Why Foreign Patients Travel for Joint Replacement
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) are among the most cost-disparate procedures globally. Outcomes at top Chinese centers match or exceed reported outcomes from US/EU centers, at 40–60% the cost.
Implant Options
All major Western implant brands are available in China's top orthopedic centers:
- Knee: Stryker Triathlon, Zimmer Persona, DePuy Sigma/Attune, Smith & Nephew Genesis II
- Hip: DePuy Pinnacle, Stryker Trident/Tritanium, Zimmer Trabecular Metal, Smith & Nephew R3
- Domestic brands (CHANGZHENG, AK Medical) — quality solid, 30% cheaper, available on request
Surgeon Selection
For TKA/THA volume matters more than reputation. We verify each candidate surgeon's annual case volume — only surgeons doing 200+ joint replacements per year are recommended. Most hospital websites publish surgeon CVs in Chinese; we provide English translations.
Pre-Op Workup (Day 1–2)
- X-rays + standing lower-extremity alignment films
- EKG, blood work, urinalysis
- Anesthesia consultation
- PT baseline assessment
- Custom implant size verification
Surgery (Day 3)
Most TKA/THA cases use spinal anesthesia + sedation. Procedure: 1–2 hours. Standard approach for hip: posterior or direct anterior. For knee: medial parapatellar with computer-assisted navigation at top centers.
Recovery Pathway
| Day | Knee replacement | Hip replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sit up, gentle ROM | Stand with walker |
| Day 2–3 | Walk 5–10 m with walker | Walk 10–20 m with walker |
| Day 5–7 | Walk 30+ m, transition to crutches | Walk 50+ m, transition to single crutch |
| Day 7–10 | Hospital discharge | Hospital discharge |
Total in-China stay: 14–21 days (1 week pre-op + surgery + initial PT + outpatient follow-ups).
Cost
- TKA (one knee): ¥75,000–110,000 (USD 10,500–15,400)
- THA (one hip): ¥80,000–125,000 (USD 11,200–17,500)
- Bilateral simultaneous: 1.6–1.8× single-side cost
- Compare US: TKA $35,000–60,000, THA $40,000–65,000
Companion Travel
Strongly recommended — first 3–4 days you'll need help with daily activities. Companion accommodation is included in our coordination package.
Post-Discharge Pathway
We provide remote PT video sessions and 6-month follow-up imaging review with the partner surgeon. Adjunctive TCM is an option at integrated centers.
