1. Gather the records that explain your knee problem
A useful first summary explains which knee is affected, your diagnosis if known, how the problem limits daily life and what treatment you have already tried. You do not need a perfectly assembled file to make an initial enquiry.
- Your diagnosis or recent specialist letter
- Recent knee X-rays and the written report; existing MRI or CT images and reports, if available
- Treatment history, including injections, physiotherapy and any previous knee operations
- Current medicines and doses, allergies, major health conditions and previous anaesthetic problems
- Your main question: suitability, hospital choice, expected costs or another opinion
AAOS recommends taking relevant records, imaging, medicine lists and medical history to an orthopaedic appointment. The receiving hospital decides whether your existing tests are sufficient or whether further assessment is needed. [1]
2. Confirm the clinical route before making travel plans
Ask who will assess the records, whether an in-person appointment is needed and what remains undecided. A remote opinion can help with planning, but it does not guarantee that a hospital will accept you for surgery.
- Why is knee replacement being considered, and are there other options?
- What type of operation and implant are proposed for my case?
- Which pre-operative assessments are required?
- How will rehabilitation and follow-up be arranged?
Discuss anaesthesia, the expected hospital stay and recovery with the clinical team. Medical and surgical suitability must be decided by treating clinicians, not by this article or a coordination service. [2]
3. Ask what the hospital estimate includes
A published price range is a planning reference, not your personal quote. Ask the hospital to estimate your case and clarify what could change the total.
- One knee or two; primary surgery or revision surgery
- Surgeon, anaesthesia and implant charges
- Pre-operative tests, ward or room type and anticipated stay
- In-hospital rehabilitation and care after discharge
- Extra treatment, complications or a longer stay
Hospital bills, travel expenses and our coordination fees are separate. Do not assume that flights, accommodation, interpreting or rehabilitation outside the hospital are included. Request a written scope and cancellation terms before paying.
4. Plan for recovery—not just the operation
Leaving hospital is not the same as being ready to fly home. Plan the time in China around the clinical team's advice, early rehabilitation, follow-up and your ability to manage daily activities.
Before booking
Confirm the hospital, appointment route, language support and what happens if the plan changes after assessment.
After discharge
Ask about accessible accommodation, transport, walking aids, physiotherapy and whether someone should stay with you.
Before flying home
Ask the surgeon about travel timing and clot risk; check the airline's medical clearance and assistance requirements. There is no universal safe departure date.
Back at home
Arrange the recommended rehabilitation and follow-up. Request discharge information, medication instructions and a contact for clinical questions.
NHS guidance notes that knee replacement recovery can take months and describes the role of physiotherapy and walking aids. Your own rehabilitation and travel instructions must come from the treating team. [3]
Follow the hospital's preparation instructions. Do not independently stop medicines or create a pre-operative exercise plan based on an online article. [2]
5. Start with the question you most need answered
Tell us what you have been advised, which records you have and what you want to understand before travelling. A preferred city, approximate timing and whether you will travel with a companion can also help us discuss a practical route.
ChinaSpecialistCare helps organise records and communicate with hospitals. We do not decide whether you need surgery, promise a result or guarantee an appointment. An initial enquiry does not create a booking or payment obligation.
Sources & scope of this guide
The sources below support the medical preparation and recovery information. Our travel and coordination checklist is planning guidance, not a hospital protocol or clinical opinion.
- AAOS: Preparing for Your Visit With an Orthopaedic SurgeonRelevant records, imaging, medicine lists and medical history.
- AAOS: Preparing for Joint Replacement SurgeryQuestions for the surgical team and preparation for recovery.
- NHS: Recovering from a knee replacementGeneral recovery, physiotherapy and walking aids—not China-specific timelines.
Sources checked 6 October 2026. This article has not been individually reviewed by a doctor. It does not assess your surgical suitability or fitness to fly. Follow your treating team's instructions.