Total knee replacement surgery in Europe
From £8,101 at accredited European hospitals
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 with packages starting from £8,101.
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 from £8,101, 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. Your hospitals MMG coordinator 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.
Accredited Hospitals for Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is available at 8 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.
Hospitals
Total Knee Replacement surgery pricing and payment
Total knee replacement packages through MMG start from £8,101. UK private surgery for the same procedure typically costs between £13,149 and £15,117.
Pricing table
| Hospital | Location | UK Private Cost | MMG Treatment Package | % Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meliva Kardiolita Hospital Vilnius | Vilnius, Lithuania | £14,708 | £8,101 | 45% |
| Nordorthopaedics clinic | Kaunas, Lithuania | £14,708 | £8,413 | 43% |
| Hospital Universitario HM Madrid Río | Madrid, Spain | £14,708 | £9,419 | 36% |
| Hospital HM Modelo | A Coruña, Spain | £14,708 | £9,419 | 36% |
| Hospital HM Nou Delfos | Barcelona, Spain | £14,708 | £9,419 | 36% |
| Hospital HM Málaga | Málaga, Spain | £14,708 | £9,419 | 36% |
| Monza Hospital | Bucharest, Romania | £14,708 | £9,842 | 33% |
| Saint James Hospital | Sliema, Malta | £14,708 | £11,032 | 25% |
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
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.
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.
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.