Knee Replacement
Surgery that resurfaces the worn parts of the knee in advanced arthritis.
Also known as: total knee replacement · knee arthroplasty · knee prosthesis
At New City Clinic, Knee Replacement is performed in Istanbul by specialist physicians at partner hospitals licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
💶 Illustrative package price7.000–9.000 €

Knee Replacement in Istanbul: overview
Knee replacement covers the worn surfaces of a knee damaged by advanced osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis or an old injury with parts made of metal and medical-grade plastic. When the whole knee is affected a total knee replacement is used; when only one compartment is worn, a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement may suit selected patients. Physiotherapy, starting the day after surgery, is the most important part of the result. The orthopaedic surgeon decides which implant is right for you after reviewing your X-rays and examining you.
| Anaesthesia | Regional anaesthesia (spinal or nerve block) |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Hospital stay | 3–5 nights |
| Stay in Türkiye | 12–14 days |
| Back to work | 35 days |
| Back to sport | 12 weeks |
| Final result | 12 months |
| Scar | A vertical incision at the front of the knee |
Knee Replacement price in Istanbul
Illustrative package price
Knee Replacement Surgery Package
7.000–9.000 €
Illustrative package price — final quotation subject to medical assessment. ✈️ Flights are not included.
Package includes
- Surgery at an authorised healthcare facility
- Hospital accommodation
- Hotel accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Pre-operative tests, where specified
- Patient coordination and interpretation, where specified
- Post-operative compression garments, where needed
- Complication insurance
You are special to us
✈️ For your flight tickets, you can use albibilet.com.
- ✨ Free assessment by a surgeon
- ⏱️ Quote usually within 24 hours
- 💬 Support on WhatsApp in English
Who is it for?
Knee replacement is considered when knee pain from advanced osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis limits walking, stairs and sleep, and when physiotherapy, weight control, injections and lifestyle changes no longer help enough. X-rays showing worn joint surfaces, together with your symptoms and examination, guide the decision. Your general health, heart and lung function are checked before surgery.
Your orthopaedic surgeon
Op. Dr. Gökhan Tolga AkbulutOrthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon · Orthopaedics, Hand Surgery and MicrosurgeryView CV Total or partial knee replacement
The surgeon chooses the type of implant after examining you:
- Total knee replacement: all three compartments of the knee are resurfaced
- Partial (unicompartmental) replacement: only the worn compartment is replaced, for selected patients
- Both knees in one session or in two stages, depending on your health
- Revision surgery for a worn or painful older knee implant
Physiotherapy makes the result
Exercises start the day after surgery to regain bending and straightening. In hospital you learn to walk with a frame or crutches, to climb stairs and the exercises to keep doing at home. Bending the knee steadily improves over the first weeks; the knee can stay warm and swollen for several months, which is normal.
Recovery and flying home from the UK or Ireland
Plan about 12 to 14 days in Istanbul for wound checks and physiotherapy before your surgeon clears you to fly. On the flight, choose an aisle seat, move your ankles and walk when possible, and follow your physician’s advice on preventing blood clots. Most people return to desk work after about five weeks and to driving and low-impact activity after six to twelve weeks, continuing physiotherapy at home.
Your journey in Türkiye, step by step
- 01
Free preliminary assessment: a physician reviews your photos and medical history and you receive a written plan and quote.
- 02
Day 1 – arrival in Istanbul: you are met at the airport and taken to your hotel.
- 03
Examination day: physician's examination, blood tests and anaesthesia assessment; the plan is finalised.
- 04
Procedure day: the procedure takes about 1.5–2.5 hours under regional anaesthesia (spinal or nerve block). Hospital stay: 3–5 nights.
- 05
Check-up: dressing change and follow-up examination after discharge.
- 06
Return: total stay in Türkiye is 12–14 days; your physician clears you to fly. Follow-up continues remotely.
New City Clinic health tourism services
- Airport welcome and hospital–hotel transfers
- Accommodation at partner hotels close to the hospital
- Support in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish
- Scheduling of examination, tests and surgery
- Post-operative check-ups and remote follow-up once you are home
- Dedicated complication insurance for operations
Recovery
Hospital stay: 3–5 nights. Desk work is usually possible within 35 days and sport after 12 weeks; the final result appears in about 12 months.
What you should know
- Temporary swelling, bruising and tenderness
- Risk of infection and bleeding, as with any surgical procedure
- Results vary with individual anatomy and healing
Every medical procedure carries risk. Your physician will explain the risks specific to you during your examination.
Frequently asked questions
What is knee replacement?
Knee replacement covers the worn surfaces of a knee damaged by advanced osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis or an old injury with parts made of metal and medical-grade plastic. When the whole knee is affected a total knee replacement is used; when only one compartment is worn, a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement may suit selected patients. Physiotherapy, starting the day after surgery, is the most important part of the result. The orthopaedic surgeon decides which implant is right for you after reviewing your X-rays and examining you.
How much does Knee Replacement cost in Turkey?
The illustrative package price for Knee Replacement in Istanbul is 7.000–9.000 €. It includes surgery at an authorised healthcare facility, hospital accommodation, hotel accommodation and airport transfers, with pre-operative tests and patient coordination and interpretation where specified. The final quotation is subject to a free medical assessment.
What does an all-inclusive Knee Replacement package include?
Your quote lists the hospital and physician fees, required tests, check-ups, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and, on request, hotel accommodation as separate items. Flights are not included; we can help organise them if you wish.
How long does Knee Replacement take?
The procedure takes about 1.5–2.5 hours. Anaesthesia: regional anaesthesia (spinal or nerve block).
How long do I stay in hospital and in Turkey?
Hospital stay: 3–5 nights. The total stay in Türkiye is usually planned at 12–14 days; your physician confirms the exact length at your check-up.
Is Knee Replacement in Turkey safe? What are the risks?
Every medical procedure carries risk: infection, bleeding, anaesthesia-related problems and healing that differs from what was expected are the main ones. To reduce risk, the procedure is performed by a specialist at a licensed hospital after pre-operative tests. Your physician explains the risks specific to you at your examination.
When can I go back to work and exercise?
Desk work is usually possible within 35 days and sport after 12 weeks. These times vary from person to person.
Will there be scars?
A vertical incision at the front of the knee. Scars are noticeable in the first months and fade with time; how they heal depends on your skin.
When will I see the result?
The first change is visible as swelling settles; the final result appears in about 12 months. Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.
Can I see before and after photos?
Out of respect for patient privacy and under healthcare regulations, patient photos are shared only with the patient's consent. In your consultation the physician explains what is realistic in your case.
How do I choose the best clinic for Knee Replacement in Istanbul?
There is no single “best clinic” for everyone; for a safe choice, check these: a Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate, the name of the hospital and the operating surgeon, a written plan based on a physician's assessment, an itemised quote and aftercare. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye; it publishes its authorisation, TÜRSAB and ISO certificates on this site and gives you all of this in writing with your quote.
Is knee replacement very painful?
The first days are uncomfortable, but pain is managed in hospital by your care team so that you can do your exercises. Discomfort decreases steadily over the following weeks.
Will I be able to kneel?
Many people can kneel after recovery, though some find it uncomfortable. Your surgeon explains what to expect for your knee.
What do I need to send for an assessment?
Recent standing X-rays of the knee, a short medical history and a list of your health conditions are enough for the preliminary assessment.
Is Knee Replacement in Turkey safe?
Like any operation, Knee Replacement carries risks, and the risk depends far more on where and by whom it is done than on the country. The serious cases reported in the press have mostly involved unlicensed premises, non-specialists or too many procedures in one session. A safe choice means a hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, a named specialist surgeon, an anaesthetist, pre-operative tests and a long enough stay. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye, and you receive the hospital and surgeon details in writing before you travel.
Why is Knee Replacement cheaper in Turkey than in the UK, Ireland, Australia or Malta?
The difference comes mainly from lower operating and staff costs and the exchange rate; implants, materials and techniques follow the same international standards. Even so, do not choose on price alone: check the hospital licence, the surgeon’s specialty and exactly what the package includes.
Travelling to Istanbul for Knee Replacement from Australia, Malta or further away: what should I plan?
From Malta there are direct flights to Istanbul of around two and a half to three hours; from Australia the journey usually involves one connection and takes 20 hours or more. The longer the flight home, the longer you should stay in Istanbul after Knee Replacement, so that your surgeon can check you before travelling. On a long-haul flight wear compression stockings, walk regularly and drink water. Your reports are prepared in English and a New City Clinic coordinator follows your recovery remotely once you are home.
Get your free quote today
Send your photos and questions; a surgeon’s assessment and your quote usually arrive within 24 hours. The consultation is free and without obligation.
- A surgeon’s assessment and quote, usually within 24 hours
- Free and without obligation
- We reply on WhatsApp in your language
Guides on this procedure
Articles you may want to read before deciding.

Knee Replacement in Istanbul, Turkey: Cost, Stay and Recovery for UK Patients (2026)
How much a knee replacement costs in Istanbul in 2026, what is included, how long to stay, physiotherapy and flying home to the UK.
Read article
Hip Replacement in Istanbul: When It Is Needed and What to Expect
When hip replacement is the right step, how the implant and approach are chosen, the hospital stay, flying home and recovery month by month. A guide by New City Clinic.
Read article
Knee Replacement Recovery Week by Week: A Practical Guide
What recovery after knee replacement looks like week by week: walking, bending the knee, physiotherapy, swelling, flying home and returning to work. A guide by New City Clinic.
Read articleOther treatments
More treatments you can access through New City Clinic
OrthopaedicsHip Replacement
A new joint in place of a worn hip, to walk again without pain.
Learn more
OrthopaedicsACL Reconstruction
Keyhole reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Learn more
OrthopaedicsBunion Surgery (Hallux Valgus)
Surgery that straightens the big toe and removes the painful bump at its base.
Learn more