Knee & Hip Replacement in Turkey: The Complete 2026 Guide for International Patients

Written by the Lotus Health Travel editorial team. Last reviewed: 26 October 2026. Editorial contact: info@lotusgrup.com.tr. General information, not medical advice. Your surgeon's assessment always takes precedence.

Can you have a knee or hip replacement in Turkey and return home to a good outcome? It is possible, provided you choose an authorised and accredited hospital, check the surgeon and the implant, and plan a realistic recovery that continues after you fly home. This guide explains what each of those means.

The US CDC notes that people "may travel internationally to seek less expensive procedures or a procedure they cannot receive in the country where they reside." For joint replacement, waiting times and cost at home are common reasons. Neither changes what you need to check.

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?

According to the NHS, in a total knee replacement, the most common type, "the lower end of your thigh bone and the upper end of your shin bone are replaced with metal and plastic parts." A partial knee replacement is used when arthritis affects one half of the knee; the cut is smaller and recovery should be quicker.

The NHS says the operation usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, under either a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic in the spine. It adds that most knee replacements last for about 25 years.

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

The NHS describes a total hip replacement, the most common type, as one in which the "ball" of the hip joint and the "socket" are replaced with metal, ceramic or plastic parts. The operation usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. The NHS notes that modern hip replacement joints "are designed to last for at least 15 years."

Your surgeon decides which type of knee or hip operation suits you, based on imaging and examination.

What Turkish Regulation Requires

Turkey's Regulation on International Health Tourism and the Health of Tourists (Official Gazette, 26 April 2025) sets the rules for hospitals treating international patients:

Authorisation: facilities must hold an international health tourism authorisation certificate issued by the Ministry of Health; intermediary organisations receive theirs from USHAŞ (Article 5(1)).
Accreditation: hospitals must be accredited by TÜSKA, with existing facilities given until 31 December 2026 (Article 6(1)(b), Provisional Article 1).
Complication insurance: required for surgical procedures in the operating theatre (Article 6(1)(c)).
Records: on request, the facility must provide laboratory results, imaging, a medication list and prescriptions free of charge (Article 12(1)).

You can check names on the Ministry of Health's lists of authorised facilities and intermediary organisations. Do not rely on a hospital's own statement.

How to Choose an Orthopaedic Hospital

Authorisation and accreditation. Check the Ministry list and ask about TÜSKA accreditation.

Surgeon experience. Ask how many total knee or hip replacements the surgeon has performed in the past twelve months, and how many had complications.

The implant. Get the manufacturer and model in writing before you agree to a package. You will need this for any future operation.

Robotic-assisted surgery. Some hospitals offer it. Ask whether it is available, which system is used, whether it suits your case and whether it is included in the price.

Rehabilitation. Ask whether physiotherapy is included, how many sessions, and who provides it.

Follow-up after you fly home. Confirm who is responsible for your care after departure, how to reach them, and how your records will reach your doctor at home.

For an overview of safety checks, see our medical tourism safety guide.

What Recovery Looks Like (NHS)

	Knee replacement	Hip replacement
Hospital stay	Usually 1 to 4 days	Usually around 1 to 3 days
Stitches or clips out	After about 10 days	After about 10 days
Follow-up appointment	About 6 weeks	Around 6 to 12 weeks
Driving	At least 6 weeks (total) or 3 weeks (partial)	At least 6 weeks
Return to work	Usually after about 6 to 12 weeks	Usually about 6 weeks
Full recovery	Several months or longer	Several months

For knee replacement, the NHS also advises walking with crutches or sticks at first, trying to walk without an aid after about 6 weeks if you feel ready, wearing compression stockings for at least 6 weeks in most cases, and avoiding heavy household tasks for the first 3 months.

Flying Home

UK Travel Aware advises planning to stay in the country for at least 10 days after surgery under general anaesthesia, and boarding a flight only when you are fit to fly. The CDC notes that air travel and surgery "independently increase the risk for blood clots," and that travel after surgery increases it further because you may sit for long periods. Ask your surgeon when you can fly, and whether you need blood-thinning medicine or compression stockings for the journey. Do not book a fixed return flight before the surgeon has set your date.

What Risks Should I Be Aware Of?

The NHS lists the following among possible complications of knee and hip replacement:

Blood clots (DVT), which can sometimes travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and cause serious complications. Compression stockings or anticoagulant medicines may be used to reduce the risk.
Wound infection. If infection spreads deep into the joint, further surgery may be needed.
For hips, dislocation and wear. The NHS notes that dislocation is not common but can happen soon after surgery or many years later.

The NHS says to seek emergency help if you have pain and swelling in your leg together with difficulty breathing or chest pain, because this could be a blood clot in the lungs, which needs to be treated immediately. If you develop fever, increasing pain, swelling or wound discharge after returning home, contact a doctor and tell them about your operation.

Keep your records. If you ever need another operation, your surgeon at home will need the operative note, the implant details (manufacturer, model and lot number) and your post-operative imaging.

For more, see our patient FAQ on medical treatment in Turkey and our guide on what to do if something goes wrong after treatment.

How Do I Start the Process with Lotus Health Travel?

The first step is a no-obligation initial consultation by video or phone. We review your clinical background, any imaging and your goals, and match you with an orthopaedic team at a partner hospital in Antalya. A coordinator manages hospital appointments, transfers, accommodation, physiotherapy scheduling and post-discharge support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is knee or hip replacement surgery in Turkey safe for international patients? Joint replacement is major surgery with the same risks in any country. Reduce them by checking the hospital's authorisation and accreditation, the surgeon's experience, the implant, and the follow-up plan.

What is the international health tourism authorisation certificate? It is the certificate the Turkish regulation requires for facilities providing international health tourism services. The Ministry of Health issues it to health facilities and USHAŞ to intermediary organisations (Article 5(1)). Check the Ministry list before booking.

How much does it cost? It depends on the procedure, the implant, the hospital and the length of stay. Every patient receives a personalised quote after an initial review. Compare quotes on what they include, including physiotherapy and follow-up.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey? The NHS says most people leave hospital within about 1 to 4 days, but UK Travel Aware advises staying at least 10 days after surgery under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon confirms when you are fit to fly.

How long do replacement joints last? The NHS says most knee replacements last for about 25 years and that modern hip replacements are designed to last for at least 15 years.

Do I need to bring my imaging from home? It helps. Bring recent X-rays and any MRI or CT scans, or ask your coordinator how to send digital files securely in advance.

What happens if I have a complication after I return home? Contact a doctor promptly and tell them about your surgery, the hospital and the implant. Lotus Health Travel coordinators remain available and can help you obtain your hospital records.

Can both knees or both hips be replaced at once? It is sometimes possible. Your surgeon will advise whether to operate on both joints together or in two stages, based on your health. We can coordinate either.

What physiotherapy is included? It depends on the package; confirm the number of sessions in writing. Arrange physiotherapy at home before you travel so your rehabilitation continues without a gap.

Sources

NHS: Knee replacement (including "How it's done", "Recovery" and "Complications"; last reviewed 9 September 2026)
NHS: Hip replacement (including "How a hip replacement is done", "Recovering" and "Complications"; last reviewed 6 March 2024)
US CDC, Yellow Book 2026: Medical Tourism (page dated 23 April 2025)
UK Travel Aware: Surgery abroad, cut out the risk
Regulation on International Health Tourism and the Health of Tourists, Official Gazette no. 32882, 26 April 2025 (Articles 5, 6 and 12, Provisional Article 1)
Ministry of Health: Authorised Health Facilities and Intermediary Organisations