Knee replacement surgery in Paris for international patients
You live in France without French national health insurance (Sécurité sociale), or you live abroad and would like to have a total knee replacement in Paris? The orthopaedic surgeons of ICSA Paris Nord will guide you, with a personalised quote provided before any decision.
- Orthopaedic surgeons specialised in the knee and joint replacement surgery
- Standard implant or custom-made knee replacement, designed for your knee from a CT scan
- Three clinics in the north of Paris: Saint-Ouen, Paris 19th, Les Lilas
- We communicate in English and French, with a detailed quote and invoices for your insurer
By email at icsaparisnord@gmail.com or by phone on +33 1 49 45 84 55.
Total knee replacement
Indicative range for the operation, surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees and clinic costs included. The exact amount depends on your case and the type of implant: it is stated in your personalised quote.
How it works, step by step
First send us your file: the surgeon reviews it and sends you an initial opinion and an estimated quote. The decision to operate is then confirmed at a consultation in Paris.
Consultation and work-up
Knee examination and final quote. Pre-operative work-up: anaesthetic consultation, cardiology consultation, blood tests and, for a custom-made implant, a CT scan of the leg.
The operation
A 2 to 3-day stay in the clinic. You get up with the physiotherapist on the day of surgery or the next day, with full weight-bearing allowed.
After the clinic
Patients covered in France are usually discharged to a rehabilitation centre. Without French health insurance, rehabilitation is usually organised locally instead: see below.
Staple removal on day 18
Staples or stitches are removed around day 18 by a nurse, where you are staying or at the rehabilitation centre.
Check-up at 3 or 6 weeks
Consultation with your surgeon at 3 or 6 weeks depending on the surgeon, in person in Paris or by video consultation, with X-rays. The 3 goals to reach from 3 weeks:
Designed with the Symbios laboratory from a CT scan of your knee, it reproduces your anatomy. Allow about two months between the scan and the operation for manufacturing: plan your stay accordingly.
Learn more (in French): the operation, rehabilitation and the knee replacement.
A stage to plan before you come
Patients covered by French health insurance usually go from the clinic to a rehabilitation centre. For international patients, this is generally not possible, or very expensive: the centre must be paid in full and places are limited. Your recovery therefore needs to be planned from the first consultation.
The most common option: staying in Paris
Accommodation near the clinic (hotel, furnished flat), ideally with a relative or friend for the first days. A physiotherapist sees you at home or in their practice several times a week, and a nurse takes care of dressings and staple removal. These services are paid directly to the professionals.
A rehabilitation centre, at your own cost
Possible depending on availability, on the centre’s own quote. The cost can reach several thousand euros for a stay of a few weeks: ask for the quote before scheduling the operation.
Returning home
The date of your return is decided with your surgeon, depending on wound healing, walking and the journey. Staples can be removed by a nurse near your home and the check-up can take place by video consultation. You leave with an operative report and written instructions for your physiotherapist.
What the quote includes
Without French Sécurité sociale, costs are not reimbursed in France: you pay for the full treatment. That is why you receive a detailed quote before the operation.
Included in the quote
- Surgeon’s fees
- Anaesthetist’s fees
- Clinic costs: operating theatre, implant, 2 to 3-day stay
Usually not included
- A rehabilitation centre stay, if you choose one, billed directly by the centre: it can amount to several thousand euros for a stay of a few weeks.
- The pre-operative work-up: consultations (cardiology, anaesthesia), blood tests, CT scan
- Physiotherapy after discharge and nursing care (staple removal)
- Medication, including anticoagulant treatment, crutches and small equipment
- Travel, accommodation and a private room
Payment is made by bank card no later than 48 hours before the operation. Without payment within this time, the operation is cancelled. You then receive detailed invoices for your insurer.
Before you come, send the quote to your insurer and ask in writing what will be covered. Some international insurers can pay the clinic directly after prior approval.
Depending on your country and your cover
You live in France
If you have been living in France on a stable and regular basis for more than 3 months, you may be entitled to French health insurance (protection universelle maladie): ask your local CPAM. In the meantime, or if you have private or expatriate insurance, we provide a quote.
You are insured in the European Union
For planned surgery, ask your health insurer for an S2 form (prior authorisation). Without it, you may not be reimbursed: check with your insurer before booking. The European Health Insurance Card does not cover planned treatment.
You come from outside the EU
For a medical visa, the French consulate usually asks for a certificate from the clinic, the quote and proof that you can pay the costs. We provide the necessary medical documents once the operation is scheduled. Make sure your visa covers your whole stay, including rehabilitation.
Your questions
Can I get an opinion without coming to Paris?
An initial opinion based on your file is possible from recent weight-bearing X-rays of the knee (front and side views). The decision to operate is made after examining your knee at a consultation.
How long do I need to stay in France?
It depends on how you organise your stay. Allow at least 2 to 3 days in the clinic, then the first days of rehabilitation locally. The check-up (at 3 or 6 weeks depending on your surgeon) can take place by video consultation, so you do not have to stay in France until then. Your return date is decided with your surgeon. For a custom-made implant, a first trip is needed about two months earlier for the consultation and the CT scan.
When can I take a long-haul flight?
The date of your flight is decided with your surgeon. A flight of more than 4 hours increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis: your surgeon adapts your anticoagulant treatment and gives you advice for the flight (walking in the aisle, compression stockings, assistance for passengers with reduced mobility). See flying after a knee replacement (in French).
Can I continue rehabilitation in my home country?
Yes. You leave with an operative report and written instructions for your physiotherapist. The check-up and later follow-up can take place by video consultation, with X-rays taken near your home.
What language will we communicate in?
English or French.
Will my knee replacement set off airport metal detectors?
It often does. Tell the security officer about it before going through the scanner; an additional check may be carried out. You can be given an implant card.
Further reading (in French): costs and reimbursement, preparing your return home, crutches, thrombosis and anticoagulants, how long a knee replacement lasts and our team.