DentalOrthopaedic surgery in Turkey
International patients travel to Turkey for orthopaedic surgery, especially joint replacement. This guide covers the common procedures, indicative costs and the point that matters most: the weeks to months of rehabilitation that determine the result and must be planned for at home.
Last reviewed: 20 July 2026
Orthopaedic surgery — treating bones, joints, ligaments and the spine — is another area in which international patients travel to Turkey, particularly for joint replacement. These are major operations with substantial rehabilitation, and rehabilitation is largely what determines the result, so the plan for physiotherapy and follow-up is as important as the surgery itself. This page gives an overview, indicative costs and the practical and clinical considerations.
Common orthopaedic procedures
- Hip replacement Replacing a damaged hip joint with an artificial one, commonly for arthritis.
- Knee replacement Total or partial replacement of the knee joint.
- Arthroscopy Keyhole surgery for knee, shoulder or other joints, including ligament repair such as ACL reconstruction.
- Spine surgery Procedures for disc problems and other spinal conditions.
- Sports-injury and shoulder surgery Rotator-cuff repair, shoulder stabilisation and related procedures.
Who it is for
Orthopaedic surgery is usually considered when pain and loss of function are significant and conservative measures such as physiotherapy, medication or injections have not given enough relief. Suitability depends on your diagnosis, imaging, general health and fitness for surgery and anaesthetic. A responsible surgeon confirms the diagnosis, discusses non-surgical options, and gives a realistic picture of the recovery and rehabilitation involved rather than presenting surgery as a quick solution.
Turkey's approach
Large Turkish private hospitals, including many JCI-accredited facilities, perform joint replacement and other orthopaedic surgery and treat international patients. The distinctive challenge with orthopaedics is rehabilitation: joint replacement and ligament surgery require weeks to months of structured physiotherapy, and the quality and continuity of that rehabilitation strongly influence the outcome. Because most rehabilitation happens after you return home, confirm how it will be delivered and supervised in your own country before you commit.
Indicative costs
Guide ranges below are broad orientation bands. Implant type, the complexity of your case and the length of hospital stay all move the figure.
| Procedure | Indicative guide range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total knee replacement | ~£6,000 – £12,000 | Per knee, implant dependent |
| Total hip replacement | ~£6,000 – £12,000 | Per hip, implant dependent |
| Knee arthroscopy / ACL repair | ~£2,500 – £5,500 | Keyhole surgery |
| Shoulder surgery (e.g. rotator cuff) | ~£3,000 – £6,500 | Procedure dependent |
Figures are indicative, based on published guide ranges and exclude the cost of extended rehabilitation, which is a significant part of orthopaedic care and is usually delivered at home.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery from joint replacement typically involves early mobilisation in hospital, then a structured physiotherapy programme over several weeks to months, with gradual return to normal activity. Flying long-haul soon after major joint surgery raises the risk of blood clots, so timing and precautions matter. Because the outcome depends heavily on rehabilitation, arrange your physiotherapy and follow-up before you travel, and make sure your operative records will transfer to your home team.
Risks
Orthopaedic surgery carries risks including infection (which can be serious with implants), blood clots, nerve or blood-vessel injury, implant problems, stiffness and incomplete pain relief, and the possibility of further surgery. The added difficulty of coordinating rehabilitation and managing any complication across borders is a specific consideration for travelling patients. Take independent medical advice, confirm the diagnosis and rehabilitation plan, and choose an accredited hospital and qualified surgeon before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a knee or hip replacement cost in Turkey?
Joint replacement is commonly quoted around 6,000 to 12,000 GBP per joint as an indicative band, depending on the implant and complexity. These are guide figures, not quotes, and they exclude the extended rehabilitation that is essential to a good result and is usually delivered at home.
Is orthopaedic surgery in Turkey safe?
It can be in an accredited hospital with a qualified surgeon, but joint and spine surgery are major operations with risks including implant infection, blood clots and the need for further surgery. Because rehabilitation and any complication management largely happen after you return home, safety depends on a clear rehabilitation and follow-up plan as much as on the surgery.
How important is rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery?
It is critical. Joint replacement and ligament surgery need weeks to months of structured physiotherapy, and the quality and continuity of that rehabilitation strongly influence the outcome. Arrange and confirm your home-country physiotherapy before travelling; the surgery alone does not guarantee a good result.
When can I fly after joint surgery?
Flying, especially long-haul, soon after major joint surgery increases the risk of blood clots, so surgeons advise a suitable waiting period and precautions such as movement and compression. Follow your surgeon's specific guidance and plan enough time in Turkey for initial recovery.
What happens if I get a complication back home?
Complications such as implant infection can be serious and may need urgent treatment in your home country, and further surgery may not be included in the package. Confirm before booking what the provider covers, keep all operative and implant records, and check how your home healthcare system would manage a complication.
Do I need to see a surgeon in person before deciding?
Yes. A remote review of scans is a starting point, but a proper assessment of your diagnosis, imaging, fitness for surgery and the alternatives should be confirmed before you commit. A responsible surgeon discusses non-surgical options and gives a realistic view of recovery rather than presenting surgery as a quick fix.
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