Stem cell therapy for knees in Turkey typically costs from $3,500 to $6,100. Prices depend on the cell source, such as bone marrow or adipose tissue, and the inclusion of surgical arthroscopy. Patients save around 66% compared to the US, where the average price is $14,000. Packages generally include specialist consultations, MRI or X-ray imaging, VIP transfers, and sometimes hospital stays.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing a package that combines biological therapy with physical rehabilitation offers the best value. For instance, OrtoCare Clinic provides a specialized package for approximately $17,500. This includes knee arthroscopy, stem cell therapy, and manual therapies. Such integrated protocols often lead to better functional outcomes. Meanwhile, JCI-accredited centers like Istinye University Medical Park offer standard therapy for about $5,500. This includes full-board meals and all medical tests.
| Turkey | Austria | Spain | |
| Stem cell therapy for knees | from $3,500 | from $12,000 | from $6,500 |
Dr. Murat Kezer has 18 years of experience of orthopedic experience with 900+ procedures performed, specializing in joint reconstruction and arthroplasty. Stem cell therapy may cost around $3,250 – typically covering consultation, blood tests, monitoring, and transfers. He holds advanced training in MAKO robotic systems and leads the clinic's orthopedic team. The facility features NAVIO 7 and Mazor X Stealth robotic platforms.
Dr. Erman Çekiç, who has performed over 10,000 joint operations, combines minimally invasive arthroscopy with a session of regenerative stem cell therapy. This comprehensive 10-day protocol at the specialized OrtoCare Clinic is priced at about $17,500, covering the surgery, consultations including a nutritionist, and 4–5 sessions of post-op manual therapy. His published research on fracture healing underscores his academic credentials. The package also includes 2–3 nights of hospital stay and 7 nights in a hotel with airport transfers.
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Pre-Operation
Day 3 - Stem Cell Therapy Procedure
Day 4 - Post Operation
Day 5 - Departure
Week 1-2 - Rehabilitation
Week 3-4
Week 5-6
Please note that each person"s recovery process is individual and these are general timelines.
Dr. Mehmet Taner Ozdemir is an experienced orthopedic specialist with 7 years in the field. He focuses on oncology, orthopedic trauma, arthroscopic surgery, and bone and soft tissue tumors. He completed his medical and specialist training at GATA Faculty of Medicine in Ankara. He also received advanced training at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, USA.
Dr. Ozdemir is a member of the Turkish Orthopedics and Traumatology Association and the European Musculoskeletal Tumor Society. He has written five national and thirteen international publications. He is dedicated to improving orthopedic science. His skills include joint replacements, arthroscopies, and tumor surgeries.
Dr. Turan trained in orthopedic surgery at Northwestern University Medical School and Uludağ University, with a focus on joint reconstruction.
Dr. Gemalmaz specializes in patient-specific orthopedics, using 3D printed guides and implants for knee treatments – a novel approach even globally.
Prof. Demiralp trained at Mayo Clinic's Orthopedic Research Lab – bringing advanced techniques to knee stem cell therapy at Medical Park Antalya.
Written by Mariia Mytrofankina
Written by Mariia Mytrofankina
Written by Mariia Mytrofankina
Stem cell treatment for knees uses regenerative medicine to repair and regenerate damaged knee tissue.
Turkish orthopedic doctors performing knee stem-cell therapy hold a Doctor of Medicine degree and complete a five-year residency in Orthopedics and Traumatology. Many maintain TOTEK board certification and have international fellowship training. Leading specialists operate in JCI-accredited hospitals with Ministry of Health authorized cellular transplant units.
Bookimed Expert Insight: A defining pattern among top Turkish specialists is the integration of academic research with clinical practice. For example, Dr. Ozan Beytemur and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Metin Aytekin have published 40+ peer-reviewed articles on bone healing and molecular medicine. This research background is vital because it ensures the doctor understands the biological mechanisms of regenerative therapy, rather than just performing the injection. Dr. Metin Aytekin even founded one of the country's largest stem cell centers, GENKÖK.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that it is better to choose a surgeon who is a fully trained orthopedic specialist rather than a doctor who only does stem cells. They note that having the procedure in a major hospital provides more confidence in the quality-control of the cell processing. Many also suggest asking about the specific source of the cells before the treatment starts.
Turkish doctors must hold Ministry of Health permits and international health tourism certificates to treat patients legally. Compliant specialists like Dr. Selman Dogan at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental operate within JCI-accredited facilities. These hospitals follow strict government protocols for processing cellular products in sterile environments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Regulatory compliance is often visible through a doctor's academic and hospital affiliations. For instance, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erkam Komurcu holds TOTEK board certification while working at Estophia Hospital. This dual layer of individual certification and hospital accreditation provides the highest level of legal security for patients seeking regenerative therapies.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that reliable doctors provide detailed written explanations of the cell source and type used. They appreciate providers who conduct thorough pre-operative imaging rather than offering quick miracle cures. Many felt more secure choosing hospital-based programs over standalone centers for better orthopedic oversight.
Turkish orthopedic specialists determine suitability by assessing joint damage severity, medical history, and mobility. Doctors like Dr. Selman Dogan and Dr. Erman Cekic focus on patients with mild-to-moderate cartilage loss. They prioritize cases where regenerative potential remains high to reach better results.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data suggests Turkish specialists often combine therapies for better tissue repair. For example, Dr. Selman Dogan at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental frequently integrates PRP with stem cells. Dr. Metin Aytekin, who founded one of Turkey's largest stem cell centers, uses molecular research to refine these biological applications.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that doctors look closely at cartilage thickness and anatomical alignment before approving therapy. Many emphasize the importance of having realistic expectations about pain relief rather than full regrowth. They suggest asking for specific candidacy cut-offs like Kellgren-Lawrence scores to avoid vague approvals.
Turkish doctors frequently combine stem-cell injections with surgical and biological treatments to enhance joint regeneration. These integrated protocols often include arthroscopy or PRP therapy to improve cartilage healing. Surgeons at JCI-accredited clinics use these combinations to treat complex ligament and meniscus injuries effectively.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a strong trend toward combining regenerative therapies with sports traumatology expertise. For instance, Dr. Selman Dogan at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental applies his orthopedic oncology training to manage complex knee cases. This specialized background allows for more precise biological integration in patients with severe cartilage loss.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that clinics often package injections as part of a multi-step plan involving imaging and meniscus work. Many were surprised to find that stem cell therapy is rarely a standalone shot. They emphasize the importance of getting a written plan to understand how each procedure helps.
Healthcare is the key development sector of the Turkish government. The Turkish authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 77 billion liras for healthcare annually.
As a result, 28,000 medical facilities provide excellent medical care in the country. About 50 centers have certificate of JCI (Joint Commission International), the international improver of healthcare quality and safety across the globe. The index of certificates obtained is the largest. To compare, Israel has 20 JCI-accredited facilities, and Germany — only 10 clinics of this type.
| Currency | lira (you also can pay for services in dollars and euros) |
| Best period for the trip | May-October |
| Language | Turkish (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
| Visa | is not required for a trip of at least 30 days per visit |
| Time difference with Europe | 3 hours |
| Time difference with the USA | 8 hours |
| Capital | Ankara |
| Medical tourism center | Istanbul |
| Popular resorts | Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Marmaris |
In Turkey, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. The level of Turkish hotels is comparable to hotels in Tunisia, Morocco or Egypt. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
The main advantage of Turkish resorts is the long beach season. On the Mediterranean coast, it starts in April and lasts until November. In the resorts of the Aegean Sea — from May to October. The most comfortable time for swimming is from mid-June to the end of October. A large influx of tourists is in July-August, when the air temperature is +38°C, and the water warms up to +27°C.
In 2020, the Republic of Turkey has visa-free agreements with 89 states. Some foreigners are exempted from obtaining entry visas, others are required to receive an electronic visa (e-Visa), and still others must apply for a visa at Turkish missions abroad.
What states need a visa for treatment in Turkey and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.
Visas for travel to Turkey require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes: