armeo, Ekso), and multidisciplinary team management. Patients consistently report receiving more intensive, individualized therapy than they found at home. The program's daily therapy intensity and the multidisciplinary team's experience are the most critical factors. Confirm daily therapy hours and the range of allied health professionals included. Family education, home exercise programs, and continuation of therapy after returning home are essential to sustain gains made during intensive inpatient rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation and Medical Spa Treatment

Rehabilitation and Medical Spa Treatment

Integrated rehabilitation and medical spa programs combine evidence-based therapeutic recovery with luxury wellness experiences, offering post-surgical recuperation, chronic pain management, burnout recovery, and active aging programs in premium physician-led resort environments. These programs seamlessly blend physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and aesthetic medicine in world-class settings. The integration of rehabilitation medicine and luxury wellness is a growing niche available at premium cost in very few Western countries. A comprehensive two-week integrated rehab-medispa program that costs $15,000 to $35,000 at home may be available for $4,000 to $10,000 abroad at equally physician-led centers in Austria, Czech Republic, Thailand, or Switzerland. Leading international integrated programs offer daily structured therapy, [wellness treatments](https://curemeabroad.com/) personalized to recovery goals, and medical oversight throughout the stay. Patients consistently report receiving more comprehensive, holistically integrated care than they found available in their home country. The program physician's dual expertise in rehabilitation and wellness medicine and the facility's accreditation are the most critical factors. Confirm daily [therapy sessions](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/natural-therapies) are medically supervised. Continuing prescribed home exercises, maintaining dietary habits, and managing stress after the program are critical to sustaining the health gains achieved.

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