Orthopedics
Total Knee Replacement
International implants at a fraction of US self-pay
Knee replacement is one of the clearest value cases for self-paying patients. The implant families used in major Chinese teaching hospitals are the same international brands offered in the US and Europe, and the surgical fees are substantially lower.
The questions worth asking are about implant fixation (cemented versus cementless), bearing type, and the rehabilitation protocol. A good department will state the implant brand and model in the quote and provide a physiotherapy plan that continues after discharge.
We also check the surgeon's volume for primary knee replacement. Outcomes improve with volume, and this is the variable that separates a routine, reliable result from a lucky one.
What is included
- Pre-operative assessment and imaging review
- Primary total knee arthroplasty with an international implant system
- 4–6 day inpatient stay
- Inpatient physiotherapy and a written home programme
- Discharge summary and follow-up plan in English
Who this suits
- Advanced knee osteoarthritis with significant pain and functional limitation
- Patients quoted $30,000+ at home
- Patients able to stay 10–14 days for early rehabilitation
Time required
2–3 hours of surgery; 4–6 days inpatient
Recovery
6 weeks of protected weight-bearing and physiotherapy; 3 months for functional recovery.
Trip planning
Plan 12–16 days in China so early rehabilitation is supervised before you fly.
Questions
Practical answers.
Something not covered? Email [email protected] and a coordinator will reply directly.
Which implant will I receive?
A named international system — Zimmer Biomet, DePuy Synthes, Stryker or Smith & Nephew at the hospitals we work with. We require the brand and model in the written quote.
How soon can I walk?
Most patients stand with assistance within 24 hours and walk with a frame within two days. The inpatient physiotherapy plan starts the day after surgery.
Can I fly home two weeks after surgery?
Usually yes, with compression stockings and anticoagulation guidance. We confirm with the surgeon and arrange a pre-flight review.
Orthopedics
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Send your email and a short note about your case. We reply with hospital options, an indicative cost range for your situation and a realistic timeline — in English, within 48–72 hours.
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China Med Buddy is an independent coordination service. We are not a hospital, clinic or medical provider, and nothing on this site is medical advice. All prices shown are indicative public ranges, not quotes. Final suitability, treatment and cost are determined by the treating hospital after reviewing your records.