Total knee joint replacement surgery in Europe

What Is Total Knee Replacement surgery?

Total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures in the world. Around 80,000 total knee replacements are carried out on the NHS each year, with a similar number performed privately. During the operation, a specialist orthopaedic surgeon removes the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replaces them with precisely engineered components made from metal alloys and medical-grade plastic. These implants are designed to reproduce the mechanics of a healthy knee, restoring smooth, stable and pain-free movement.

The procedure typically takes between 1.5 and 2 hours and is performed under general or spinal anaesthetic. Modern implant design and surgical techniques have improved considerably over recent decades, and the procedure has one of the strongest long-term outcome records in elective orthopaedic surgery. Through My Medical Gateway, total knee replacement is available at accredited hospitals across Europe, including Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Spain.

Am I a candidate for Total Knee Replacement surgery?

Total knee replacement is most commonly recommended for patients with one or more of the following:

• Severe osteoarthritis of the knee causing persistent pain and stiffness
• Symptoms that significantly limit daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs or sleeping comfortably
• No meaningful improvement after non-surgical treatment, including physiotherapy, pain relief, steroid injections or lifestyle changes
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions affecting the knee joint

The procedure is most frequently performed in patients over 60, though younger patients may be considered where symptoms are severe and other options have been exhausted.

Your My Medical Gateway-partnered specialist will carry out a thorough assessment before any treatment is confirmed. You will not proceed to surgery without a formal consultation and your fully informed consent.

NHS waiting times for Knee Replacement 

There are currently around 49,509 people waiting for total knee replacement surgery on the NHS in England, with an average wait of approximately 28.7 weeks.

For patients who are unable to wait, or who have decided to explore private options, My Medical Gateway offers access to accredited European hospitals with packages starting at around 32% less than typical UK private prices.

What is included in a My Medical Gateway Treatment Package?

Treatment packages typically include:

• Pre-operative diagnosis and consultations with your specialist
• The surgical procedure, including graft materials and all surgical equipment
• Hospital accommodation for the duration of your stay, often day surgery or a one-night stay
• Nursing care and initial post-operative physiotherapy
• 90-day check-up with your surgical team.

Flights and accommodation in the destination country are not included. Our MMG coordination team can advise on travel planning

Recovery after Total Knee Replacement

As a general guide:

• Hospital stay: 2 to 5 nights
• First steps: most patients walk with assistance within 24 hours of surgery
• Physiotherapy: begins immediately after surgery, focusing on mobility, strength and range of motion
• Return to light daily activities: 6 to 12 weeks for most patients
• Full recovery: 6 to 12 months, with progress depending on age, overall fitness and individual circumstances

Your surgical team will provide a personalised recovery programme before you leave hospital.

Benefits of Total Knee Replacement surgery

• Significant pain relief
• Improved mobility and independence
• Better quality of life and sleep
• High success rate: most patients experience long-term improvement.

Risks and considerations

• Surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots
• Implant-related: loosening, wear, stiffness, instability
• Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare)
• Persistent pain or reduced range of motion
• Need for revision surgery (implants typically last 15–20 years).

Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will assess your individual risk profile during your consultation and will ensure you can give fully informed consent before any treatment takes place. This page provides a general overview only.

Hospitals

Total knee replacement is available at six MMG partner hospitals across Europe. Our partner destinations include Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Spain., all of which offer accredited orthopaedic facilities at a significant saving compared with UK private prices. 

Prices shown are for the treatment package only, excluding flights and accommodation.

Total Knee Replacement surgery pricing and payment

 UK private surgery for Total knee replacement typically costs between £13,149 and £15,117.

Why choose My Medical Gateway?

My Medical Gateway works only with carefully selected European hospitals chosen for clinical quality, safety and proven outcomes.

Every hospital on the My Medical Gateway platform is assessed for clinical and quality standards before being made available to patients. We work exclusively with specialist orthopaedic departments that have established track records in procedures including total knee replacement. 

Our packages are designed for UK patients who need faster access to treatment than the NHS can currently provide, without compromising on the standard of care they would expect at home. When you enquire with My Medical Gateway, you will speak with a member of our UK-based patient coordination team. We will guide you through your hospital options, explain the process clearly and support you from initial enquiry through to your return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Total Knee Replacement surgery safe abroad?

Yes, provided you choose a hospital with appropriate clinical accreditation, experienced orthopaedic surgeons and a clear aftercare pathway. All hospitals on the MMG platform are selected based on clinical quality and safety standards. As with any major surgery, your surgeon will discuss your individual risk profile fully before proceeding.

Which countries offer total knee replacement surgery through MMG?

My Medical Gateway partner hospitals offering total knee replacement are located in Lithuania (Kaunas and Vilnius), Hungary (Budapest), Spain (Barcelona), Romania (Bucharest) and Malta (Sliema). All are accredited orthopaedic facilities.

How soon can I travel home after knee replacement surgery?

Most patients are fit to travel home after surgery within 7 to 10 days (short haul) and 14 to 21 days (long haul), subject to their surgeon's assessment. Blood clot risk associated with flying post-surgery will be discussed with you by your clinical team, who will advise on appropriate precautions.

What is the difference between total and partial knee replacement?

Total knee replacement replaces the full surface of the knee joint, covering both the inner and outer compartments. Partial knee replacement replaces only the most damaged part of the joint and is appropriate where arthritis is confined to one area. Your surgeon will advise which procedure is right for you based on the extent of your arthritis and your activity requirements.

How long do total knee replacement implants last?

Most modern knee replacement implants are designed to last 15 to 20 years or longer. Data from the UK National Joint Registry (NJR) suggests that most patients have a low risk of requiring revision surgery within 20 years of their original procedure, with many implants continuing to function well beyond that timeframe.