Knee Replacement Surgery Costs: A Detailed Global Comparison and Guide

The constant increase in the number of patients undergoing knee replacement surgery can be attributed to several reasons, including the following:

• Increased affordability: Now a greater number of patients prefer to opt for knee replacement surgery because the cost of implants has decreased significantly in the recent past.
• A range of implants available: Thanks to advancements in medical technology, there are several knee implants available today to fulfill the individual needs of the patients. From implants with 180 and 360 degrees motion to 3D-printed knee implants, there is nothing that isn’t available to benefit patients with different severity of osteoarthritis.
• Improved surgical outcomes: Open knee replacement is a thing of the past. Now, several knee replacement technologies are available that offer greater benefits and ensure positive outcomes. Thanks to minimally invasive technology, knee replacement is not that painful anymore. Nor does it take weeks of hospitalization for the patient to recover.

But still, the cost of knee replacement surgery in Western countries continues to remain on the higher side. For patients in such countries who wish to undergo affordable knee replacement surgery, flying to the top medical tourism destination is an option. Some of these medical tourism hotspots for knee replacement include India, Thailand, and Turkey.

Comparative Costs of Knee Replacement Surgery Worldwide

The following table highlights the average cost of knee replacement surgery in some of the top medical tourism destinations in the world:

Country	Single Knee Cost	Both Knees Cost
India	$4000	$7500
Thailand	$1700	$25500
South Korea	$8600	$23000
Hungary	$9700	$14500
UAE	$18000	$35000
Poland	$8000	$25500
Turkey	$11000	$20000
Singapore	$32169	$40871

The average cost of knee replacement surgery in Western countries may start from $30000. Further, it is seen that the cost of knee replacement surgery varies not only from country to country but within a country or a city as well.

The cost of knee replacement in India, Turkey, Mexico, Thailand, and Taiwan, on the other hand, is much more reasonable than in Western countries. The cost drops by as much as 50 to 80 percent in these countries. This explains the patient’s mindset when they decide to travel overseas to get knee implants.

Factors Influencing Knee Replacement Surgery

• There are different types and materials of knee implants available today to choose from. Each implant has a specific purpose and is most suitable for a specific patient group. For example, older adults can manage everyday activities with an implant that allows flexion of 110 degrees. However, younger adults may need a high-flex knee implant because of an excessive activity level.
• Cobalt chromium alloy, titanium alloy, oxidized zirconium, and polyethylene implants are commonly available nowadays. Each implant material has specific pros and cons associated with them. They vary in terms of pricing, use, availability, and longevity.
• Furthermore, the total knee replacement surgery cost varies from one manufacturer to the other. It also depends on whether the manufacturer is available in the country or if the implant is being imported from a manufacturer located abroad.
• An individual is either recommended to undergo total knee replacement (TKR) or partial knee replacement. The difference lies in the portion of the knee joint replaced during the procedure. The duration of hospitalization and the recovery period in the case of TKR is greater than that of partial replacement. Therefore, there is a direct impact on the total cost that the patient has to shell out of his pocket for the procedure.
• Hospitals with the most advanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art technologies tend to charge higher than other hospitals. This is even though the experience and the qualifications of the surgeon handling the case could be the same. The cost also depends on the location of the hospital. Centrally located and easily accessible hospitals are more expensive than remotely located ones.
• The cost of knee surgery also depends on how experienced the surgeon is. Surgeons with vast experience are the most sought after. It has been scientifically proved that surgeons who perform more than 50 TKR a year have less than one-third complication rate as compared to those who perform less than 50 TKR per year.
• Most patients prefer to be treated by a surgeon who is experienced. But there is an extra price that they must pay for it.
• Rehabilitation after knee replacement includes physiotherapy, which is conducted at an extra cost. The doctors usually advise the candidate to undergo physiotherapy for at least 6 to 12 weeks for better outcomes and pain relief.
• The patient may have to incur incidental costs in case of any complications. Additionally, the costs may increase when the duration of stay inside the ICU post-surgery is extended. Like any other surgery, there are certain complications associated with knee replacement as well. Post-surgical infection delayed wound healing, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism are some of the examples. The management of such conditions has an impact on the overall cost.
• Unanticipated care and management of a pre-existing condition may add to the total bill amount.

• The greater the number of days you spend at the hospital, the bigger is the billing amount.
• The cost of a private or single accommodation is greater than shared or multi-bedded accommodation.
• Follow-up visits after discharge from the hospital cost extra.
• Loss of earnings resulting from hospital stay and impact of surgery may add to the financial burden.

• Knee Replacement Surgery Cost Itemized Breakdown

Pre-surgery Costs	Surgery Cost	Post-surgery Costs
Investigations: Physical examination X-rays Bone mineral density (BMD) MRI Liver function test Blood testimonial ECG or EKG Urine test	Surgery team fees Anesthesia charges OT charges Knee implants Other consumables and medicines Blood transfusion, if needed ICU charges Use of technology	Physiotherapist charges Medications for pain Other consumables such as a walker, crutches, or dressing Hospital bed charges Any additional service availed Any other consultation Complications management Unanticipated care Follow-up cost
Dental Examination For dental infections to prevent post-surgical complications
Pre-surgery Medications Anticoagulants and antibiotics

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Tips To Choose A Hospital Overseas For Knee Replacement

• Choose the country wisely. Countries that offer cheaper treatment do not necessarily compromise the quality of medical services.
• Choose the surgeon wisely. Do not choose someone who is experienced but charges a whopping amount.
• Choose a surgeon whose clinic is less crowded. Hugely popular surgeons tend to remain busy and spend less time per patient. This may hinder the personalized care that you may desire to have.
• Seek help from a hospital or a medical tourism facilitator to arrange for additional needs. This may include accommodation, local travel, translator services, and hospital transfer.
• Check the credibility of the hospital online before selecting one. Look for patient testimonials and Google reviews.
• Check the accreditation of the hospital. Prefer to choose a hospital that is certified by Joint Commission International (JCI).
• Ask for all the information beforehand about the type of implants that will be used. Also, ask for a detailed profile of the surgeon who will conduct the surgery.

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