Years of knee or hip pain from arthritis can make walking, praying, climbing stairs and sleeping difficult. For patients from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and other African countries, a joint replacement in Istanbul can be planned with the dates, the stay and the costs agreed in writing beforehand. This New City Clinic guide explains what to send, how long to stay, what it costs and how to manage the flight and recovery at home.
Knee Replacement in Istanbul, Turkey: price, package and planningIllustrative package price: 7.000–9.000 €Who a joint replacement is for
A knee or hip replacement is considered when arthritis or joint damage causes pain and stiffness that limit daily life despite medicines, physiotherapy and weight control, and X-rays show advanced wear. The orthopaedic surgeon decides after reviewing your X-rays and examining you.
What to send for a quote
Recent standing X-rays of the knee or the hip and pelvis, a short medical history, your weight and height, the medicines you take and any long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Tell us also about sickle cell disease, which can affect the hip, and about any previous joint operation. Well-controlled blood sugar and blood pressure make surgery safer.
Total or partial knee replacement
Depending on the wear, a total or a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement is chosen after examination. Knee replacements are planned by orthopaedic surgeon Op. Dr. Gökhan Tolga Akbulut, specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology.
Hip replacement
A hip replacement replaces the worn ball and socket of the joint. The implant is chosen by the surgeon according to your age, bone quality and activity. The operation usually takes one and a half to two and a half hours, often under regional (spinal) anaesthesia.
Estimated 2026 prices
The estimated package price is €7,000–9,000 for one knee replacement and €8,000–12,000 for a hip replacement. The package covers the operation at a licensed partner hospital, the hospital stay, hotel and airport transfers; tests, coordination and interpreting are included according to the package. Flights are not included. The final written quote follows the surgeon’s review of your X-rays.
How long to stay in Istanbul
Plan 12–14 days for a knee and 10–14 days for a hip: three to five nights in hospital, then physiotherapy and a wound check from the hotel. Physiotherapy starts the day after surgery, and you walk with a frame or crutches from the first days. A companion is a real help during this period.
The flight home
Your surgeon clears you to fly and plans the prevention of blood clots. Choose an aisle seat, wear compression stockings if advised, drink water and move your ankles and walk when you can. If your journey has a connection, ask for airport wheelchair assistance when you book.
Recovery at home
You receive a written exercise programme in English to continue with a physiotherapist at home. Many people walk indoors with one crutch or none by weeks four to six; desk work is often possible after about five weeks, and the joint keeps improving for up to a year.
A knee or hip replacement in Turkey from Africa with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about a knee or hip replacement in Turkey from Africa, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–5
In hospital; walking with a frame or crutches; physiotherapy begins.
Days 6–14
Hotel, physiotherapy, wound check and clearance to fly.
Weeks 4–6
Many walk indoors with one crutch or none; desk work from around week five.
Months 3–12
Swelling settles and strength keeps improving.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a knee replacement cost in Istanbul?
The estimated package price is €7,000–9,000 for one knee; flights are not included. The final quote follows a review of your X-rays.
How much does a hip replacement cost?
The estimated package price is €8,000–12,000, depending on the implant and your health; flights are not included.
How long will I stay?
12–14 days for a knee and 10–14 days for a hip, including three to five nights in hospital.
Can both knees be done?
Each knee is assessed and quoted individually; the surgeon decides whether and when both can be treated.
What should I send first?
Recent standing X-rays, a short medical history, your medicines and any long-term conditions.
When can I drive?
Usually after about six weeks for a hip and six to eight weeks for a knee, with your surgeon’s approval.
Who follows me up at home?
A physiotherapist and your doctor at home, with your reports and exercise programme in English; New City Clinic keeps in touch after your return.
Deciding on a knee or hip replacement in Turkey from Africa is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
