Get free personalized treatment plans and choose the best option. No commitment · No payments for our services

Luigi Massimo Zagra

New
30 years of experience
Location: Italy, Milan
Clinic:
4.9
IRCCS OSPEDALE GALEAZZI - SANT'AMBROGIO
5,000+ major orthopedic operations performed – Prof. Zagra leads the Hip Surgery Department at IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi in Milan.
- Specializes in complex primary and revision hip surgeries (25% of cases)
- Uses tissue-safe methods and latest ceramic/titanium implants
- Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the European Hip Society
- Visiting professor at the University of Milan
- Author of 130+ published articles
Read more

New

Package price from$27,415.54

Raul Zini

New
47 years of experience
Location: Italy, Bologna
Clinic:Maria Cecilia Hospital
15,000+ orthopedic surgeries performed, including 1,215 hip arthroscopies in just 47 years of experience. Dr. Zini treats professional athletes at Maria Cecilia Hospital.
- Coordinator of Orthopedics and Traumatology since 2007
- Specializes in femoro-acetabular impingement and sports injuries
- Author of 100+ publications and 7 medical monographs
- Twice awarded by Italian Society of Orthopedics
Read more

New

Doctor's visit

Price on request

Roberto Danchise

New
53 years of experience
Location: Italy, Milan
Clinic:
4.9
IRCCS OSPEDALE GALEAZZI - SANT'AMBROGIO
Performed Italy's first meniscus transplant – Dr. Danchise pioneers advanced knee solutions at IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi.
- Specialized in orthopedics at University of Milan
- Trained in knee replacement techniques in London and New York
- Chair of the Italian Society for Knee Surgery
- Founder of leading Italian orthopedic journal Artroscopia e Ginocchio
Read more

New

Package price from$27,415.54

Vincenzo De Santis

New
26 years of experience
Location: Italy, Rome
Clinic:Mater Oblia Hospital
Over 5,500 surgical procedures – Dr. De Santis specializes in hip and knee prosthetic surgery at Mater Olbia Hospital.
- Director of Orthopedics and Traumatology Complex Operational Unit
- Expert in computer-assisted and robotic surgery
- PhD in Experimental methodologies in Orthopedics
- Former teacher at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Read more

New

Doctor's visit

Price on request

Bookimed Insights: Top Arthrosis Specialists in Italy (2026)

Bookimed has coordinated 11 requests for Arthrosis treatment in Italy, collaborating with 4 top-rated specialists. The doctors in this table are selected based on their international credentials, clinical expertise, and patient outcomes. The 2026 ranking is formed using verified data from actual patient cases and current programs from our partner clinics.

Rank	Doctor	experience	Good Fit For	What Sets Them Apart	Clinic & Location	Consultation
#1	Luigi Massimo Zagra	30 years of experience	Complex hip revision cases	Leads the Hip Surgery Department at IRCCS Galeazzi – specializes in complex revisions and primary cases. Chairman of the European Hip Society Scientific Committee.	IRCCS OSPEDALE GALEAZZI - SANT'AMBROGIO Italy	Price on request
#2	Raul Zini	47 years of experience	Sports-related arthrosis	Trusted by elite athletes for hip and joint issues. Award-winning researcher with 100+ publications. Heads orthopedic unit performing 1,200+ cases annually.	Maria Cecilia Hospital Italy	Price on request
#3	Roberto Danchise	53 years of experience	Complex knee reconstruction	Pioneered meniscus transplants in Italy – leads national knee surgery society. Trained globally in advanced joint techniques. SIGASCOT society co-founder.	IRCCS OSPEDALE GALEAZZI - SANT'AMBROGIO Italy	Price on request
#4	Vincenzo De Santis	26 years of experience	Hip and knee prosthetic surgery	Specializes in computer-assisted and robotic joint replacements – rare expertise. Director of Orthopedics Unit with 5,500+ procedures performed.	Mater Oblia Hospital Italy	Price on request

FAQ

These FAQs come from real patients seeking medical assistance through Bookimed. Answers are given by experienced medical coordinators and trusted clinic representatives.

What are the most effective arthrosis treatments currently offered in Italy?

Effective arthrosis treatments in Italy range from regenerative stem cell therapies to robotic-assisted replacements. Specialized centers in Milan and Rome utilize MAKOplasty and Zimmer Biomet implants for joints. Board-certified surgeons focus on minimally invasive techniques. These procedures aim to restore mobility while shortening recovery times.

Robotic orthopedics: MAKOplasty ensures precision in total hip and knee replacements.
Regenerative medicine: Mesenchymal stem cell therapy targets joint tissue repair in Milan.
Advanced implants: Zimmer Biomet technology is used for specialized primary and revision surgeries.
Minimally invasive: Knee arthroscopy addresses meniscus repair and joint debridement effectively.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi Sant-Ambrogio handles 75% of Italy's revision surgeries. This high volume makes it a primary choice for complex cases where previous surgeries failed. Patients should Note that package prices for joint replacement are approximately $23,400. This includes specialized Zimmer Biomet implants and extended six-night hospital stays for monitoring.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that private consultations avoid the long waits found in the public system. Many emphasize that combining physiotherapy with injections provides the most consistent long-term relief.

Which hospitals in Italy are internationally recognised for arthrosis and joint surgery?

Italy hosts prestigious orthopedic centers recognized for joint surgery excellence. IRCCS Galeazzi-Sant Ambrogio in Milan leads by performing 75% of national revision surgeries. These facilities hold Joint Commission International and Newsweek rankings, specializing in robotic knee replacements and advanced stem cell therapies for arthrosis.

Surgical leadership: Galeazzi-Sant Ambrogio manages over 13,000 annual joint replacements.
Robotic innovation: San Carlo di Nancy in Rome specializes in robotic NAVIO knee systems.
Regenerative focus: San Raffaele Hospital pioneered stem cell therapy for severe osteoarthritis cases.
Elite sports care: Maria Cecilia Hospital provides high-volume arthroscopic repairs for professional athletes.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows Milan centers like Galeazzi-Sant Ambrogio offer significant clinical depth for complex cases. Dr. Roberto Danchise performed Italy's first meniscus transplant there. Dr. Luigi Zagra manages 5,000+ operations, with 25% being high-difficulty revisions. Choosing these specific high-volume specialists ensures experience with the latest Zimmer Biomet implant protocols.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that individual surgeon track records in Milan and Rome matter most. They often prefer private centers for clearer pricing and better English-language coordination compared to public hospitals.

Who are the leading Italian surgeons for arthrosis and joint replacement procedures?

Leading Italian orthopedic surgeons include Dr. Sergio Romagnoli and Prof. Luigi Massimo Zagra. They specialize in complex primary and revision joint replacements at JCI-accredited facilities. These experts use robotic-assisted systems and Zimmer Biomet implants. Most patients achieve mobility within 3 months.

Dr. Sergio Romagnoli: Director at IRCCS Galeazzi. He has performed over 20,000 joint reconstructions.
Prof. Luigi Massimo Zagra: Specializes in complex hip revisions. He chairs the European Hip Society.
Dr. Roberto Danchise: Chair of the Italian Society for Knee Surgery. He pioneered meniscus transplants.
Dr. Raul Zini: Head of Orthopedics at Maria Cecilia Hospital. He has performed 15,000 operations.

Bookimed Expert Insight: IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio is a critical hub for complex cases. It performs 75% of all revision orthopedic surgeries in Italy. While many clinics offer primary replacements, Galeazzi is the specialized choice for correcting previous surgeries. Choosing high-volume centers helps ensure access to surgeons like Dr. Roberto Danchise, who has performed 2,100+ knee replacements.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the value of conservative approaches like physiotherapy or PRP before surgery. Those undergoing minimally invasive procedures often report returning to full mobility in just 3 months.

What safety standards and success rates apply to joint replacement in Italy?

Italy maintains rigorous joint replacement standards governed by the EU Medical Device Regulation and the Italian Arthroplasty Registry. Top centers report success rates between 90% and 95%. Facilities like IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio perform over 5,000 orthopedic operations annually with high survival rates.

Success rates: Total hip and knee replacements demonstrate 90–95% success within the first year.
Survival rates: Knee replacements show a 94.8% survival rate at 15 years for older adults.
Safety protocols: Law 24/2017 mandates hospital risk management to minimize surgical errors and infections.
Regulatory oversight: The National Arthroplasty Registry monitors long-term performance and safety of limb implants.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian excellence often lies in complexity. IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio performs 75% of Italy's revision surgeries. This indicates their surgical teams manage the most difficult cases successfully. While standard packages cost around $23,400, they include Zimmer Biomet implants and specialized surgeons like Dr. Roberto Danchise, who performed Italy's first meniscus transplant. This volume suggests high technical proficiency.

Patient Consensus: Patients note the peace of mind provided by JCI-accredited facilities. Many emphasize that having a multidisciplinary team available for recovery is just as important as the robotic-assisted precision used during the surgery itself.

How long is the typical stay and rehabilitation timeline after joint surgery in Italy?

Joint surgery in Italy typically requires a 3 to 6-day hospital stay. Rehabilitation starts within 24 hours of the procedure. Patients generally achieve full weight-bearing by week 3. Functional recovery for daily activities like driving usually takes 6 months. Full strength restoration takes one year.

Hospitalization period: Most specialized Italian centers require 6 days for post-operative monitoring.
Initial mobilization: Physiotherapy and gentle movement exercises begin within the first 24 hours.
Early recovery: Patients often transition to unassisted walking between 3 and 8 weeks.
Functional milestone: Returning to light work or driving typically occurs by week 6.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian orthopedic leaders like IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzo - Sant’Ambrogio prioritize extended in-hospital recovery. While some global protocols favor 48-hour discharge, major Italian centers utilize 6-day stays. This ensures patients receive professional monitoring during the most critical early mobilization phase. This traditional approach supports a 95% success rate in complex joint revisions. It is ideal for patients seeking a supervised transition before traveling home.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that early mobilization is prioritized and usually starts the first day. Many emphasize booking physiotherapy early to avoid gaps in care after discharge.

Am I a candidate for regenerative cell therapy rather than joint replacement?

Regenerative cell therapy is ideal for Grade 2 or 3 osteoarthritis patients seeking to delay major surgery. Joint replacement is generally reserved for Grade 4 cases involving bone-on-bone contact. Candidates typically have failed conservative treatments like physical therapy or corticosteroid injections first.

Joint stage: Best for mild-to-moderate cartilage loss (Grade 2–3) vs. Grade 4.
Treatment goals: Younger, active patients use cell therapy to preserve natural joint anatomy.
Clinical history: Indicated for those with persistent pain after using anti-inflammatory drugs.
Surgical readiness: Total replacement is necessary if joint instability prevents basic daily activities.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian centers like IRCCS San Raffaele lead in applying specialized cell research to clinical practice. While many general hospitals offer standard replacements, these research-accredited institutions often provide advanced stem cell protocols developed through internal study. This research focus means patients may access therapies specifically designed for immune-related or genetic cartilage degeneration not available elsewhere.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that choosing specialized centers in Milan provides access to surgeons who manage both regenerative and replacement options. They emphasize that professional orthopedic consultations are essential to distinguish between chronic discomfort and end-stage joint failure.

Is thermal spa therapy part of the arthrosis treatment pathway in Italy?

Thermal spa therapy is a core component of the Italian national treatment pathway for arthrosis and osteoarthritis. The National Health Service funds one annual cycle of thermal treatments for citizens. International patients can access these specialized protocols at accredited medical-thermal facilities across Italy.

Core services: Treatments center on mud-bath therapy (fango-balneoterapia) and therapeutic thermal baths.
Treatment cycle: Standard protocols typically include 12 sessions completed within a 60-day window.
Medical supervision: Pathways often integrate hydrokinesiotherapy exercises supervised by professional physiotherapists.
Clinical backing: The Italian Society of Orthopaedics recommends balneotherapy to reduce stiffness and pain.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While Italy is famous for thermal spas, patients with advanced arthrosis should look toward specialized surgical centers in Milan. IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio performs 75% of Italy's revision orthopedic surgeries. High-volume specialists like Dr. Roberto Danchise have performed over 16,000 arthroscopic procedures. These centers often use thermal therapy as a pre-surgical preparation or post-operative rehabilitation tool.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that combining thermal water exercises with their medical plan significantly improves mobility. Many appreciate that these centers offer a relaxing environment that feels less clinical during recovery.

Best Arthrosis doctors in Italy: TOP 4 doctors

Get quotes from 3 top specialists in Italy