Both Knees at Once or One at a Time? Bilateral Knee Replacement in Turkey

When both knees hurt, doing them in one trip can save months of waiting — but it is a decision for your surgeon, not a default

If arthritis has worn down both knees, you face a real choice: replace one now and the other later, or plan both together. In Turkey, single and double knee replacement are both routine, and the price difference is smaller than most people expect — from $10,000 for one knee and from $18,000 for both with Turkish-made implants. This guide explains how the two paths compare so you can have a more useful conversation with the orthopedic surgeon.

1. Who is considered for both knees at once

Surgeons usually consider a combined procedure when both knees are painful and limiting, general health is good, and the heart and lungs are fit enough for a longer anaesthetic. Patients with significant heart, lung or circulation problems are often steered towards separate operations. Your imaging, medical history and blood tests decide this individually, which is why a proper review comes before any booking.

2. The first 24-72 hours in hospital

After a double procedure you wake up with both knees treated, so the first days are more demanding than after a single knee. Pain control, blood-clot prevention and early movement are the priorities. The physiotherapist helps you stand within the first day or so, usually with a frame or crutches, and progress tends to be a little slower because neither leg can carry all your weight comfortably.

3. The first weeks: walking and physiotherapy

With one knee, the other leg acts as a support. With both done, you rely on walking aids for longer and need more help with stairs, getting in and out of bed, and daily tasks. Initial physiotherapy starts in Turkey and continues at home for several weeks. Fatigue is common and normal, and swelling in both legs can last longer than patients expect.

4. How it changes your stay in Turkey

A typical stay is 10-14 nights, including initial rehabilitation and follow-up checks. Staged surgery means two separate trips, each with its own travel, hotel and time away from home. A combined operation means one longer recovery period but only one journey. Your surgeon will confirm when you are safe to fly, as long flights need extra attention to circulation after major joint surgery.

5. Choosing implants and technique

Implants are available from Turkish manufacturers or from US/German brands, and robotic total knee arthroplasty is an option for selected cases. Package prices run from $10,000 (one knee) or $18,000 (both) with Turkish implants, from $12,000 or $20,000 with US/German implants, and from $24,000 for robotic surgery. Your surgeon recommends the option after reviewing your imaging.

6. Warning signs that need medical attention

Contact your surgeon promptly if you notice increasing redness, heat or discharge at either wound, a fever, new calf pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain or shortness of breath. These are uncommon, but they are exactly why you should know who to call before you leave Turkey.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safer to do one knee at a time?
Separate operations place less demand on the body at once, which is why surgeons prefer them for some patients. For suitable, healthy patients a combined operation is a recognised option. Your surgeon assesses this individually.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey?
Typically 10-14 nights, including initial rehabilitation and follow-up. Your surgeon sets the exact date you can travel.

Can I continue physiotherapy at home?
Yes. MedAgent supports your follow-up and physiotherapy plan remotely after you return.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, technique and results are determined individually by a licensed surgeon.