Knee Replacement in Turkey

Total knee replacement (also called total knee arthroplasty) is the surgical resurfacing of a damaged knee joint. Your surgeon removes the worn cartilage and a thin layer of bone from the surfaces of the knee, the lower end of the thighbone (femur), the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and usually the underside of the kneecap (patella).

These surfaces are then replaced with smooth metal and medical-grade plastic components that recreate the shape and movement of a healthy knee joint. The components are fixed in place using bone cement or press-fit techniques, depending on your bone quality and your surgeon's assessment.

The implants used are from leading international manufacturers with proven long-term track records. Modern knee replacements typically last 15-25 years, and many last even longer.

The procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours. It can be performed under general anaesthesia (fully asleep) or spinal anaesthesia (numb from the waist down, with sedation if preferred). Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you based on your health and preferences.

Knee replacement is recommended when osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis has damaged the joint to the point where conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief.

Knee replacement is recommended when your knee pain and stiffness significantly affect your daily life and conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have persistent knee pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or daily activities
• Your knee is stiff and limits your range of movement
• X-rays show significant joint damage (bone-on-bone arthritis)
• Painkillers, physiotherapy, and injections no longer provide adequate relief
• Your knee pain disturbs your sleep
• Your quality of life is significantly affected

You may not be suitable if:

• You have an active infection in or around the knee
• Your pain is mild and manageable with conservative treatment
• You have severe peripheral vascular disease affecting the leg
• You are significantly underweight or have very poor bone quality
• You have uncontrolled diabetes or other conditions that impair healing

Before your procedure

A consultation reviews your symptoms, examines your knee, and reviews your X-rays or MRI. Your surgeon assesses the severity of joint damage and confirms that knee replacement is appropriate. Pre-operative blood tests and a health assessment ensure you are fit for surgery.

On the day

You are admitted to hospital. The procedure takes 1-2 hours under general or spinal anaesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision over the front of the knee, removes the damaged joint surfaces, and fits the new components. The knee is tested for stability and range of motion before closing.

Hospital stay (3 nights)

Physiotherapy begins on day 1, you will be standing and taking your first steps with support. Pain is managed with medication. Over the 3 days, your physiotherapy team works with you on bending, straightening, and walking with aids. Blood-thinning medication prevents clots.

Hotel recovery (7 nights)

After discharge, you transfer to your 5-star hotel. Daily physiotherapy sessions continue. You practice walking, stair climbing, and exercises to build strength and range of motion. Follow-up appointments check your wound and progress. The extended stay ensures you are mobile and confident before travelling home.

Recovery from knee replacement requires commitment to physiotherapy, this is the single most important factor in your outcome.

Days 1-3 (hospital): Standing and walking with aids from day 1. Knee bending exercises begin. Swelling and discomfort are managed with ice, elevation, and medication.

Days 4-10 (hotel): Daily physiotherapy. Walking distance increases. Knee bending improves. You will use a walking frame or crutches. By day 10, most patients walk short distances independently with a stick.

Weeks 2-6: Continue exercises at home. Gradually reduce walking aids. Most patients move from a frame to a stick within 3-4 weeks. Driving typically resumes at 4-6 weeks (automatic car; longer for manual).

Weeks 6-12: Significant improvement in pain, strength, and range of motion. Most patients return to desk work at 6-8 weeks and physical work at 10-12 weeks.

Months 3-6: Continued improvement. Swelling gradually resolves. Walking becomes more natural. Low-impact exercise (swimming, cycling, walking) resumes.

Long-term: Most patients achieve 0-110 degrees of knee bend (normal is about 135 degrees). Pain relief is significant, the vast majority of patients report their knee pain is gone or dramatically reduced.

For 6-12 weeks, avoid: Kneeling, squatting, high-impact sports, and twisting on the operated leg.

Knee replacement is a well-established procedure with a strong track record, but it is major surgery with specific risks you should understand.

Common effects:

• Swelling and bruising (can persist for 3-6 months)
• Stiffness (improves with physiotherapy)
• Clicking or clunking sensations (normal with the new joint)
• Numbness around the incision (usually permanent but small area)

Less common risks:

• Blood clots in the leg (DVT), prevented with blood thinners and compression stockings
• Infection (approximately 1-2%, managed with antibiotics; rarely requires further surgery)
• Stiffness requiring manipulation under anaesthesia (if physiotherapy does not achieve adequate range)
• Implant loosening over time (typically after 15-25 years)
• Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare)

Your surgery is performed by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in a government-licensed hospital using implants from leading international manufacturers.