Knee replacement surgery in Turkey | Cost of prosthesis

Knee replacement surgery

Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure to replace a knee joint damaged by osteoarthritis with a metal, plastic, or ceramic prosthesis.

This solution is designed for people over the age of 60 who suffer from acute and persistent pain.

The decision to have a knee replacement is made in consultation with your orthopedic surgeon. He or she will assess the severity of your osteoarthritis and discuss the different types of prostheses available and their suitability for you.

Different types of knee replacement surgery

The main four types of fixed bearing implants in knee replacement surgery are:

• Total knee replacement prosthesis
• Partial knee replacement (unicompartmental)
• Replacement of the patella (patellofemoral arthroplasty)
• Replacement of the complex knee or revision

There are several types of joint knee replacement as well as different surgical methods. Your doctor and an orthopedic surgeon should help you choose the best option for you. They take into account the condition of your knee and your general health.

Decision-making process

In Turkey, the decision to fit a prosthesis and the choice of the most appropriate type of implant is made jointly by the orthopedic surgeon and the patient.  Our partner surgeons will explain the benefits and risks associated with each type of procedure.

After a thorough examination, the surgeon will assess the severity of the osteoarthritis and discuss the various options with the patient, taking into account his or her needs and lifestyle.

The choice of the most appropriate knee surgery depends on a number of factors, including:

• The patient's overall health.
• Severity of osteoarthritis and extent of joint damage.
• Previous knee surgery: Previous surgery may affect the complexity of the procedure.
• Expectations and activity level: TKA offers greater range of motion, while partial replacement preserves bone and promotes faster recovery.

Pre-operative preparation

The patient has to execute range of motion exercises of knee strengthening as recommended daily by the physical therapist. Before the surgery is done, pre-operative tests are done as follows:

• CBC, complete blood count
• Electrolytes, APTT, and PT to analyze blood clotting (coagulation)
• Chest X-rays
• ECG, and blood cross-matching for potential transfusion

Preoperative reeducation is an important step of the treatment. It may slightly decrease anxiety before knee replacement surgery.

Weight loss surgery before a knee replacement surgery does not seem to improve the results.

Knee replacement surgery process

Knee replacement surgery is a major procedure. The patient must be well-prepared and follow strict postoperative instructions to optimize results and maximize quality of life.

The knee prosthesis fitting process includes:

• Before the operation: a meeting with the doctor, the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist. A detailed assessment and an X-ray are required to decide the size of the prosthesis to use.
• Intervention: the operation usually lasts 1h30 in an operating room under total anesthesia. According to the assessment already made, the orthopedic surgeon chooses a prosthesis from a dozen prostheses. The prosthesis is usually composed of 4 elements, to replace the infected area.
• After the operation: the operated person must stay in the hospital or the clinic at least one week after the operation. Under the supervision of a doctor, physical therapy is mandatory for two to three weeks. The patient can return to its activities gradually, after the first postsurgical month.

Postoperative complications of knee replacement surgery often include pain, stiffness, infection, or fracture. However, the risk of death is extremely rare.

Risks of knee replacement prosthesis

Risks and complications in this surgery are similar to those associated with all joint and tibial component substitutions. The most severe complication is the infection of the joint, which rarely occurs (in 1% of reported cases).

Deep vein thrombosis is more common, yet still rare (only 15% of reported cases). Nerve injuries seem to occur in only 2% of reported cases. Persistent pain or inelasticity seems to happen in 8% of cases.

The rejection of metal and plastic in the prosthesis happens in only 2% of patients after 5 postoperative years.

There is an increased risk of complications in overweight patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. The doctor would recommend that the overweight patient loses weight before the surgery. If he is medically eligible, the patient would probably benefit from weight loss surgery.

Breaking or chipping of the polyethylene rotating platform between the femoral and tibial elements may be of concern. These pieces may get lodged in the knee and cause unbearable pain or may migrate to other zones of the body.

Advancements in implant design have greatly decreased these problems. However, the potential fear is still present over the lifespan of the knee prosthesis.

Postoperative complications of knee replacements (medium to long term) include:

• Persistent pain.
• Fracture.
• Infection.
• Stiffness.
• Risk of death, but this is very rare.

Convalescence & rehabilitation after knee surgery

After an average stay of 4 to 6 weeks in the clinic, the patient must return periodically for rehabilitation. This rehabilitation, which often lasts 3 weeks, allows the patient to resume daily activities. Convalescence after knee replacement surgery is at least one month. Depending on several factors, such as the postoperative course and the patient's age, the patient is entitled to at least 3 months off work.

During the first few weeks, it is essential to use crutches and avoid prolonged bed rest, as the mobility of the knee may be affected.

The first 2–3 weeks are used to allow the stitches to heal and the muscles to regain their tone.

In fact, you must do the exercises that you were taught during your hospital stay as well as possible, as instructed by the physiotherapist.

Why choose Turkey for knee replacement surgery?

Turkey stands out as a destination of choice for knee replacement surgery. In fact, with Turquie Santé, you'll have access to quality care at affordable prices, all in a modern, safe medical environment.

We work with orthopedic surgeons who are highly qualified and experienced in knee replacement surgery.

Our partner clinics are also equipped with the latest prosthetic and surgical technologies to ensure precise, minimally invasive procedures.

With Turquie Santé, we guarantee you a generally competitive price for a knee replacement with superior quality of care. Our patients benefit from personalized care before, during and after surgery, with translation and assistance services available.