Knee Replacement in Turkey

Knee joint disease or damage, causing severe knee pain and restriction of movement, is progressively becoming a common medical concern for people worldwide. Although it is often associated with old age, due to the sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle knee conditions are now also observed in younger people also. 

Knee replacement is considered as an ultimate treatment option, when non-invasive methods fail to work, to eliminate the symptoms. The surgery involves replacing the damaged parts of knee joint with artificial implants made of medical grade substances (metal, plastic or ceramic). Knee replacement is reported to significantly reduce the pain and improve the quality of life of the patient, enabling them to be more active.

Knee-replacement-in-Turkey

Knee replacement surgery in Turkey

Turkey, a major hub for advanced healthcare, receives numerous patients seeking quality treatment, from all parts of world. Knee replacement in Turkey is an effective and safe treatment for relieving pain and other symptoms of damaged or diseased knee joint. It is carried out by trained experts using the latest surgical techniques at well-established medical facilities. There are many reasons for choosing Turkey for medical care:

  • The top knee replacement hospitals in Turkey offer holistic care with complete pre-operative evaluation, minimally invasive surgery options, and post-surgery rehabilitation services. The patients can expect personalized treatment and efficient hospitality along with compassionate care at these medical centres. The hospitals are accredited by top international organizations such as JCI (USA) and European certificates. 
  • The orthopaedic surgeons in Turkey are internationally trained and qualified experts in the field of bone and musculoskeletal care. The doctors have a vast experience in joint replacement surgery and other orthopaedic procedures. They are skilled in robotic and other advanced surgical technologies. 
  • The leading hospitals for knee replacement in Istanbul, Konya, Ankara and other cities offer affordable healthcare packages, which allows international patients to save a considerable amount of money on the treatment. The same procedure costs over three times in some Western countries, including the USA, UK, Germany and others. 
  • The knee replacement success rate in Turkey is at par with the best facilities in the world. With the best facilities and efficient postoperative care, the patient satisfaction rates are as high.

Knee replacement cost in Turkey

Type of Knee Replacement Surgery Price in ($) Price in (₺)
1 Total Knee Replacement USD 7000 TRY 58,281
2 Single Knee Replacement USD 7500 TRY 62,444
3 Bilateral Knee Replacement USD 15000 TRY 370,502
The price may also change depending on the type of surgery (partial/total/revision) and the surgical technique used (open or minimally invasive). Other factors that may vary the knee replacement cost in Turkey are:
  • Choice of hospital and location
  • Surgeon’s experience
  • Quality of implants
  • Length of stay in the hospital and country
  • Room category
  • Whether additional tests or procedures are needed

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Knee replacement: An overview

The knee joint is a weight-bearing joint that consists of end parts of two bones (femur and tibia), joined by tendons and ligaments. It is made of the lower part of the femur (thigh bone), the upper end of the tibia (shin bone) and the kneecap (patella). The surfaces on these bones in the joint are covered by a cartilage, a soft protective substance that allows smooth gliding of the bones and easy movement. 

Various kinds of degenerate diseases or injury can cause damage to the knee joint, causing it lose its normal structure and functions. Osteoarthritis is the most common knee condition that causes deterioration of the knee joint, resulting in pain and inability to move properly. 

Trauma or age related wearing off of the joint bones and cartilage over time can also lead to these symptoms, including pain, laxity, and restriction of the range of motion of the knee joint. When such conditions of the knee joint  cannot be managed with medication and physical therapy, the orthopaedic specialist may suggest surgical intervention. 

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged parts of these bones in knee joint are cut and the artificial implant parts made of metal alloys and/or medical grade are placed. The aim is to provide long-term solution to relieve pain and restore the movement of the joint. There will be an overall improvement in the quality of life for the patient, and they will be able to take part in physical activities. 

Types of knee replacement surgeries: 

Total Knee Replacement (TKR):

Also known as a total knee arthroplasty, the surgery involves removal of the damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of the knee joint and replacement with a knee implants. Total knee replacement can be performed for a single or both knees, depending on individual case. 

Partial Knee Replacement:

A partial knee replacement is also referred to as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). In this procedure, only a part of the knee joint that is damages will be replaced with an implant. The partial knee replacement has some advantages, including use of smaller incision, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, less risk of infection, blood clots and stiffness.

Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery:

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a keyhole approach for the knee replacement procedure. The surgeon makes smaller incisions (in comparison to conventional TKR) to access the joint and use specialized instrumentation to perform the surgery.

As smaller incisions (three to five inches) are required in Minimally invasive knee replacement, it causes less surgical trauma to the healthy tissues. This leads several benefits, including less post-operative pain, reduced recovery time, minimal scarring, shorter hospital stay and quicker rehabilitation. MIS knee replacement can be performed with robotic arms and computer navigation system. 

Revision Knee Replacement Surgery:

Revision knee replacement surgery is required to replace the replacement knee that was put in previous surgery. It might be needed when the implant has worn out or damaged. The revision surgery is a more complicated procedure and takes longer than the primary knee replacement surgery.

Who needs knee replacement surgery?

The surgeon recommends knee replacement surgery after careful evaluation and trying non-invasive methods such as physical therapy and medications. When the knee is severely damaged due to disease such as arthritis or an external trauma, the patient may suffer from persistent pain and have difficult in performing their daily life activities. 

Initially, there might be pain during the motions of the knee joint, but as the condition progresses, pain may even be felt while at rest. First, pain medication, physiotherapy and use of walking aids is considered, but when the pain can not be managed and there is no improvement in functioning of the knee joint, total knee replacement might be recommended. 

Arthritis is the most common reason behind chronic knee pain and disability. There are many types of arthritis that can lead to knee pains, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis.

Candidates who can benefit from a total knee replacement may have the following conditions:

  • Severe knee pain or stiffness that causes difficulty in everyday activities, such as getting in and out of chairs, walking, climbing stairs and going uphill.  Patient may find it hard to walk more than a few blocks without feeling pain and a cane or walker might be needed. 
  • Moderate to severe knee pain even when resting, either day or night
  • Chronic (long-term) knee inflammation and swelling – not improving with rest, cold/hot therapy or medications
  • Knee deformity such as bowing in or out of the knee
  • No substantial improvement with treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, physical therapy, or other therapies.

How can Lyfboat assist you getting Knee Replacement in Turkey?

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Lyfboat is a free advisory platform; we do not charge any fees from patients. In fact, we negotiate the price that Indian hospitals offer. In some cases we are able to reduce the cost by negotiating upto 20% of what Hospitals generally offer. We advise the best treatment from the top hospital/surgeon at best price.

How is knee replacement performed in Turkey?

Before the operation

The preoperative preparation involves a series of tests and examinations, after which orthopaedic surgeon decides whether total knee replacement is needed. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment to analyse the knee condition and assess the benefits and risks of this surgery in a particular case. They will consider: 

  • History of prior treatment including medications, injections, physiotherapy and other surgical procedures 
  • Review of health status and risks factors for the surgery 
  • Physical examination of the knee 
  • Laboratory tests and imaging studies (CT scan, MRI)
  • Assessment by anaesthesiologist to minimize anaesthesia related complications (allergic reaction)

Once it is determined that the surgery does not pose health risks to the patient, the doctor will give pre-operative instructions such as quit smoking, if you are a smoker, and/or stop certain medications that might increase risk of bleeding during the surgery. 

If the patient is taking any other prescribed or over-the-counter medications, herbal products and supplements, they should inform the surgeon. They will be advised to continue or stop taking them accordingly. The doctor will also give instructions about when to stop eating and drinking for a particular time before the surgery. These instructions must be strictly followed in order to have a safe surgery and recovery. 

During preoperative discussion, the orthopaedic surgeon will explain the details of total knee replacement procedure, potential risks and recovery period. Also, the patient is advised to plan discharge, have someone to drive them from the hospital, take care of post-discharge accommodation and travel, so that they can have a healthy postoperative period.

Procedure

The knee replacement surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and patient will remain unconscious during the surgery. During the surgery – 

  • The surgeon will make the incision on the knee joint and access the bones. First, the damaged cartilage and bones are removed and then the bones are resurfaced to prepare them for joint replacement. 
  • Artificial knee implants, which can be made of metal alloy or other suitable materials, is then placed to restore the alignment and function of the joint. 
  • The surgeon will attach the artificial joints to the existing bones and surrounding tissues. It will be fixed using screws, plates and other fixation materials such as cement. 
  • The surgeon will check the range of motion of the knee joint before the surgery is completed.
  • The incision will be closed using stitches or surgical glue/staples and a drain may be placed in the incision site to drain the fluid.
  • A sterile bandage or dressing is placed over the incision.

Risks and complications

The total knee replacement is a major operation that carries certain risks, although, the complication rate is low. These risks can be general surgery related complications such as reaction to anaesthesia, or some. Potential risks and complications of total knee replacement include:

  • Infection
  • Blood loss 
  • Formation of blood clot in the leg veins that can migrate to other body parts
  • Complications associated with anesthesia
  • Damage to the nerves, muscles and blood vessels around the knee
  • Wearing out of the implant over time
  • Persistence of knee pain or failure to obtain improvement in range of motion 

When the implants fail, wear off or get dislocated, a secondary surgery (revision knee replacement) might be required.

Recovery after knee replacement in Turkey

After the surgery, patient is moved to the recovery room for observation. The medical team will keep a check on blood pressure, pulse, and breathing. Then, they are shifted to the normal hospital room. Knee replacement surgery usually requires a hospital stay of a few days (2-5 days), depending on the type of surgery and technique used. 

It is important to begin moving the new joint post surgery. The physiotherapist will help the patient with this and guide them about the correct use the new knee joint. It is necessary to move the knees and get out of the bed after the surgery as contribute to the success of the procedure, but by being careful about wound healing.

Pain killer medications will be given to manage the postoperative pain, and the swelling in and around the incision will subside over time. Antibiotics might also be administered to prevent the possible infections. 

Before discharge from the hospital, the doctor will give instructions for post-operative care of the wound and knee. Patients must follow all the instructions and take necessary precautions at home, after the surgery, to ensure proper recovery and protect the new knee joint. Rehabilitation and physical therapy plays an important role in the outcome of the surgery.

The surgeon will also schedule a follow-up visit before you are discharged. In case the patient experiences redness and swelling on the incision line, or if there is a high fever or symptoms that can be caused due to surgery after leaving the hospital, contact the surgeon immediately.

 

Results 

After a knee replacement surgery, over 90% of patients have reported experiencing a substantial reduction in knee-related symptoms, including pain. They also show a substantial improvement in range of movement and ability to perform daily life activities. Prosthetic material in the implant is subject to wear and team over time with normal use. 

The lifespan artificial implant may go 15-20 years, depending on the care taken after the surgery and quality of implant. Excess (strenuous) or high impact activity may accelerate the wearing out of the implant material. It is crucial to regularly exercises, make healthy lifestyle choices and avoid all activities as instructed by the surgeon, in order to have the maximum and long-term benefits of the replacement.

Post knee replacement care and precautions 

Patients start with physical therapy and exercise for their knees the day after the surgery. Walking aids may also be used, if required. The physiotherapists will guide the patient through specific exercises that help strengthen the leg muscles.

They also demonstrate how to correctly use of the artificial joint to avoid any injury. The surgeon may also instruct in the use of continuous passive motion (CPM) device to move the knee slowly while lying on the bed. 

The patient are advised to strictly follow all instructions, and if the recovery progresses properly, they can start doing all routine daily life activities within a few weeks. However, physical therapy and exercises have to continued to strengthen and maintain the elasticity of muscles.

Protecting Your Knee Replacement

After surgery, certain precautions are necessary:

  • Do not participate in strenuous activities for a few weeks post surgery, as recommended by the doctor
  • Strictly follow the instructions given the by surgery regarding the activities that should be avoided
  • Engage in regular exercise programs to maintain strength and mobility of the new keen joint.
  • Take special care to avoid falls and injuries as it can dislocate the joint or break a bone in the leg. It may require more surgery.
  • Inform the orthopaedic surgeon before undergoing a dental procedure. They will instruct whether there is need to take antibiotics prior to dental procedures.
  • Avoid high-impact activities and contact sport as it may harm the knee or accelerate the wear tear
Vanshika Rawat

Written By Vanshika Rawat

Vanshika Rawat is an experienced content developer. She is very knowledgeable in the field of science and healthcare and has worked under brilliant scientists during her higher education. Vanshika obtained her degrees in Masters in Science and Bachelors in Science (Microbiology with Hons.) from renowned institutions - Panjab University and University of Delhi.

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Vanshika Rawat

Written By Vanshika Rawat

Vanshika Rawat is an experienced content developer. She is very knowledgeable in the field of science and healthcare and has worked under brilliant scientists during her higher education. Vanshika obtained her degrees in Masters in Science and Bachelors in Science (Microbiology with Hons.) from renowned institutions - Panjab University and University of Delhi.
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