Knee surgery in Germany

Today, the most effective method of restoring mobility for patients with the consequences of injuries and degenerative joint diseases is endoprosthetic surgery. 

Germany is one of the leading countries in this field. Every year, more than 160,000 knee endoprostheses are installed in local clinics (only the USA has more). This impressive figure shows that German doctors have been able to gain vast experience in the field of arthroplasty. Therefore, patients from different countries choose Germany for knee surgery.

There are obvious advantages of treatment in German clinics such as high quality medical care and access to modern technologies. However, in most cases, international patients choose Germany for knee surgery due to the guarantee of the effectiveness of the endoprosthetic procedure. This country has strict standards and a multi-level control system for the interventions performed.

In Germany, clinics that perform a large number of joint replacement surgeries receive the EndoCert certificate and are recognized as “endoprosthetics centers”. The largest of them, which use innovative surgical methods, receive the status of “endoprosthetics centers with maximum care”. In clinics that have received this certificate, knee replacement surgeries in Germany are performed by very experienced and highly qualified surgeons. They use high-tech equipment such as robotic systems, as well as individual prostheses that are made taking into account the anatomical features of the patient.

In addition, to monitor the quality of knee surgery in Germany, there is a national endoprosthesis registry (EPRD), which was created in 2010 on the initiative of the German Society of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery. To date, it contains more than 2.8 million documents on interventions performed. This contributes to the continuous improvement of the quality of treatment and a decrease in the number of revision surgeries. Registry data studies have already shown that the complication rate of knee surgeries is significantly lower when they are performed in a center that specializes in this type of interventions.

Unlike a standard knee replacement, a custom endoprosthesis is often asymmetrical, with different medial and lateral dimensions, reflecting the variability of the patient’s anatomy. Modern knee surgery hospitals in Germany use innovative devices such as the new custom knee endoprosthesis system Origin®, Symbios Orthopédie SA, Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland.

First, cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography) is performed to obtain a detailed three-dimensional image of the patient’s knee anatomy. Then, a computer model (KNEE-PLAN® technology) is developed using 3D modeling. Based on this, an implant is created that matches the anatomical shape of the knee. Research published in the journal Arthroplasty has shown that custom-made total knee replacement improves the kinetic function of the joint. The scientists concluded that when patients climb stairs or squat, the custom-made endoprosthesis functions like a regular knee.

The prices for orthopedic procedures can vary greatly and depend on the chosen surgical approach, the prestige of the clinic, the conditions of hospitalization, the surgeon’s fee, and other aspects.

Approximate cost of knee surgery in Germany:

• arthroscopic repair of a meniscus tear – from €8,000;
• reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – from €13,000;
• surgical correction of a deformity of the patella (kneecap) – from €13,000.

The cost of knee replacement surgery in Germany also depends on the choice of clinic and specific treatment conditions. On average, the price for a total or partial knee replacement ranges from €16,300 to €18,200. In some centers, it reaches €28,000 euros. The price of knee surgery in Germany is also affected by the cost of the endoprosthesis. The more expensive it is, the more it is necessary to pay for the operation as a whole. For patients who do not have a large budget, Turkey can be an alternative destination for joint replacement. Here, the operation can be done for €7,000. At the same time, the quality of treatment will be high.

Centers specializing in endoprosthetics in Germany actively use robotic systems such as ROSA® Knee from Zimmer Biomet and Mako from Stryker, each of which has its own unique characteristics and advantages.

ROSA® Knee:

• Precision and Adaptability. With ROSA® Knee, advanced algorithms to analyze patient anatomy data, allowing surgeons to plan and perform surgeries with high precision, are used. The system is equipped with sensors that ensure precise adherence to the surgical plan in real time.
• Personalization. The technology allows the procedure to be customized to the specific anatomical features of each patient, which helps improve outcomes and reduce recovery time.

Mako by Stryker:

• Robotic Manipulator. The Mako system uses a robotic arm to assist in both partial and total knee replacements. This ensures high precision in bone resection and implant placement.
• 3D Modeling. In the Mako system, 3D scanning technologies that allow doctors to plan the surgery in detail and perform it with maximum precision are used.

Both systems help to increase the precision of knee surgery in Germany, minimize complications and speed up the patient rehabilitation process, making treatment safer and more effective.

The success rate of knee replacement surgery in Germany is largely determined by the type of endoprosthesis used. Local orthopedic centers use implants from proven manufacturers, each of which has its own unique advantages:

Zimmer Biomet:

• Products: Persona Knee, NexGen, Vanguard.
• Advantages: The use of innovative technologies to ensure high precision and durability of the implant. The Persona Knee endoprosthesis is able to adapt to the individual anatomical features of each patient.

Stryker:

• Product: Triathlon Knee System.
• Advantages: The peculiarity of the system is that it is designed to provide natural knee movement, which contributes to faster recovery and improved functionality.

DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson):

• Product: ATTUNE Knee System.
• Advantages: ATTUNE endoprostheses provide high stability of the knee joint, which helps reduce pain and speed up rehabilitation.

Smith & Nephew:

• Products: GENESIS II, LEGION, JOURNEY II BCS.
• Advantages: The manufacturer of this company’s endoprostheses focuses on maximizing the range of motion and reducing material wear, which helps to increase the service life of the implant.

Conformis:

• Product: iTotal CR.
• Advantages: Conformis endoprostheses are individually manufactured for each patient using 3D printing, which ensures a perfect match with the anatomy of the knee.

That is, the choice of high-quality endoprostheses used for knee surgery in Germany is quite extensive. Therefore, in order to make an informed decision, it is necessary to consult with an experienced orthopedist who will take into account your medical needs and individual wishes.

The service life of the implant and the need for its replacement varies greatly in each individual case. Independent data from German endoprosthetics registries show that only 5% of patients require reoperation within the first 10 years. Reasons for reoperation may include loosening, displacement, or infection of the implant. In general, knee endoprostheses installed in German clinics last 15-20 years without any problems.

The field of orthopedic surgery in Germany is constantly evolving. Comparatively recently, German clinics began to perform the procedure of endoprosthetics with retention of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This ligament plays a key role in stabilizing the knee, especially during forward and backward movements.

During the operation, the orthopedist removes the worn cartilage surface from the heads of the femur and tibia, and then installs artificial joint components, preserving the cruciate ligament. Preserving the ACL is especially important for patients who need endoprosthetics, but still want to continue an active lifestyle or play sports that require full joint function. The advantages of this type of knee surgery in Germany include a natural feeling during movement and a longer service life of the implant.

However, this operation is not suitable for everyone. The main condition for its implementation is that the cruciate ligament is not damaged, which is rare in progressive osteoarthritis. Therefore, when deciding on endoprosthetics, it is important to talk to an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Call or write to us, and we will help arrange a consultation with a qualified specialist.

In Germany, advanced technologies and innovative methods of physiotherapy are used.

Particular attention is paid to the treatment of the postoperative wound, which helps to minimize the risk of infection and speed up healing. Therapy aimed at tissue regeneration includes both drug treatment and modern therapeutic methods such as stem cell transplantation and the introduction of growth factors.

The use of robotic mobility restoration systems and inertial sensors that help accurately track the movements of not only the knee joint, but also the ankle and foot, is one of the important aspects of rehabilitation. This allows doctors to comprehensively assess the progress of rehabilitation and, if necessary, adjust the recovery program.

Thus, rehabilitation after knee endoprosthetics in Germany ensures not only rapid restoration of functions, but also a long-term improvement in the quality of life thanks to personalized programs, the use of the latest technologies and a high level of medical expertise.

To start the process of endoprosthetics in German clinics, fill out the feedback form on our website or contact us by phone. A certified coordinator from Experts Medical will carefully study your medical data and wishes, after which he will offer several treatment options in leading surgical centers in Germany, provide all the necessary information and help you make an informed choice of a clinic and specialist.

At this stage, we will also conduct a detailed analysis of the cost of knee surgery, and select the best solution depending on your financial capabilities and preferences. The Experts Medical team will think through and organize the treatment process down to the smallest detail. We will book air tickets and a hotel, organize a transfer, provide an interpreter and help with any questions that arise.

Our goal is to provide you with maximum comfort and safety during your stay in a foreign clinic so that you can focus on restoring your health. Start your path to an active and healthy life with Experts Medical!