The ultimate guide to Knee Replacement in Chiang Mai

Last fact-checked: 3 October 2020

Book with Medical Departures and save a fortune on your knee replacement in Chiang Mai.

This Northern Thai city is home to JCI-accredited hospitals with expert surgeons who can help ease the pain of worn and damaged knee joints for thousands less than back home. 

How Can a Knee Replacement Help?

There are many different kinds of knee replacement surgeries available with varied artificial joints made of different materials. It is only your doctor who can suggest which kind will be right for your individual situation.

Over the years with knee replacement surgeries becoming more commonplace, doctors, too, have a great deal of experience in doing these surgeries. In the hands of an expert and skilled surgeon, you may have minimal discomfort and will soon be on your feet.

Why Consider Knee Replacement in Chiang Mai?

If you have arthritis (or a related disorder) that has caused debilitating knee problems, this may be a good option, especially if surgery is not covered by your health insurance. For others, heading abroad also expediates pain relief as many find themselves on increasingly long waiting lists in countries like the UK and Australia. 

Chiang Mai has excellent medical facilities and the charges are much more affordable not only for the surgery but also for the artificial joints, the diagnostic tests and the medicines.

Doctors in Thailand undergo extensive training before becoming surgeons, and orthopaedic surgeons are even more specialized. Many are also members or affiliates of professional organizations, such as the International Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

It is also a beautiful holiday spot with many tourist attractions, a large community of expats and you can combine a laid-back holiday in Chiang Mai with the surgery. You can also rest and recuperate post-surgery and you will be well taken care of.

Why Book with Medical Departures?

Booking with Medical Departures guarantees the best prices online, and you can also be assured that we have carried out stringent background checks into all providers listed on our site.

We look into the accreditations, qualifications, skill and expertise of the doctors practising at the clinics and hospitals you see on our listing pages. We also check out the amenities at the clinics and hospitals and ensure that the staff is able to communicate in English so you don’t face any problems.

How Long Does a Knee Replacement Take and What Is the Associated Downtime?

As there are different kinds of knee replacement joints available, the surgery time varies a great deal. The time taken also depends on whether you are getting surgery for one knee or both.

It can take as little as one hour for a simple one knee surgery up to three hours or more for more complex surgeries.

Post-surgery, you will need to spend between one and four days in hospital and will be able to leave once you are a little mobile with the help of walking aids. You will also start physiotherapy in Chiang Mai upon the advice of your surgeon. 

Patients do have to take a great deal of care and go for follow-up treatment, as well as take painkillers as required. You will also need to do your exercises diligently as these will help you regain complete mobility. It can take six to eight weeks before you are able to walk and do other activities without pain.

What Is the Cost of Knee Replacement in Chiang Mai?

If you have to pay the full price for your surgery in Australia you may pay between AUD 20,000 to AUD 35,000 for this surgery. In Chiang Mai, knee replacement surgery is at least 50% less, prices at between AUD 10,000 and AUD 12,000.

Please note that these are approximate figures calculated at the time of writing. To see some of the latest prices on offer, as well as photos, reviews and surgeon profiles, browse through these highly-rated medical centres in Chiang Mai for knee replacement surgery:

• Chiangmai Ram Hospital (Medical)
• DIAA Aesthetic Clinic

How Do I Book?

Take control of your life once again by booking in at one of our knee replacement hospitals in Chiang Mai.

See below for ways to contact us and lock the best prices online. Our Customer Care Team can address all your questions and help you with the booking process, as well as other aspects of your trip to Thailand such as accommodation and financing. 

Sources:

Knee Replacement. Mayo Clinic. 29 December 2017. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/knee-replacement/about/pac-20385276

Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2020. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/knee-replacement-surgery-procedure

International Association of Orthopedists. Website accessed: 3 October 2020. http://iaorthopedics.com/

Chiang Mai. Lonely Planet. Website accessed: 22 February 2020. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-mai-province/chiang-mai