Knee replacement surgery is often branded as an “elective” surgery. The term means you can choose to have it or not to have it – it’s not life-threatening. However, for the tens of thousands of people waiting for surgery, the ongoing pain, discomfort, and poor quality of life are severe roadblocks to good health.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, waiting times in Irish hospitals soared. Patients concerned about contracting the virus avoided going to the hospital, while elective operations were postponed by several months, if not indefinitely.
The result? In 2021, Irish hospitals had the third worst waiting times for operations out of 17 OECD countries – far worse than previously thought. But how have things changed in the past few years? What is the current knee surgery price in Ireland? And should you consider knee replacement surgery abroad?
Knee Replacement Surgery Waiting Times
According to The Irish Times, in 2021, waiting times for orthopaedic surgery were among the worst in any developed nation. Previously, measurements hadn’t fully captured the time spent on waiting lists. However, under the new analysis, staggeringly high waiting times were found.
On average, Irish patients had the fourth-longest waiting time for knee replacement – 243 days compared to an OECD average of 192 days. It was no better for hip replacements. Irish citizens waited, on average, 182 days for hip surgery compared to the OECD average of 116 days.
While the pandemic contributed to the problem, it was by no means the cause. Back in 2018, a large proportion of people for orthopaedic procedures had waited at least 12 months or more for treatment – almost a quarter of all people waiting for knee replacement.
Are Waiting Times Improving?
In the three years since those stark statistics, Irish residents might hope that waiting times have reduced. However, more than 699,000 people are still on some form of hospital waiting list as of April 2024. Of course, that includes all forms of medical treatment.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) currently lists more than 66,000 people waiting for outpatient treatment for orthopaedics. A breakdown by treatment isn’t available. However, the figures do show that a considerable number of patients are still waiting for some form of orthopaedic care.
That being said, certain hospitals do appear to be getting on top of the issue, reducing waiting lists. We can expect it to be several more years until things are fully under control. Indeed, outpatient waiting lists only shrunk by 4% in 2024. Public patients still waited an average of 7 ½ months to see a consultant, followed by a further wait for the surgery. Such improvements, while important, are little comfort for patients suffering from chronic knee pain and limited mobility.
The Average Knee Surgery Price in Ireland
Increased demands always drive up costs. With public waiting lists filled up, those who can afford it turn to private healthcare. Even here, the waiting times are extensive, and the prices reflect the demand.
Because of the long waiting times, the average knee surgery price in Ireland fluctuates. However, based on estimates, you may pay somewhere between €12,000 to €16,000 just for the surgery. Such costs do not include any pre- or post-operative care, including physical therapy. Nor does the price account for any complications, such as infections or blood clots.
Over the border, in the UK, the prices aren’t much better. For example, (at the time of writing) Kingsbridge Private Hospital is charging £14,396 for knee replacement surgery. Financing options are available, but they come with an interest rate of 16% or more.
Sadly, patients are being forced to choose between knee function or excessive debt. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Is Knee Replacement Surgery Abroad a Good Idea?
Knee replacement surgery in Ireland and the UK is prohibitively expensive. Public waiting lists are extensive and force patients to live in pain and discomfort for months or years.
The solution? Knee replacement surgery abroad is an affordable, reliable, and practical way to solve your ongoing knee pain and reduced mobility. Medical tourism has long been a popular option among Irish residents. However, the post-pandemic strains on the healthcare system have further increased its popularity.
It’s not hard to see why. Take Kardiolita Hospital, for example. Located in Lithuania, the orthopaedic centre has a skilled team of surgeons with extensive experience in knee replacement surgery. The country is renowned for its exceptionally low rate of orthopaedic complications, increasing the safety of the surgery.
Patients can expect to pay a fraction of the cost of Western European hospitals – around 10% of the cost. For their money, patients receive exceptional care, a 4th generation implants, and even a rehabilitation program for an additional cost.
Little wonder that medical tourism in Eastern Europe is growing by 12-15% per year. Lithuania, in particular, was ranked in the top ten for medical tourism worldwide.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Knee Replacement Surgery Abroad
Shorter waiting times. Highly skilled medical professionals. Lower costs. Going abroad for knee replacement surgery is an attractive alternative to the long waiting times in Ireland. But what factors should you consider when choosing your destination? Let’s go through them:
- Quality of Medical Facilities and Staff: Research the facility thoroughly, looking for international accreditation and a proven track record in orthopaedic surgeries. Investigate the qualifications and experience of the surgeons, as well as patient reviews and success rates.
- Language and Cultural Differences: Ensure the medical staff speaks your language fluently or that a reliable translation service is available. Be aware of cultural differences that may affect your experience and ensure you are comfortable with the hospital’s approach to patient care.
- Travel and Recovery Arrangements: Consider the logistics of travelling for surgery, including distance, travel time, and mode of transportation. Post-surgery, you will need a comfortable environment for recovery, possibly requiring a stay in the country for a few weeks.
- Aftercare and Follow-Up: Ensure the hospital provides a comprehensive aftercare plan and that you can access follow-up care once you return home. Discuss how complications will be managed and who will be responsible for your care during the recovery phase.
Here at Kardiolita Hospital, our staff are 100% fluent in English and are highly trained to manage your condition. We can help organise your trip, from flights to accommodation. If you wish, we can even provide 10-14 days of rehabilitative care, all at a fraction of the cost in Ireland.