Knee Replacement in Lithuania
Does severe pain due to arthritis or knee injury have you down? Knee replacement in Lithuania is the balm you’re looking for. Don’t let the NHS waiting list make you give up hope.[1] Travel to Lithuania for your surgery at ~56% of the UK price! Want to know more? Keep scrolling!
Why Get Your Knee Replacement Surgery in Lithuania?
No Waiting Time
When you come to Lithuania, you can leave behind:
- The never-ending waiting list of the NHS.[2]
- The exorbitant prices of private healthcare in the UK.[3]
Instead, get knee replacement surgery in Lithuania at a ~56% lesser cost!
Long Waiting Time in the UK
Prices Within Your Budget
The prices are more economical in Lithuania because:
- Lithuania’s cost of living is 45% lower than the UK's.[4]
- Their medical sector has been reformed to make it more accessible.[5]
Click here to see the cost of knee replacement in Lithuania.
Low-Cost Knee Replacement
European Standards of Care
Our partner clinic in Lithuania is perfect for international patients as:
- ~90% of its patients are international.
- The clinic is recognized as a Center of Excellence in the Baltic region by Smith & Nephew.
Click here for more details about the best orthopedic clinic in Lithuania.
Accredited Clinic
Well-Qualified Surgeons
Nord Clinic's orthopedic surgeons have:
- 15+ years of experience.
- 150+ scientific publications.
- National & international training.
Click here to see the credentials of Lithuania's top orthopedic surgeons.
Medical Conference
A European Vacation
Experience European culture at its best while getting your surgery in Lithuania! Kaunas, the city Nord Clinic is located in, is a European Capital of Culture.[7]
Kaunas Street
Kaunas Bridge
Cost of Knee Replacement in Lithuania
The cost of knee replacement in Lithuania is only €8,440. The cost includes your surgery, knee implant, & 7 days of outpatient rehabilitation. The cost is ~56% less than the UK cost, which is €18,990.
Other reconstructive surgeries for the knee are also affordable in Lithuania.
ACL reconstruction in Lithuania costs €3,500 but €7,517 in the UK. This adds up to ~53% savings.
The table below gives a detailed comparison of the prices in Lithuania and the UK.
| Procedure | Lithuania | UK | Savings |
| Knee Replacement | €8,440 | €18,990 | ~56% |
| ACL Knee Ligament Surgery | €3,500 | €7,517 | ~53% |
| Knee Meniscus Surgery | €2,400 | €4,521 | ~47% |
| Knee Arthroscopy | €2,400 | €5,259 | ~54% |
*Prices are case-dependent
Get your knee replaced at affordable prices in Europe. Prices may vary depending on the severity of your case.
Top Orthopedic Clinic in Lithuania
Now that your worries about cost have been put to rest let's move on to hospitals. Wondering where to go for your orthopedic surgery in Lithuania? We have handpicked the best hospital in Lithuania for you.
It is well-accredited and follows European standards of care.
Keep reading to find out what it has to offer.
Nordesthetics Clinic, a part of the Nord Clinic group, is one of the leading plastic surgery clinics in the European Union Over 3,000 surgeries are performed annually, including 3,000 plastic and reconstructive procedures.
Patients from 30+ countries are treated by a dedicated team of 12+ experts. Doctors with international experience have been offering a wide range of advanced medical services for the last 10 years.
- 12+ Surgeons
- 3000+ Surgeries a Year
- 10+ Years of Experience
Accreditations
- The only "Smith & Nephew" Center of Excellence in the Baltic states.
Clinic Highlights
- 10+ years of experience.
- 3,500+ orthopedic surgeries performed.
- Global community of 4,500+ happy patients.
- 90% of the clinic’s patients come from abroad.
Facilities
- 24/7 medical care.
- Airport and hotel transfers.
- Outpatient rehabilitation services.
- Apartments for a seamless stay and recovery.
- Multilingual medical staff (can speak up to 8 languages).
Working Hours
- Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM
Top Orthopedic Surgeons in Lithuania
Our partner clinic employs the best orthopedic specialists in Lithuania, with 15+ years of experience treating international patients.
Have a look at their credentials in more detail below.
Dr. Sarunas Tarasevicius
With over 20 years of experience, he has performed over 5,000 joint replacements.
Fluent in English, he serves as the President of LOTD.
Dr. Sarunas has co-authored over 150 scientific and educational articles. He has also co-authored various international oral presentations.
Educación
- Kaunas University of Medicine
Membresías
- European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
- International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology
- Committee of European Arthroplasty Register
Patient Reviews
Now you know the clinic’s highlights and its surgeons’ credentials. Let’s also look at what other patients have said about it:
Mike Twyman, UKSurgery in Kaunas
My wife had surgery here and the care is fantastic, I really can't say enough good things about Nord!
Ryan Hanen, CanadaOrthopedic surgery in Kaunas
Everything is very clean and professional. They made me feel comfortable and confident during the whole process!
Ready to embark on a similar journey yourself? Let's begin by diving into what exactly your procedure in Lithuania will entail.
All About Knee Replacement Surgery in Lithuania
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, replaces a damaged knee joint with an artificial prosthesis.[8]
Knee Replacement Illustration
When is Knee Replacement Done?
When the knee joint is damaged, it can make movement difficult and cause pain.[9] Knee replacement surgery can help mitigate these difficulties. Various health conditions can damage the knee joint, such as:
- Knee injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Knee deformity
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Haemophilia
- Unusual bone growth
- Blood supply problems
Source: NHS[10]
Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries
There are two types of knee replacement surgeries:
- Total Knee Replacement, in which both sides of the knee joint get replaced.
- Partial Knee Replacement, in which one side of the knee joint gets replaced.
Partial Knee Replacement
Source: NHS[11]
Some damaged knees require only one component of the knee to be repaired:
ACL Reconstruction
This surgery is needed if you tear the ACL in your knee.[12]
ACL Reconstruction
Knee Meniscus Surgery
This surgery is needed if the meniscus in your knee gets torn.[13]
Knee Meniscus Surgery
Eligibility Criteria for Knee Replacement Surgery
The following factors can make you eligible for knee replacement surgery:
- Knee deformity
- Chronic knee inflammation
- Reduced mobility and severe pain
- Not improving from non-surgical treatment
Source: Ortho Info[14]
Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure
Orthopedic Evaluation
Your surgeon will examine your knee and its mobility and strength.
X-Rays and MRIs will be taken to assess the damage to bone and tissues.
Your medical history will also be gathered, and tests will be done. Blood and urine samples will also be collected.
Orthopedic Evaluation
Source: Ortho Info[15]
Surgery
You will be given anesthesia. Damaged cartilage and bone on your knee will be removed.
They will be replaced with metal implants fixed with bone cement.
A plastic spacer will be inserted between the implants for smooth joint movement.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Source: Ortho Info[16]
Rehabilitation After Knee Replacement Surgery
You will stay in the hospital for 1-3 days. You will be:
- Prescribed medications to help with postsurgical pain.
- Asked to do breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia.
- Encouraged to move your foot to prevent blood clots and swelling.
- Undergoing physiotherapy to strengthen your leg and restore knee mobility.
You will be asked to take care of your wound by
- Avoiding putting it in water.
- Regularly changing its dressing.
Sutures will be removed after 14 days.
Exercise is crucial during the first few weeks after surgery to restore mobility. Your physical therapist will recommend specific exercises for you to do. You will need walking aids initially but should soon resume walking, sitting, standing, and climbing stairs.
A balanced diet and iron supplements are recommended for healing.
Consider:
- Staying on one floor to avoid climbing stairs.
- Installing safety bars in your shower and a handrail along the stairways.
- Having someone help you with tasks such as bathing, cooking, shopping, and laundry.
Source: Ortho Info[17]
Recovery Time for Knee Replacement Surgery
Full recovery from knee replacement surgery takes about 4 months to a year.[18] But you will no longer need walking aids 6 weeks after the surgery.[19] Our partner clinic offers a quick recovery program that provides:
- Effective and swift rehabilitation.
- Remote consultation with the surgeon and physiotherapist.
Possible Complications of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement rarely results in complications, but you should know the risks:
- Blood clot
- Unexpected bleeding
- Infection of wound or joint
- Break in the bone
- Ligament or nerve damage
- Stiffness and pain in the knee
Source: NHS[20]
The good news is that knee replacement has a great prognosis. Fewer than 2 in every 100 people experience complications.[21] Additionally, most knee implants last 10-15 years. Some can even last 20 years![22]
Is Knee Replacement in Lithuania Safe?
Knee replacement surgery in Lithuania is completely safe. Here’s why:
- Knee replacement surgery has a 90% success rate.[23]
- The Lithuanian Health Strategy 2014–2025 seeks to provide European-standard healthcare.[24]
So, you can rest easy and begin planning your trip now!
Medical Tourism in Lithuania
Lithuania is one of the most scenic countries in the Baltic region of Europe. When getting your orthopedic surgery abroad, why not make a vacation out of it? Let’s look at a few things you should know about Lithuania:
Passport for Visiting Lithuania
UK citizens traveling to Lithuania need:
- A passport issued less than 10 years ago
- No Visa for a 90 days stay
Source: Gov.uk[25]
Flights to Lithuania
Lithuania is less than a 3-hour flight away from the UK.
| Origin | Duration |
| Edinburgh (EDI) | 2 hr 35 min |
| London (LTN) | 2 hr 35 min |
| Bristol (BRS) | 2 hr 45 min |
Our partner clinic provides transfers to and from the airport. So you don’t need to worry about transportation!
Best Time to Visit Lithuania
The best months to visit Lithuania are from May-August. This is when temperatures are the most pleasant for sightseeing![26]
Currency Used in Lithuania
Lithuania’s currency has been the Euro since 2015.[27]
Languages Spoken in Lithuania
The official language of the country is Lithuanian. A large number of the population also speaks English.[28]
Tourist Attractions in Kaunas, Lithuania
Here are the sights that await you in Europe’s cultural capital:
Kaunas Castle
This medieval castle is the oldest stone castle in Lithuania.[29]
Kaunas Town Hall
This is the heart of Kaunas city and hosts many events and fairs.[30]
Cathedral of St. Peter & Paul
This is the only Gothic basilica-style church in Lithuania.[31]
St. Michael the Archangel’s Church
A church built by Russian architects in the neo-byzantine style.[32]
Why Choose MTC for Your Knee Replacement in Lithuania?
We know the waiting list in the UK disheartens you. But you are probably apprehensive about going to another country for surgery too. We understand your nervousness and want to make the process smoother for you.
MTC offers you a handpicked suggestion after carefully vetting:
- The clinic’s facilities, &
- It's surgeons’ credentials.
Our partner clinic will prioritize your safety and deliver European-standard care.
FAQs
Total knee replacement in Lithuania costs €8,440. On the other hand, it costs €18,990 in the UK. This adds up to 56% savings!
Your total knee replacement surgery in Lithuania will be painless and comfortable. You will be administered general anesthesia. After the surgery, you will be prescribed medications to help with the pain.
Getting a knee replacement in Lithuania is entirely worth it. Lithuania is actively reforming its medical sector to align it with EU-approved practices.
Besides, our partner clinic:
- Has a high success rate, and 90% of its patients are international.
- Follows the highest healthcare standards set by the European Union.
- Uses high-quality, durable implants such as Smith & Nephew and Zimmer Biomet.
Moreover, knee replacement surgery has a 90% success rate, and implants can last 15-20 years!
The total recovery time for knee replacement surgery is 4 months to a year. You will be recommended to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. You will stop needing walking aids from 6 weeks onwards.
Nord Clinic also offers a quick recovery program for fast and effective rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Knee replacement in Lithuania can be your escape from chronic pain. You can have the surgery at 62% of the UK price in a European country!
The wait for you to walk with ease again is finally over. A 3-hour flight is the only thing between you and a new knee joint!
References
1. The Guardian: ‘It’s not medical tourism, it’s desperation’: rising number of Britons resort to treatment abroad
2. Independent: The real cost of private healthcare as NHS waiting lists lengthen
3. Living Cost: Lithuania vs United Kingdom – Cost of Living Comparison
4. EOHSP: Lithuania: Country Health Profile 2021
5. VASPVT: Accreditation
6. European Commission: Three new European Capitals of Culture for 2022
7. NHS: Knee Replacement
8. Ortho Info: Meniscus Tears
9. Ortho Info: Total Knee Replacement
10. Medline Plus: Knee Joint Replacement
11. Medical News Today: What are the risks of knee replacement surgery?
12. NLM: Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for hip and knee arthroplasty
13. SRL: Resolution No XII-964 Of Approval of the Lithuanian Health Strategy 2014–2025
14. Gov.uk: Foreign Travel Advice Lithuania
15. On The Go Tours: Best Time to Visit Lithuania
16. European Central Bank: Lithuania (since 1 January 2015)
17. True Lithuania: Languages in Lithuania
18. Lithuania Travel: Top 10 Places to Visit in Kaunas
19. Keturios Sostines: Kaunas Town Hall Square
20. Visit Kaunas: The Kaunas St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral
21. Visit Kaunas: St. Michael the Archangel’s Church
