CE-marked implants. JCI-accredited orthopaedic teams. Surgery usually within 2 weeks of confirming your booking.
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 is an established destination for orthopaedic surgery, with JCI-accredited hospitals and costs typically 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.
| UK private | Istanbul (OHT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £10,000–£17,000 | from £3,500 |
| Implant standard | CE-marked | CE-marked |
| Hospital accreditation | CQC | JCI |
| Interpreter | — | Included |
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.
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.
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.
Share your X-rays and we'll have a full itemised quote within 48 hours. Surgery in 2–3 weeks, not 18 months.
What to know before you travel and after you return.
Patients typically fly home 10–14 days after surgery. Deep vein thrombosis risk is managed with your surgical team before you travel. Ask your surgeon about compression stockings and moving regularly on the flight.
Operative notes, the discharge summary and any results are provided in English and forwarded to your UK GP on request. The treating hospital remains responsible for agreed follow-up. If you need urgent care at home, seek local medical help straight away. We can help coordinate communication with the hospital, but we do not provide post-operative medical care. Read what to do if something goes wrong.
You pay no coordination fee. We are paid by the hospital you are treated at, and we tell you this upfront. Deposits, payment schedules and refund terms are set by the hospital and confirmed in writing in your quote before you pay anything. Cancellation terms are in your coordination agreement — see the brokerage agreement.
Standard travel policies often exclude planned treatment and its complications, so check your cover and its exclusions before you travel. If you would like, we can introduce you to an FCA-authorised insurance provider offering medical-travel cover. We may receive a commission if you take out a policy. You are free to choose any provider, there is no obligation, and we do not give insurance advice.