Best Knee Replacement Surgeons In The World

  

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a transformative procedure for individuals crippled by chronic knee pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. It involves replacing the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial components (implants) to restore function and eliminate pain. Choosing the right surgeon and destination is the most critical decision in this journey, directly impacting the surgical outcome, recovery speed, and overall experience.

Key Takeaways

• Patients from the US, UK, and Canada can save 60-80% on knee replacement surgery by choosing top medical tourism destinations like Turkey, Mexico, or South Korea.
• Medical tourism packages for knee replacement are comprehensive, often including the surgery, surgeon's fees, hospital stay, anesthesia, implants, airport transfers, and translator services.
• Global costs for total knee replacement (TKA) vary significantly:

• United States: $40,000 - $60,000

• United Kingdom: $15,000 - $25,000

• Turkey: $7,000 - $15,000

• Mexico: $12,000 - $18,000

• South Korea: $15,000 - $22,000

Best Knee Replacement Surgeons In The World

Choosing an experienced, board-certified orthopedic surgeon is paramount. Top surgeons in Mexico and Turkey are globally recognized for their expertise in advanced techniques like robotic-assisted and minimally invasive surgery.

PlacidWay connects you with some of the most sought-after orthopedic surgeons in the world. The list below, curated from patient reviews and professional accolades, highlights specialists renowned for their exceptional skill and patient care.

Mexico has become a premier destination for orthopedic surgery, combining accredited hospitals, highly trained surgeons, and easy accessibility for North American patients.

1. Dr. Francisco Arroyo

– Guadalajara, Mexico

A leader in regenerative orthopedics, Dr. Arroyo combines expert knee replacement surgery in Mexico with advanced treatments like stem cell therapy. This innovative approach is designed to significantly reduce pain and accelerate the body's natural healing process for a faster recovery.

2. Prof. Dr. Murat BEZER

– Istanbul & Ankara, Turkey

 A leading authority in Turkish orthopedics, Prof. Dr. Murat Bezer holds the esteemed title of Professor and has vast experience in handling even the most complex knee replacement cases. Patients trust his deep expertise and track record of delivering superior results.

3. Dr. Gino Antonio Perretta Rodriguez

– Tijuana, Mexico

Dr. Perretta Rodriguez is recognized for his comprehensive expertise in both partial and total knee replacement. He excels at identifying the most appropriate, least invasive procedure for each patient, utilizing meticulous surgical techniques to ensure long-term joint stability and comfort.

4. Assoc. Prof. Erhan Sukur

– Sakarya, Turkey

 As an Associate Professor with over 18 years of experience, Dr. Sukur has performed thousands of successful joint replacements. He is highly regarded for his surgical precision and his commitment to using the latest evidence-based techniques to ensure excellent patient outcomes.

5. Dr. Kayhan Turan

– Bursa, Turkey

Dr. Turan is a celebrated pioneer in robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery in Turkey. With over 25 years of experience, he uses cutting-edge robotic technology for unparalleled surgical precision, which often leads to a more natural-feeling knee and a faster recovery.

6. Dr. Juan Antonio Bustamante

– Mexicali, Mexico

Dr. Bustamante is a highly skilled surgeon focused on using the latest orthopedic methods to achieve excellent results with minimal recovery times. His approach prioritizes restoring pain-free movement and function as quickly and safely as possible.

7. Dr. Bunyamin Berber

– Adana, Turkey

 With over 25 years of hands-on experience, Dr. Bunyamin Berber is a distinguished and compassionate surgeon specializing in both partial and total knee replacement. His patient-centric approach ensures each individual receives advanced surgical care tailored to their needs.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis or injury. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap, allowing for smooth, pain-free movement.

The primary goal of a knee replacement is to relieve pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments, such as medication, injections, or physical therapy. The procedure involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella) and replacing them with a high-quality, durable artificial joint, known as a prosthesis. This prosthesis mimics the function of a natural knee, aiming to restore mobility and significantly improve the patient's quality of life.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Knee Replacement?

Ideal candidates are typically individuals over 50 with severe, daily knee pain that limits everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs, and who have not found relief from more conservative treatments.

While there's no absolute age or weight restriction, surgeons evaluate candidates on a case-by-case basis. You may be a good candidate for knee arthroplasty if you experience:

• Severe knee pain or stiffness that interferes with work, sleep, and daily life.

• Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that doesn't improve with rest or medications.

• A grinding sensation in the knee joint during movement.

• Moderate to severe knee damage visible on X-rays, often caused by osteoarthritis.

• Failure to achieve significant improvement with non-surgical options like anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections, and physical therapy.

• A knee deformity, such as bowing in or out.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery: Which One is Right for You?

The main types are Total Knee Replacement (TKA), Partial Knee Replacement (PKA), and Revision Surgery. The best option depends on the extent of the damage to your knee joint, as determined by your orthopedic surgeon.

Understanding the different surgical options is key to a successful outcome. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your specific condition.

• Total Knee Replacement (TKA): This is the most common type. The surgeon replaces all three compartments of the knee joint: the medial (inside), lateral (outside), and patellofemoral (front, between the kneecap and thighbone). TKA is the gold standard for patients with advanced, widespread arthritis.

• Partial Knee Replacement (PKA): Also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, PKA is an option when damage is confined to just one compartment of the knee. It is a minimally invasive procedure that preserves healthy bone and ligaments, often leading to a quicker recovery and a more "natural" feeling knee.

• Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement: This advanced technique uses a robotic arm to assist the surgeon in performing the procedure with enhanced precision. The surgeon uses a 3D model of the patient's knee to create a precise surgical plan, allowing for optimal implant positioning and alignment. Surgeons like Dr. Kayhan Turan in Turkey are pioneers in this field.

• Revision Knee Replacement: This procedure is performed to replace a worn-out or failed knee implant from a previous surgery. It is a more complex procedure that may require specialized implants and bone grafts.

Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery Worldwide

The cost of knee replacement surgery varies dramatically by country, with medical tourism destinations like Turkey and Mexico offering significant savings compared to the US and UK without compromising on quality.

Cost is a major factor for many patients. High prices in Western countries have fueled the rise of medical tourism, where patients travel abroad for high-quality, affordable care. Below is a comparative cost table for a total knee replacement.

These lower costs in destinations like Turkey and Mexico are due to lower overhead and labor costs, not a reduction in the quality of care, technology, or orthopedic surgeon expertise.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Knee Replacement

A structured rehabilitation program, starting hours after surgery, is crucial for a successful recovery. Full recovery typically takes 6 months to a year, with significant milestones achieved in the first 12 weeks.

Your commitment to physical therapy is just as important as the surgery itself. The recovery process is a marathon, not a sprint.

• Hospital Stay (1-3 days): You'll be encouraged to stand and walk with assistance within 24 hours. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your knee and restore movement.

• First Few Weeks (Weeks 1-3): You will be discharged home or to a rehabilitation center. You'll continue with physical therapy, focusing on bending and straightening the knee, and will likely use a walker or crutches. Pain will be managed with medication.

• Getting Back to Normal (Weeks 4-12): You should see a dramatic improvement. Most patients can walk without assistance and perform most daily activities. You may be cleared to drive around the 4-6 week mark.

• Long-Term Recovery (Months 3-12): Swelling will continue to decrease, and your leg strength will improve. Most patients can return to low-impact activities like swimming, golfing, and cycling. Full recovery, where you achieve maximum strength and function, can take up to a year.

Potential Risks and Complications

While knee replacement is a very safe procedure, potential risks include infection, blood clots, implant failure, and nerve damage. Your surgeon will take extensive precautions to minimize these risks.

Over 95% of knee replacement surgeries are successful with no serious complications. However, like any major surgery, it carries risks. Your surgical team will discuss these with you and take every measure to prevent them.

• Infection: Occurs in less than 1% of patients. It is treated with antibiotics but may require further surgery.
• Blood Clots (DVT): A common risk after lower limb surgery. Preventative measures include blood-thinning medication, compression stockings, and early mobilization.
• Implant Problems: Implants can loosen or wear out over many years. Modern prosthetics are incredibly durable, but revision surgery may be needed after 15-20+ years.
• Stiffness: Can occur if scar tissue builds up and limits motion. Diligent physical therapy is the best prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does a knee replacement implant last?

Modern knee implants are designed to be durable. Over 90% of knee replacements last for 15 years, and a significant number last for 20 years or more, especially with a less active lifestyle.

2. How painful is knee replacement surgery?

You will have pain after the surgery, but it is managed effectively with modern pain control techniques, including nerve blocks and medication. Most patients report that the post-surgical pain is much more manageable than the chronic arthritis pain they lived with before.

3. What is the best age for a knee replacement?

There is no "best" age. The decision is based on pain and disability, not age. It was once reserved for those over 65, but with more durable implants, surgeons now perform them on younger, active patients when necessary.

4. What can you NOT do after a knee replacement?

Surgeons advise against high-impact activities like running, jumping, and contact sports. These activities can accelerate wear and tear on the implant and increase the risk of failure. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and golf are highly encouraged.

5. What is the newest technology in knee replacement?

Robotic-assisted surgery is the most significant recent advancement. It allows for greater precision in bone cuts and implant placement, which can lead to better long-term function and a more natural-feeling knee. Custom, patient-specific implants are also a growing trend.

6. How long are the waiting lists for knee replacement abroad?

One of the major advantages of medical tourism is the near-zero waiting time. While public healthcare systems can have waiting lists of 6 months to over a year, you can typically schedule your surgery in Turkey or Mexico within a few weeks.

Why Choose PlacidWay?

Navigating the world of medical tourism can be complex. PlacidWay simplifies the process. We connect you with a global network of world-class, accredited hospitals and renowned surgeons. We provide:

• Verified Surgeons: Access to profiles of top surgeons like Dr. Turan and Dr. Arroyo.

• Transparent Pricing: Get free, customized quotes with no hidden fees.

• Personalized Care: A dedicated case manager will assist you with everything from medical records to travel logistics.

Take the first step towards a pain-free life. Contact PlacidWay today for a free consultation and to compare quotes from the world's best knee replacement surgeons.