Patient guide
Knee Replacement
Prosthetic resurfacing of the knee joint for advanced arthritis when conservative treatment no longer works.
What this guide covers: This guide covers candidacy, what happens during treatment, recovery timelines, red flags, and questions to ask before you travel.
Browse Orthopaedics providersQuick facts
- Typical stay
- 7–14 days
- Anaesthesia
- Spinal or general
- Return to work
- 6–12 weeks
Last reviewed: June 2026
Overview
What is knee replacement?
Total or partial knee replacement replaces damaged cartilage and bone with metal and polyethylene components. International patients seek Turkey for shorter waiting times and bundled rehabilitation. This is major orthopaedic surgery — implant choice, infection control, and physiotherapy access after return home determine long-term function.
Directory
Compare licensed hospitals, clinics, and practices in Turkey that list knee replacement among their treatments.
Candidacy
Who is it for?
Patients with severe osteoarthritis limiting daily activities and sleep
Those who completed physiotherapy, injections, and weight optimisation
Individuals able to commit to post-operative rehabilitation for months
Cases where deformity or bone loss can be addressed by an experienced arthroplasty surgeon
Treatment day
What happens
Pre-operative optimisation
X-rays and sometimes MRI define deformity. Medical clearance, dental review, and DVT risk assessment reduce complications.
Joint replacement
Under spinal or general anaesthesia, damaged surfaces are resected and components cemented or press-fit. Hospital stay typically 3–5 nights.
Early mobilisation
Physiotherapy begins day one with walker support. Range-of-motion goals are set before discharge.
Rehabilitation planning
Home or inpatient rehab arranged. Blood thinners and wound care instructions provided for travel.
After treatment
Recovery timeline
Weeks 1–2
Swelling and stiffness peak. Walker or crutches; elevate leg frequently.
Next: Weeks 3–6Weeks 3–6
Gradual weaning off aids. Driving may resume when safe braking returns.
Next: Months 3–6Months 3–6
Strength and flexion improve; low-impact exercise encouraged.
Next: Year 1+Year 1+
Most daily function restored; high-impact sports generally avoided.
Warning signs
Risks and red flags
These are warning signs that should give you pause — or cause you to walk away entirely. No reputable provider will object to being asked these questions.
Discharge before safe mobilisation or DVT prophylaxis plan
No physiotherapy arranged for after return home
Using unproven implant brands without long-term data
Operating in facilities without orthopaedic ICU back-up
Before you commit
Questions to ask
- Partial or total replacement — and why?
- What infection control bundle does your ward use?
- How many knee replacements do you perform annually?
- What flexion target is realistic given my pre-op stiffness?
Next steps
Research providers with confidence
This guide is for general information only and does not replace advice from a qualified clinician. Use our rankings and directory to compare licensed organisations before you commit.
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