Hip/knee joint replacement

@Bee Eater

Private ops can be very expensive, it usually pays to go via the public health system, if you qualify. I suggest you don't get put off by a long potential wait, but discuss with your GP and get an x-ray and specialist consultation so that they can judge how bad your case is, and what the realistic wait time for you would be. In general, wait times are not just related to how many people want a new knee, but how bad your knee deterioration is and how much pain / reduced mobility you have.

If you're looking to go private, then you ask Dr. Google, and you'll quickly find potential clinics/hospitals all over Europe (and the world)... not just Spain. The issue is judging which one you trust with your precious knee. I think many Europeans wanting a fast private op are attracted by Turkey, as Istanbul has a large medical tourism sector with probably the lowest prices. Also, you'll find many places are not general hospitals, but specialists in particular ops (e.g. eye laser, boob jobs, hip/knee replacement, hernia, etc.). In theory, these "focused factories" are more experienced/reliable.

I went private for my new hip in Belgium, but that's a pricey location (but top surgeon and very nice hospital). In my searches I found Nordorthopaedics (LIthuania) which seems to be low-cost option very popular with Brits who are frustrated by the NHS wait. They made my shortlist, but they didn't offer the particular op I decided to go for (hip resurfacing rather than a total hip replacement).

In the first instance, I reckon the best bet is to grab yourself a scan privately (most likely x-ray). They should give you an email/electronic version together with a diagnosis/report. Many of these medical tourism specialists will accept this and get one of their surgeons to review, give a recommendation, and advise you of the cost. Often it's free, and it's typically not very expensive even if you combine it with a Zoom consultation.

Additionally, the problem for us armchair docs, is that there are often multiple treatment options, especially for hips and knees. Just because my knee hurts, it doesn't mean I need a new knee. It might therefore be useful to get a private consultation with a very well-respected local (ish) orthopedic surgeon. A private consult (using the scan/report you already have, usually) shouldn't be expensive, and it is helpful to have the opinion/recommendation of a specialist. He should be able to advise if there are less invasive options (pain-management / anti-inflammatory medications, injections, etc.) if your knee isn't as damaged as you think. And he can clarify whether you should have a partial or full knee replacement, or another type of operation entirely (e.g. some form of arthroscopic surgery if the problem is related to meniscus or ligament damage).

Hello gwynj

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and comprehensive response to my post.

In my circumstances, I think your suggestion to source a private (most likely x-ray) is a good starting point. I will explore the options Dr Google has to offer as well.

I will also pursue the public health route for which I qualify (S1): the only stumbling block being the sole GP in our very small health centre who has not been supportive. It is a shame as I have received first class health care in the past from all staff in the health centre where where I lived previously. I have huge respect for those in the public health sector generally.

Thank you again.

@Bee Eater

Sorry to hear that your GP isn't sympathetic. They are gatekeepers of the public system, as in the NHS, so if they think you're fine (or too old), you can be a bit stuck. My (very) old dad had a similar problem in the UK, but I told him to ask for painkillers and whine about how much agony he was in, and his doc eventually relented (although it took a couple of years). :-) If you do get a private scan with report/diagnosis, then a GP might also be more accommodating if, for example, it says "stage 4 osteoarthritis right knee".

gwynj Thank you again for valuable input. Have found a radiologica clinic which is well reviewed and I will make an appointment with them as a starting point.