Knee Replacement
Knee Replacement
Knee Replacement
Fast access to consultant-led knee replacement surgery in Spain under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive
Knee replacement surgery can help relieve long-standing knee pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life. Through the Cross Border Directive, Medinet Ireland supports Republic and Northern Irish patients in accessing knee replacement surgery in trusted partner hospitals in Spain, with shorter waiting times and full guidance throughout the process.
Our team supports you from initial eligibility screening through to surgery and discharge, ensuring a smooth and structured treatment journey with consultant-led care.
Why Choose Medinet Ireland?
- 20 years of clinical excellence
Medinet Ireland has over 20 years of experience supporting patients to access high-quality surgical treatment through trusted partner hospitals. - Faster access to surgery with Cross Border Directive support
We help patients access faster surgical treatment abroad while guiding them through the Cross Border Directive process. Reimbursement decisions are made by the HSE, and our team supports patients with the required documentation. - Clinically audited partner hospitals
Medinet Ireland works with trusted partner hospitals in Spain that are clinically audited by consultant leads and clinical governance teams. This ensures high standards of patient care, safety, and clinical quality throughout your treatment journey. - Over 2 million patients treated safely
Medinet Group has supported more than 2 million patients across a wide range of procedures, delivering a structured and patient-focused treatment pathway. - Expert consultant-led care
Knee replacement surgery is performed by experienced orthopaedic specialists, ensuring consultant-led care and a personalised treatment plan. - Access to 28 clinical specialties
Medinet Ireland offers treatment across 28 clinical specialties, providing patients with access to comprehensive care and coordinated support if additional treatment is required.
Your questions answered
You will find answers to common questions regarding our hip surgery below.
Knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing it with an artificial implant designed to reduce pain and restore movement. The procedure is typically recommended when conservative treatments such as medication, injections, or physiotherapy have not provided sufficient relief.
Knee replacement surgery may involve a full knee replacement or, in some cases, a partial knee replacement, depending on the extent of joint damage. Your consultant will advise which option is most appropriate.
Knee replacement surgery aims to:
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Reduce chronic knee pain
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Improve mobility and flexibility
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Reduce stiffness and swelling
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Restore independence in daily activities
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Improve overall quality of life
The surgery is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia and typically involves a short hospital stay followed by a structured physiotherapy plan before returning home.
Knee replacement surgery may be suitable for patients experiencing:
- Severe knee arthritis
- Pain limiting walking, climbing stairs, or work
- Swelling, stiffness, or knee deformity
- Reduced mobility affecting everyday activities
- Failed conservative treatments such as physiotherapy or injections
Conditions treated typically include:
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Osteoarthritis
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Rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis
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Post-traumatic arthritis
Some patients may require surgery on both knees. Your consultant will advise on the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Suitability is confirmed following review of your referral, imaging, and medical history.
Your knee replacement package through Medinet Ireland typically includes:
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Imaging review (MRI or X-ray)
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Full knee replacement surgery in Spain
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Hospital stay
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Medication during admission
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Physiotherapy programme
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Discharge assessment
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Follow-up review
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Cross Border Directive administrative support
Additional costs such as travel, accommodation, or extended physiotherapy may apply depending on your individual case.
Patients can proceed either through the Cross Border Directive reimbursement route or choose to self-fund treatment if preferred.
Once your eligibility for knee replacement surgery is confirmed, Medinet Ireland will guide you through the preparation process to ensure everything is in place for a safe and smooth procedure in Spain.
Before surgery, you will complete a pre-operative assessment, including a review of your medical history and required blood tests. Imaging such as an MRI or X-ray may also be requested, which can be arranged through your GP or provided by you in advance.
Patients are advised to reduce alcohol intake and stop smoking where possible to support recovery. Pre-operative physiotherapy may also be recommended to help strengthen the knee prior to surgery.
You should also discuss any medications with your clinical team, particularly blood thinners or other long-term treatments, to ensure appropriate management before surgery.
Your Medinet Ireland coordinator will provide personalised instructions and guide you through travel, admission, and recovery planning.
Some patients choose to proceed privately without claiming through the Cross Border Directive. Medinet Ireland can support both options, allowing you to access treatment without waiting for reimbursement decisions.
Step 1
Contact Medinet Ireland
Submit your enquiry here and complete an initial eligibility screening with our team.
Step 2
Provide Referral
Provide a GP referral or public listed consultant letter outlining your condition and treatment recommendation.
Step 3
Cost Estimate & Cross Border Directive Paperwork
You will receive a cost estimate and support completing Cross Border Directive documentation.
Step 4
Preoperative Assessment
Your case is reviewed remotely, or you may undergo assessment in Spain if required.
Step 5
Travel to Partner Hospital in Spain
You travel to the hospital for admission. Your coordinator will provide guidance beforehand. You will be met at the hospital by an English-speaking patient liaison.
Step 6
Surgery Performed
Knee replacement surgery is performed by the orthopaedic team. Hospital stay typically follows.
Step 7
Discharge with Physiotherapy Plan
You are discharged with mobility guidance, medication, and a physiotherapy recovery plan.
Step 8
Follow-Up
Follow-up is provided virtually, depending on your needs, with admin support for HSE reimbursement provided.
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What is the EU Cross Border Directive?
The Cross-Border Healthcare Directive is an EU law that allows EU citizens the right to receive medical treatment in any other EU country, accompanied by a friend or family member, and be reimbursed for care abroad by their home healthcare system.
This means that if you are facing long waiting lists for your knee or hip operation, you can choose to have your procedure in another EU member state, like Spain. The treatment will be paid for upfront, and Medinet Ireland will guide you through the reimbursement process to claim back the cost of the procedure. Reimbursement is subject to HSE eligibility and approval.
Why Spain?
Medinet Ireland partners with trusted hospitals in Spain to provide patients with faster access to high-quality surgical care. Spain has one of the top-ranked healthcare systems in Europe, with well-regulated hospitals and experienced consultant-led clinical teams.
Patients benefit from advanced surgical techniques and modern facilities, delivered by leading orthopaedic consultants and multidisciplinary clinical teams. English is widely spoken across partner hospitals, ensuring clear communication and a comfortable experience throughout your treatment journey.
All partner hospitals are clinically audited by Medinet Ireland’s consultant leads and clinical governance teams, helping to ensure high standards of patient care, safety, and clinical quality.
We’re ready to help you or your hospital team access timely hip replacement surgery in Spain.
Republic of Ireland: 015134299
Northern Ireland: 07539133922
Email us at: contact@iemedinet.com
You can fill out the form below or click the link to download a PDF version
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Who is eligible from ROI?
You can apply if you:
- Are ordinarily resident in Ireland
- Are entitled to public healthcare
- Have a GP or consultant referral
- Require a treatment that is publicly available in Ireland (e.g., hip or knee replacement)
- Have a G-HIC/E-HIC and an in date valid passport.
Who is eligible from NI?
You can apply if you:
- Are an ordinary resident of NI and entitled to the full range of HSC services.
- Have been diagnosed by an HSC Trust consultant.
- Have been on the HSCNI surgery waiting list for ≥1years.
- Your surgery is one commissioned by DoH for their diagnosis and would have received within HSC under the same clinical circumstances.
- Will pay for the surgery themselves THEN reclaim costs from DoH.
- Have NOT sought any other source of reimbursement.
Republic of Ireland
01 5134299
Northern Ireland
07539 133922
