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Orthopaedics · Istanbul

Knee Replacement
in Turkey.
From £3,500.

CE-marked implants. JCI-accredited orthopaedic teams. Surgery in 2–3 weeks — not 12–18 months on the NHS waiting list.

NHS waiting time:12–18+ months for knee replacement in many areas of England. Through Ocean Health & Travel, surgery can typically be arranged within 2–3 weeks.
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CE-marked implants
JCI-accredited hospitals
2–3 week timeline
GP documentation included
Price comparison
Istanbul (OHT)
from £3,500
UK private clinic
£12,000 – £16,000
NHS wait
12 – 18+ months
Typical saving
70 – 75%
Istanbul stay
10 – 14 days

Knee replacement in Turkey — what to expect

Knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty) is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures worldwide, offering significant pain relief and improved mobility for patients with severe knee arthritis or joint degeneration. Istanbul has become a leading destination for orthopaedic surgery, combining internationally trained surgeons, JCI-accredited hospitals, and costs 70–75% lower than UK private centres.

Ocean Health & Travel coordinates knee replacement surgery at JCI-accredited orthopaedic centres in Istanbul. We are a coordination service — not a medical provider. All clinical decisions rest with your treating orthopaedic surgeon.

NHS vs. Istanbul — a direct comparison

NHSUK privateIstanbul (OHT)
Waiting time12–18+ months2–4 weeks2–3 weeks
CostFree (long wait)£12,000–£16,000from £3,500
Implant standardCE-markedCE-markedCE-marked
Hospital accreditationCQCCQCJCI
Interpreter——Included

What does knee replacement involve?

Total knee replacement involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing it with metal and plastic implant components that replicate the natural movement of the knee. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia and typically takes 1.5–2 hours.

  • Total knee replacement — full joint resurfacing
  • Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement — where only one compartment is affected
  • Revision knee replacement — where a previous implant requires replacement

Recovery and rehabilitation

Hospital stay following knee replacement is typically 3–5 days. In-hospital physiotherapy begins the day after surgery. Most patients stay in Istanbul for 10–14 days in total before flying home.

  • Days 1–5: Hospital stay, in-patient physiotherapy begins
  • Days 5–14: Hotel recovery, outpatient physiotherapy in Istanbul
  • Week 2–3: Flight home (subject to surgical team clearance)
  • Months 1–3: Intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation at home
  • Months 3–12: Progressive recovery, most patients walking normally by 3–6 months

Implants used

Our partner orthopaedic centres use CE-marked knee implant systems from internationally recognised manufacturers. The specific implant recommended will depend on your anatomy, weight, activity level, and the degree of joint degeneration. All implant details are specified in your itemised quote before any commitment is made.

Documentation helpful for your quote

  • Recent knee X-rays (weight-bearing AP and lateral views)
  • GP or orthopaedic referral letter (if available)
  • Summary of symptoms, duration, and current medication
  • BMI and relevant medical history (diabetes, heart conditions, blood thinners)
Medical disclaimer:Ocean Health & Travel is a medical coordination service, not a medical provider. We do not provide orthopaedic assessments or clinical opinions. All clinical decisions rest with your treating surgeon. This information is for general guidance only. Knee replacement is an elective procedure and is not suitable for emergency situations.
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Share your X-rays and medical history. Full itemised quote within 48 hours — no obligation.

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Price comparison
Istanbul (OHT)from £3,500
UK private£12,000 – £16,000
Typical saving70 – 75%
NHS wait12–18+ months
OHT timeline2–3 weeks

Prices indicative. Coordination fee quoted separately. Flights not included.

What's included
Airport transfer
Hotel near hospital
Interpreter at all appointments
In-hospital physiotherapy
GP documentation on request

Flights not included. Coordinator, not a medical provider.

The process

From enquiry to surgery in 2–3 weeks

1
Enquiry
Share X-rays and medical history via WhatsApp or email
2
Quote
Itemised proposal within 48 hours
3
Booking
Hospital, hotel, and transfers confirmed
4
Surgery
Knee replacement with interpreter present
5
GP docs
Clinical notes forwarded to your UK GP
Common questions

Knee replacement Turkey — FAQ

How much does knee replacement cost in Turkey?+
Knee replacement surgery in Istanbul starts from £3,500, compared to £12,000–£16,000 at UK private orthopaedic centres. The price includes surgeon fee, anaesthesia, implant, hospital stay, and standard post-operative care. Airport transfer, hotel, and interpreter are coordinated separately. An itemised quote is provided within 48 hours of receiving your clinical documentation.
How long is the NHS waiting list for knee replacement?+
NHS waiting times for knee replacement surgery have reached 12–18 months in many areas of England, with some patients waiting longer. Through Ocean Health & Travel, surgery can typically be arranged within 2–3 weeks of first contact.
What type of knee implant is used?+
Our partner orthopaedic teams use CE-marked knee implant systems from internationally recognised manufacturers including Zimmer Biomet, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, and DePuy Synthes. The specific implant recommended will depend on your anatomy, activity level, and degree of joint degeneration. Implant brand and model will be specified in your itemised quote.
How long will I need to stay in Istanbul?+
Most patients stay in Istanbul for 10–14 days following knee replacement surgery. Hospital stay is typically 3–5 days, followed by a period of supervised rehabilitation and physiotherapy before flying home. Flying too early after knee replacement carries risks — your surgical team will advise on the appropriate time to travel.
What physiotherapy and rehabilitation is included?+
In-hospital physiotherapy begins the day after surgery as part of standard care at our partner hospitals. We coordinate additional outpatient physiotherapy sessions during your Istanbul stay. On return to the UK, you will continue rehabilitation with your own physiotherapist or NHS community physio team. Post-discharge documentation is forwarded to your UK GP on request.
What documentation do I need to provide?+
To provide an accurate quote, we ask for recent knee X-rays (weight-bearing AP and lateral views), a GP or orthopaedic surgeon referral letter if available, and a summary of your symptoms, medication, and relevant medical history. Our physician coordinator will review your documentation and liaise with the orthopaedic team.
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Ready to stop waiting?

Share your X-rays and we'll have a full itemised quote within 48 hours. Surgery in 2–3 weeks, not 18 months.

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