Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Carlos Cuenca (MD)
Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery in Turkey
Do you need knee surgery but are nervous about the complex procedure and high costs? Then, consider robotic knee replacement surgery in Turkey- a revolutionary low-cost option to fix your knees!
Knee Replacement in the Turkey
With a rise in the need for knee replacement in the UK, robotic surgeries are a preferred alternative. They deliver desired results with better precision than traditional knee surgeries. All of this at budget-friendly prices!
State of Knee Surgery in UK
Robotic-assisted knee surgery has become very popular over the years. The use of this technology in the US has grown by over 2000% from 2010 to 2018![1]
This all-in-one guide will walk you through the details of this new-age procedure in Turkey.
What is Robotic Knee Surgery in Turkey?
Robotic knee surgery removes the damaged portion of your knee and replaces it with artificial joints. It is similar to conventional knee surgery, except that your surgeon will be assisted by a robotic arm or a handheld robotic device.[2]
The robotic system helps your surgeon achieve greater precision in various ways, which include:
- Utilizing CT scans of your knee to accurately plan the incision and implant positioning
- Assists in mapping out a unique and personalized surgical plan
- Assists your surgeon in controlling their force and movement when operating on your knee
- Cutting away damaged tissues of your knee with a lower risk of error[3]
Should You Opt For A Knee Replacement in Turkey?
With a patient satisfaction rate between 75% to 92%, total knee replacement is a powerful method for relieving pain and restoring knee function in patients with advanced-stage arthritis.[4]
Multiple surgical options exist to help restore a patient's functionality and improve quality of life relating to their knees
Dr. Carlos Cuenca
Cost of Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
The cost of robotic total knee replacement surgery in Turkey is about €13,500. The same costs roughly €55,000 in the UK.
Robotic bilateral partial knee replacement is priced at €20,000-21,000 in Turkey but costs an estimated €48,000-50,000 in the UK. Hence, you can expect more than 50% cost savings in Turkey.
The table below shows the price comparison between robotic knee replacement surgery in Turkey and the UK.
| Procedure | Turkey | UK | Savings |
| Robotic total knee replacement | €13,500 | €55,000 | 75% |
| Robotic bilateral total knee replacement | €20,000 | €60,000 | 67% |
| Robotic bilateral unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement | €20,000 | €48,000 | 58% |
| Robotic bilateral bicompartmental (partial) knee replacement | €21,000 | €50,000 | 58% |
*Please note that the prices are case-dependent. Kindly contact us to get a FREE customized quote.
Robotic Knee Surgery Procedure
Robotic knee surgery is similar to traditional knee replacement. The procedure is as follows:[5]
The doctor takes a CT scan to form a virtual 3D model of your knee. The system helps them plan the perfect bone cut and implant positioning.
An incision is made at your knee. The robotic system maps a predefined spot for the surgeon to work within. This prevents them from damaging the surrounding tissues.
Your surgeon may do this manually with feedback from a robotic device. Alternatively, a robotic arm may make the incisions.
The surgeon positions and attaches the pieces of the artificial joint based on the 3D model.
After assessing your knee's function, the doctor will close up the incision using sutures.
The procedure may vary depending on the type of robotic system utilized.
One such robotic system used in Turkey is Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology. The Mako System software helps your surgeon develop a personalized surgical plan.
During the operation, your surgeon will guide the Mako robotic arm to remove damaged tissues and cartilage from your knee joint.
Traditional vs. Robotic Surgery for Knee Replacements
Compared to traditional knee surgery, robotic-assisted ones display improved outcomes in terms of the following:[6]
- Better patient satisfaction
- Lower risk of needing a revision surgery
- Greater stability of knee joint post-surgery
- Earlier hospital discharge and faster recovery
- Greater accuracy in positioning the prosthetic implant
- Smoother and better motion of knee joints post-surgery
- Reduced post-operative pain, inflammation, and swelling
More research is underway to find out if robotic knee surgery is better than traditional knee surgery in the long run.
But so far, studies are promising and have shown faster recovery and reduced pain with robotic knee surgery.[7]
Advantages of Robotic-Assisted Knee Surgery in Turkey
Here are some reasons Turkey is at the top of the list as an attractive destination for robotic knee surgery.
Lower Costs
- The cost of living in Turkey is 65% cheaper than in the UK.[8]
- Specialists can offer more affordable rates for surgical procedures.[9]
Robotic knee replacement in Izmir, Turkey starts at €15,000 & saves ~39%!
Premium-Quality Services
- The medical facilities in Turkey are equipped with modern operating theatres, comfortable wards, and advanced technology.
- Our board-certified partner specialist has extensive experience in orthopedics.
- Low communication barriers as medical staff and doctors can speak English.
Ease of Access
- The most convenient and quickest way to get to Turkey is via flight.
- There are over 50 airports in Turkey, most of which cater to international passengers.
- Flight durations range from 3 to 5 hours.[10]
Sightseeing Opportunities
- Turkey is an all-rounded tourist destination with beaches, luxury resorts, hot air balloon attractions, and numerous hiking trails.
- You can also visit ancient ruins, museums, historical sites, and beautiful mosques.
Who is a Candidate for Robotic Knee Surgery in Turkey?
Total knee replacement surgery (robotic or traditional) is usually recommended if you meet the criteria[11]:
- Advanced-stage osteoarthritis.
- Unsuccessful conservative or non-surgical treatment.
- Primary osteoarthritis not caused by any other underlying disease or condition.
- Long-term and debilitating symptoms (swelling, pain, and inflammation of the knee joint)
Robotic Orthopedic Surgery in Turkey - Is It for You?
Robotic Knee Replacement Recovery Process
After your knee surgery in Turkey, your doctor will closely monitor your progress, provide medications to help relieve pain, and chalk out an at-home recovery plan.
Robotic knee replacement surgery allows for quicker recovery. And here's what you should know about the recovery process.[12]
| Timeline | Recovery stage |
| 24 hours | You'll likely be able to stand. |
| 2-3 days | Your doctor will discharge you from the hospital. |
| first week | You may start walking without the help of a frame or crutches. |
| 1-2 months | Most people can resume normal leisure activities and walk without support. |
| 1 year | Any residual pain or swelling would have completely subsided. |
Recovery Tips for Robotic Knee Surgery in Turkey
Here are some post-surgery care tips to remember during your recovery:[13]
- Take any anti-inflammatory medications recommended by your doctor.
- Try not to sit with your legs crossed in the first 6 weeks after surgery.
- Ensure you wear comfortable and supportive shoes when outdoors.
- Avoid bending down or stretching upwards in the first 6 weeks.
You may need a follow-up to check your progress after 6-12 weeks.
Best Doctor in Turkey for Robotic Knee Replacement
Picking an experienced and highly-trained surgeon will reduce your risk of complications and ensure you get the best outcomes possible.
Here's our pick of the best doctor in Turkey for robotic knee surgery.
Dr. Nevzat Gokay
23+ years
MD Orthopedics
Expertise
Knee Surgery, Hip Surgery, Foot Surgery, Ankle Surgery, Shoulder Surgery
Education
Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine
- Orthopedics and Traumatology specialization training at the faculty of medicine, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa (2005)
- Underwent robotic joint surgery training in the US
- Member of Turkish Sports Injuries and Knee Surgery Association (TUSYAD)
- Member of Turkish Association of Orthopedics and Traumatology (TOTBID)
- Member of International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS)
Dr. Nevzat Selim Gokay's Accreditation:
European Board of Orthopedics & Traumatology (EBOT), Spain
Conclusion
Robotic knee surgery in Turkey is a highly effective and affordable way to give your knees a new lease on life. At the same time, you can enjoy the beautiful culture, delicious delicacies, and gorgeous sights of Turkey.
If you have any doubts or questions about knee surgery in Turkey, feel free to contact us. We'd be more than happy to address them.
FAQs
The main difference is that robotic knee surgery is conducted with the assistance of a robotic arm or handheld device. This robotic device may help to remove damaged tissue.
Other times, it may support the surgeon by providing feedback on his movement and force while resecting your bones.[14]
Robotic knee surgery in Turkey has a high success rate. According to studies, over 97% of knee implants will continue to function well after 10 years. The complication rate for robotic knee surgery is also low—around 1.7%.[15]
Yes, robotic knee replacement tends to be less painful than conventional knee replacement surgery.
Due to the higher precision of robotic knee surgery, the soft tissues surrounding your affected knee joint are better preserved.[16]
This leads to reduced inflammation and swelling of the soft tissues, hence, lower pain and faster recovery.
Since robotic-assisted surgery is minimally-invasive, this leads to a faster recovery time and discharge from the hospital. It will take 1 to 2 months to fully recover from a robotic knee replacement, after which you can resume your usual activities.
Any pain and swelling may take up to a year to completely subside.[17]
Robotic knee surgery can be expensive in the US and UK. Luckily, getting robotic knee replacement surgery in Turkey is a very affordable alternative.
The operation time is also longer for robotic surgery. This may increase your risk of infection by a small margin.[18] Plus, this technology is quite new. Hence, researchers are still studying the long-term benefits of this procedure.
References
- Arthroplast Today: 90-Day Complication Rates for Robotic Assistance for Total Knee Arthroplasty
- StatPearls: Robotic Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty
- NCBI: Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty
- Bone & Joint Research: Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty
- Orthopedic Reviews: What are the benefits of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty over conventional manual total knee arthroplasty?
- Expatistan: Cost of living in Turkey compared to United Kingdom
- Hurriyet Daily News: 400,000 Europeans visit Turkey for health tourism
- Flight Centre UK: Flights to Turkey
- StatPearls: Total Knee Arthroplasty Techniques
- NHS: Recovery, Knee replacement
- EFORT Open: The current state of robotics in total knee arthroplasty