Knee Replacement in Turkey

Who Is a Candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is recommended for patients who do not respond to medication, physical therapy, or other non-surgical treatments. It is commonly performed on elderly individuals with severe joint deformity or osteoarthritis. The procedure may also be necessary in cases of trauma-induced damage or rheumatic diseases. A major indicator for surgery is when the patient’s quality of life is severely affected by chronic knee pain or limited mobility.

How Is Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?

The procedure is carried out under general or spinal anesthesia. The surgeon opens the kneecap and removes the damaged cartilage and bone. These are replaced with specially designed metal and plastic components, which are fixed using screws, bone cement, or pressure fit.

The surgery takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. After the procedure, the leg is bandaged and the patient begins physical therapy to regain movement and strength.

Types of Knee Prostheses

The type of knee prosthesis used depends on the condition of the joint and the extent of the damage. The most common types include:

• Total Knee Replacement: The entire knee joint is replaced.
• Unicondylar Knee Replacement: Only one part of the knee joint is replaced.
• Revision Knee Replacement: A secondary surgery performed when a previous prosthesis fails or causes issues.
• Cemented vs. Cementless Prostheses: Refers to how the implant is fixed to the bone.

The choice of prosthesis is determined by an orthopedic specialist based on the patient’s age, bone quality, and activity level.

Preoperative Preparation for Knee Replacement Surgery

Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a detailed medical evaluation, including blood tests, chest X-rays, and cardiac screening. To reduce the risk of infection, any existing oral or urinary tract infections must be treated beforehand.

The patient is informed about the postoperative physical therapy process and the type of prosthesis to be used is selected. Additionally, the patient’s nutritional status is reviewed and supplements may be recommended if necessary.

Postoperative Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery

After knee replacement surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days. Walking and mobility exercises usually begin on the first day. During the first few weeks, walking aids such as crutches or walkers are used.

With physical therapy and regular exercises, the range of motion in the knee improves gradually. By the end of 6 weeks, most patients can walk without assistance. Full recovery is usually achieved within 3 to 6 months. Regular exercise and follow-up appointments are essential for a successful recovery.

Risks and Complications of Knee Replacement Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, knee replacement carries certain risks, including:

• Infection
• Blood clot (embolism)
• Implant loosening or dislocation
• Nerve or blood vessel damage
• Persistent pain or limited range of motion
• Allergic reaction to prosthetic materials (rare)

These complications are rare and can be minimized with proper surgical techniques, sterilization protocols, and postoperative care.

Knee Replacement Surgery Costs 2025

As of 2025, the cost of knee replacement surgery varies depending on the hospital, the type of prosthesis used, and the patient’s overall health condition. In private hospitals, the total cost typically ranges from 80,000 to 150,000 TRY. In public hospitals, most expenses may be covered by SGK (Turkish Social Security Institution) if certain criteria are met.

For accurate pricing, it is recommended to schedule a pre-consultation with the hospital and surgeon.

Precautions After Knee Replacement Surgery

There are important precautions to follow during the recovery period:

• Avoid stairs, squatting, or deep bending movements for the first 6 weeks.
• Keep the surgical wounds clean and follow dressing instructions regularly.
• Attend physical therapy sessions consistently without interruption.
• Take precautions to prevent falls—remove slippery surfaces and use supportive footwear.
• Continue using antibiotics as prescribed to reduce infection risks.