Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Istanbul: The Specialists Patients Trust Most

Finding the right orthopedic surgeon in Istanbul can feel overwhelming, especially when joint pain or a long-standing injury already takes enough energy on its own. Outcomes in Turkey are generally solid, for example, national data shows more than 280,000 knee replacements were performed in just four years, and most patients reported good functional recovery - but the difference between a smooth result and a stressful one often comes down to choosing the right surgeon from the start (The Journal of Arthroplasty, 2006). 

At Experts Medical, we reviewed the real experiences of more than 12,000 patients who completed treatments and surgeries through our team. Based on those outcomes, we selected the orthopedic surgeons who consistently show strong results, clear communication, and a responsible approach to care. In this guide, we take a calm, practical look at how to choose an orthopedic surgeon in Istanbul - not with medical jargon, but with the kind of information that actually helps you make a decision that affects your mobility, comfort, and quality of life.

1. Prof. Murat Bezer

Prof. Murat Bezer is one of the most experienced orthopedic specialists in Turkey, especially for patients dealing with spine deformities, chronic back or neck issues, and advanced joint problems. His work focuses on scoliosis, kyphosis, herniated discs, and complex spine surgeries where precision and long-term stability matter. He also performs joint replacement and reconstruction, including cases where the patient needs a more customized or technically demanding approach. He trained at Hacettepe University and Marmara University and gained international experience at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, which shows in how confidently he handles complicated cases. Over the years, he has led orthopedic departments at several major Istanbul hospitals, now, he performs surgeries at Academic Hospital in Istanbul.

• Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.9
• Specialization: Spine surgery, scoliosis, joint replacement, arthroscopy
• Number of procedures performed: Thousands
• Accreditation: Turkish Medical Association, AAOS, Turkish Association of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Turkish Spine Society, EuroSpine, and other professional groups
• Hotel and transfer: included
• Years of experience: 23+ years

2. Prof. Ibrahim Azboy

Prof. Ibrahim Azboy is a well-known orthopedic specialist with a strong focus on joint-preserving procedures and endoprosthetics. Patients usually come to him with problems like hip arthritis, meniscus injuries, ligament tears, or femoral head necrosis - the kinds of conditions where choosing the right technique can save the joint or delay the need for a full replacement. His background includes training both in Turkey and the U.S., including time at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, which shows in the way he approaches modern hip and knee surgery. He works at Medipol Mega University Hospital, one of the major centers in Istanbul for orthopedic care.

• Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.8
• Specialization: Hip and knee arthroplasty, hip preservation, joint-preserving surgery, ligament and meniscus injuries
• Number of procedures performed: Thousands
• Accreditation: AAOS, SICOT, European Hip Society, KADAD, TOTBID, TOTEK, Turkish Medical Association, Trauma Association
• Hotel and transfer: included
• Years of experience: 12+ years

3. Dr. Birhan Oktas

Dr. Birhan Oktas is an orthopedic traumatologist who works a lot with ankle disorders, tendon injuries, and sports-related problems. Many of his patients are people dealing with chronic ankle pain, ligament damage, or muscle and tendon issues that didn’t improve with conservative treatment. He has more than 17 years of clinical experience and currently practices at Istinye Liv University Hospital in Istanbul. Over the years, he has worked in several state and private hospitals, which gave him exposure to different types of trauma and joint injuries.

• Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.8
• Specialization: Ankle disorders, sports injuries
• Number of procedures performed: Thousands
• Accreditation: TOTBID, Turkish Association of Sports Injuries & Arthroscopy, Turkish Foot and Ankle Surgery Association, AGA, Turkish Wound Care and Tissue Repair Association
• Hotel and transfer: included
• Years of experience: 17+ years

4. Dr. Haluk Cabuk

Dr. Haluk Cabuk works with a wide range of orthopedic conditions, but he is especially known for joint replacement and surgeries involving the knee and shoulder. Patients often come to him with meniscal tears, rotator cuff injuries, and joint degeneration that affects everyday function. He completed his medical training at Hacettepe University and has worked in major public hospitals, including Ataturk Izmir University Hospital and Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital. Today he performs surgeries at Liv University Hospital, where he treats both routine and complex joint issues with a clear, evidence-based style.

• Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.9
• Specialization: Joint replacement, knee surgery, shoulder surgery, meniscal tear treatment
• Number of procedures performed: Thousands
• Accreditation: Turkish Association of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Bone and Joint Surgery Association
• Hotel and transfer: included
• Years of experience: 15+ years

5. Dr. Ahmet Murat Aksakal

Dr. Ahmet Murat Aksakal focuses on joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery of the hip, knee, and shoulder. Many of his patients come to him with chronic joint pain, labral tears, impingement issues, or injuries that didn’t respond well to physiotherapy. He completed part of his training at the OCM Clinic in Munich, a center known for hip preservation and sports traumatology, which often shows in how precisely he handles arthroscopic procedures. Over the years, he has worked in different hospitals across Turkey and now performs surgeries at Medicabil Hospital.

• Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.8
• Specialization: Hip arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy, knee arthroscopy, joint replacement
• Number of procedures performed: Thousands
• Accreditation: Member of a multiple associations, accredited surgeon
• Hotel and transfer: included
• Years of experience: 13+ years

6. Prof. Omer Faruk Bilgen

Prof. Omer Faruk Bilgen is a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon who has spent more than three decades focusing on joint replacement and complex revision surgeries. His practice is built around high-volume hip and knee arthroplasty, roughly 80% of his cases, which gives him the kind of repetition and precision many patients look for when planning major joint surgery. He also handles more difficult situations such as hip dislocation, femoral osteotomy, and avascular necrosis, where careful judgment and long-term planning matter a lot. He leads Medicabil Hospital and has spent many years in academic and clinical roles, both in Turkey and abroad. His training included time at the Hospital for Special Surgery and New York University, which is reflected in his surgical approach and familiarity with international standards.

• Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.8
• Specialization: Total hip replacement, total knee replacement, shoulder replacement, revision arthroplasty, femoral osteotomy
• Number of procedures performed: High volume; approx. 40% knee replacement, 40% hip replacement, 15% revision surgeries
• Accreditation:  AAOS, Turkish Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Association (President), Turkish Health and Tourism Board, Association of Bursa Healthcare Institutions, Sadiye Foundation
• Hotel and transfer: included
• Years of experience: 30+ years

7. Dr. Abdullah Yener Ince

Dr. Abdullah Yener Ince is a well-known arthroscopy specialist with almost two decades of clinical work behind him. Patients usually reach him when they’re dealing with shoulder instability, meniscus tears, ACL injuries, or long-lasting cartilage problems that haven’t improved with physical therapy. A lot of international patients choose him because of how focused he is on joint-preserving techniques and minimally invasive solutions. Currently, performs surgeries at Medical Hospital.

• Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.8
• Specialization: Arthroscopy, sports injuries, shoulder instability, meniscus & ligament injuries
• Number of procedures performed: 2,000+
• Accreditation: AAOS, TOTBID, TUSYAD, pediatric orthopedics, arthroplasty societies
• Hotel and transfer: included
• Years of experience: 18+

How Orthopedic Treatment in Istanbul Is Performed and What Recovery Really Looks Like

Orthopedic surgery isn’t one single experience - it changes a lot depending on whether you’re having a knee replacement, a spine procedure, or something smaller like arthroscopy. Still, most treatments in Istanbul follow a similar rhythm, so it helps to understand the general flow before you make any decisions.

What the Procedure Usually Involves

Most orthopedic surgeries start with a detailed pre-operative evaluation. This typically includes X-rays or MRI scans, blood tests, and a consultation where the surgeon explains the exact steps of the operation. Once everything is cleared, the procedure itself is done under spinal or general anesthesia.

For joint replacements (hip or knee), the surgeon removes the damaged parts and places a prosthesis designed to restore mobility. With arthroscopy, the approach is far smaller - just a few small incisions to insert a camera and tiny instruments. Spine surgeries can vary the most: some are minimally invasive, while others require more time if the doctor is decompressing nerves or stabilizing vertebrae.

How Many Days You Spend in the Clinic

The length of stay is usually shorter than people expect. The averages look like this:

• Knee or hip replacement: 3–5 days in the hospital and 10 more days in Istanbul
• Arthroscopy (knee, shoulder, ankle): often same-day discharge or one overnight stay
• Spine surgery: 3–6 days, depending on complexity
• Fracture repair: 1–3 days for straightforward cases

Most Istanbul hospitals aim for early mobilization - meaning they try to get you standing or at least sitting up within 24 hours, because it helps prevent complications and speeds up recovery.

What Recovery Really Feels Like

Recovery is where the real work happens, and it’s also where expectations matter. Many people feel stronger than they anticipated, but recovery is still gradual.

For joint replacements, the first two weeks are usually the toughest. Physical therapy starts almost immediately, and most patients can walk with support on the first or second day. By 4–6 weeks, many people feel noticeably more stable. Full recovery for hips and knees can take three to six months, with improvements continuing for up to a year.

Arthroscopy has a lighter recovery curve. Depending on the joint, most people return to everyday activities within 2–6 weeks, though athletes may need more time before high-impact training.

Spine surgery varies the most. Some minimally invasive operations allow people to return home within a few days and go back to work in a couple of weeks. More involved surgeries may need 8–12 weeks of careful rehabilitation.

Treatment Outcomes of Orthopedic Surgery in Istanbul

When people think about traveling to Istanbul for orthopedic care, they usually want something simple and honest: Does the treatment actually work for most patients? Looking at the available data, the answer is generally yes, and the numbers help explain why so many people come to the city for joint, spine, and trauma procedures each year.

Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Care

One study from a public hospital in Istanbul gives a good snapshot of what patients experience during orthopedic treatment there. Out of 140 inpatients, most described their stay positively. Many highlighted respectful, attentive care, especially when it came to privacy and day-to-day support from the medical staff. Findings like these don’t measure surgical skill directly, but they do show that the basics of care - the things patients notice immediately, are usually handled well. (Signa Vitae, 2024)

High Surgical Volume and Solid Outcomes

Turkey performs a very large number of orthopedic surgeries every year, and Istanbul’s major hospitals carry a big share of that load. Joint replacement data alone tells a clear story: between 2010 and 2014, the country recorded around 283,400 primary knee replacements and 9,900 revision surgeries. High volume isn’t everything, but it usually means surgeons get consistent experience and stay current with modern techniques. (The Journal of Arthroplasty, 2006)

What These Numbers Mean When Choosing a Surgeon

If you’re considering orthopedic surgery in Istanbul, the overall trend is reassuring. The outcomes are similar to those reported in many European systems, and the surgical experience across major hospitals is extensive. Still, the most important decision is choosing the right specialist for your specific problem, a knee surgeon for knee issues, a spine surgeon for spine issues, and so on.

Strong outcomes show what’s possible. The right surgeon determines what’s possible for you.

Experts Medical: How We Support You at Every Step

When someone comes to us with joint pain, a spine issue, or the need for a serious orthopedic surgery, we know they’re not just looking for “a doctor.” They want clarity. They want safety. And most of all - they want to feel confident that they’re making the right decision. That’s where we step in.

At Experts Medical, we’ve spent more than nine years guiding patients through orthopedic treatment abroad, and during this time we’ve supported over 12,000 people through surgeries, recovery, and second opinions. Our role is to remove uncertainty and help you move forward with a clear plan, not pages of conflicting advice.

What We Actually Do for You

• We select the right orthopedic surgeon: someone whose experience matches your exact case, not just the general specialty.
• We compare treatment plans: So you don’t have to guess which one makes more medical sense.
• We arrange the full trip: clinic appointments, transfers, hotel options, a medical translator, and all local logistics.
• We stay with you 24/7: Including the days after surgery when small questions feel huge.
• We protect your budget: All payments happen directly at the clinic, with no extra fees or prepayments to us.
• We communicate with clinics on your behalf: From collecting medical documents to negotiating dates and clarifying details.
• We ensure transparency: Especially with complex orthopedic cases where treatment paths can vary.

Our team includes coordinating doctors who understand both the medical side and the practical side of treatment abroad. That combination lets us catch details that patients often miss - like implant type, rehabilitation timing, or how long you realistically need to stay after surgery.

When you’re already dealing with pain or limited mobility, organizing everything alone becomes overwhelming. We make the process simple, predictable, and grounded in real medical expertise, so you can focus on getting better, not navigating logistics.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an orthopedic surgeon is never just about credentials on paper - it’s about trust, communication, and the confidence that you’re putting your recovery in the right hands. Istanbul has become one of the world’s most reliable destinations for joint replacements, spine care, sports injuries, and complex musculoskeletal surgery, but the real difference comes from the specialists themselves.

If you’re considering treatment in Istanbul, take your time, compare approaches, and lean on verified information rather than marketing claims. The right surgeon will never rush you; they’ll show outcomes, explain the reasoning behind each step, and build a plan that matches your lifestyle and goals. And once you meet the doctor who checks all these boxes, the decision becomes surprisingly clear.

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