Knee Replacement Surgery in Vietnam — $5,000–$7,000 at Vinmec

Short answer: Total knee replacement at Vinmec in Vietnam costs $5,000–$7,000, compared to $30,000 or more in the United States. Robotic-assisted surgery is available. Vinmec is JCI-accredited and maintains a clinical partnership with Cleveland Clinic. There are no waiting lists, and implants are from FDA-approved international manufacturers.

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What Types of Knee Surgery Are Performed at Vinmec?

Total knee replacement (TKR): The entire knee joint surface is replaced with metal and polyethylene components. Appropriate for patients with advanced tricompartmental arthritis or significant joint deformity.

Partial knee replacement (UKR): Only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced, preserving healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments elsewhere. Recovery is faster, the joint feels more natural, and conversion to total replacement is possible in the future.

Robotic-assisted total knee replacement: Available at Vinmec for patients who are candidates. The robotic arm assists the surgeon in precise bone cutting and implant positioning according to a pre-operative 3D plan.

Knee arthroscopy: Meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy, ACL reconstruction, cartilage procedures, and loose body removal. Most patients are weight-bearing the same day and fly home within 7–10 days.

Revision knee replacement: Replacement of a previously failed or worn prosthesis. Vinmec handles revision cases at $8,000–$14,000 versus $40,000–$80,000 in the U.S.

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How Much Does Knee Replacement Cost in Vietnam vs the U.S.?

Procedure	Vinmec / Vietnam	U.S. (uninsured)	Savings
Total knee replacement	$5,000–$7,000	$25,000–$50,000	~80%
Partial knee replacement	$4,500–$6,500	$15,000–$30,000	~75%
Robotic-assisted TKR	$7,000–$9,000	$35,000–$55,000	~80%
Knee arthroscopy (meniscus)	$1,500–$3,000	$8,000–$15,000	~78%
ACL reconstruction	$2,500–$4,000	$15,000–$25,000	~80%
Revision knee replacement	$8,000–$14,000	$40,000–$80,000	~80%

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What Is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?

Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses a computer-guided robotic arm to assist the surgeon in executing bone preparation and implant placement according to a pre-operative plan built from CT imaging. The robotic arm restricts the surgeon's bone cuts to within the planned boundaries, ensuring implant alignment accuracy within 1–2 degrees. Better alignment is associated with reduced polyethylene wear, longer implant longevity, and improved functional outcomes in active patients.

Robotic-assisted TKR costs $7,000–$9,000 at Vinmec. The same procedure at a U.S. robotic surgery center runs $35,000–$55,000.

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How Long Is the Recovery Timeline?

Day of surgery: Lower limb nerve block. Physical therapy assessment. Gentle ankle pumping exercises.

Day 1 post-op: Physical therapist assists patient to standing and first steps with a walker.

Days 2–5: Progressive weight-bearing practice, stair training, and range-of-motion exercises. Most patients achieve 90 degrees of knee flexion by day 5.

Days 5–7: Hospital discharge once pain is controlled and patient achieves safe ambulation.

Weeks 2–6: Intensive outpatient physiotherapy daily or every other day. Most patients use a cane by week 3–4.

3–6 months: Full recovery to unrestricted activity. Swelling continues to reduce over 12 months.

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How Long Do I Need to Stay in Vietnam?

A realistic minimum for total knee replacement is 3 weeks in Vietnam — 1 week inpatient at Vinmec, followed by 2 weeks of outpatient physiotherapy at a recovery resort before flying home. Some patients prefer to stay 4–5 weeks for a more intensive physiotherapy program. For arthroscopic procedures, 10–14 days is sufficient.

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What Implant Is Used for Knee Replacement at Vinmec?

Vinmec's orthopedic department uses implants from Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, Smith & Nephew, and DePuy Synthes — the four manufacturers that dominate the joint replacement market in the United States. The same brands found at HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery), Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic are on Vinmec's implant inventory. Every implant used is documented in the surgical record with brand, model, lot number, and size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is robotic-assisted knee surgery better than traditional? It improves alignment accuracy, which benefits active and younger patients. The surgeon recommends based on individual anatomy.

What is the difference between total and partial knee replacement? Total TKR replaces all compartments. Partial UKR replaces only the damaged area — faster recovery and more natural feel, but only appropriate for isolated compartment disease.

What is included in the surgery price? Pre-op assessment, surgery, implant, anesthesia, 5–7 nights inpatient, standard medications, and one follow-up. Extended PT and hotel are quoted separately.

Can I fly home with a new knee? Yes, after 10–14 days minimum. Aisle seat, blood thinners, and compression stockings are required.

Are physical therapy services available after surgery? Yes. Vinmec provides initial PT. Continued PT at recovery resorts is arranged by Meditrips.

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Get a consultation with a Vinmec orthopedic surgeon — with English-language support from day one.