USA & CAN: 
MX: 
Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty – TKA) in Mexico
Total Knee Replacement, also known as Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), is a surgical procedure designed to replace the entire knee joint with artificial components. It is most often recommended for patients suffering from severe joint damage due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis that no longer responds to non-surgical treatments.
At My Medical Vacations, we work with board-certified orthopedic surgeons in Cancun who specialize in advanced joint replacement techniques. Our team coordinates the entire process for international patients, from pre-surgical planning to guided rehabilitation.
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
Total Knee Replacement involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage from all three compartments of the knee and replacing them with a prosthesis made of metal and medical-grade plastic. The goal is to eliminate pain, restore stability, and improve range of motion.
The procedure is commonly indicated for patients with:
TKA is considered one of the most successful and life-enhancing orthopedic surgeries, with high patient satisfaction and long-term outcomes.
Who Is a Candidate for TKA?
You may be a candidate if:
Candidates should be in good general health and committed to completing the recovery and rehabilitation process.
How the Procedure Works
Surgery time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Anesthesia: General or spinal anesthesia
Hospital stay: 1 to 3 nights depending on recovery progress
Surgical Steps
- The knee is opened through an incision at the front of the joint.
- Damaged cartilage and bone are carefully removed from the femur, tibia, and patella.
- Prosthetic components are placed and secured to recreate natural joint alignment.
- The incision is closed, and a dressing or bandage is applied.
Early mobilization begins within 24 hours to promote circulation and begin functional recovery.
Recovery Timeline
| Phase | Timeframe | Recovery Goals and Milestones |
| Hospital Stay | Days 1–3 | Walking with support, pain control, basic physical therapy |
| Initial Recovery | Weeks 1–6 | Wound healing, improved range of motion, walking with minimal aid |
| Rehabilitation | Months 2–3 | Walking unassisted, climbing stairs, return to light activities |
| Functional Recovery | Months 3–6 | Improved strength and endurance, driving, return to work |
| Full Recovery | Months 6–12 | Full return to daily life; low-impact exercises encouraged |
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 8 to 12 weeks, while full recovery and joint adaptation continue over 6 to 12 months.
International patients are typically cleared to return home 10 to 14 days after surgery, once early recovery milestones are achieved.
Benefits of Total Hip Replacement
- Significant and lasting pain relief
- Enhanced mobility and improved quality of life
- Greater knee stability and joint alignment
- High success rates and implant longevity (15–20+ years)
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, over 90% of patients report significant improvement following TKA.
Risks and Considerations
TKA is a well-established procedure, but it does carry some risks:
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
- Infection at the incision or implant site
- Implant wear, loosening, or failure over time
- Joint stiffness or limited motion
- Nerve injury or persistent pain (rare)
Choosing an experienced surgical team and following post-op protocols help reduce these risks significantly.
What’s Included in a TKA Package in Mexico
My Medical Vacations provides end-to-end support for international patients, including:
-
- Specialist orthopedic evaluation and imaging review
- Total knee replacement surgery by a certified surgeon
- Hospitalization and anesthesia
- Post-operative monitoring and medications
- Initial rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- Recovery hotel coordination and transportation services
- English-speaking support before, during, and after your stay
Questions to Ask Before Surgery
- Is a total knee replacement the best option for my condition?
- What type of prosthetic implant will be used?
- How long will the implant last, and what activity limitations should I expect?
- What will recovery look like, and how long will I need support or physical therapy?
- What are the surgeon’s qualifications and experience with TKA?
Trusted Medical Sources
This guide is based on recommendations from leading orthopedic institutions:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- Mayo Clinic
- Cleveland Clinic
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
Why Do It In Cancún ?
Cancun is rapidly becoming one of the most popular medical tourism and medical travel destinations in the world. This is mostly due to the quality in hospitals, surgical centers, dental clinics using modern medical technology. Moreover, Cancun is close from home and offers extraordinary all-inclusive beachfront hotels designed for every budget.
Why Do It With My Medical Vacations?
Our programs were specifically designed to address the international patient. We know what is needed to have a positive experience and to sum it up, we present our 7 most important features.
The Most Experienced Team
From the moment you make first contact, your case will be managed by one of our experienced and qualified MTC´s (Medical Tourism Consultant), who have more than 15 years of combined experience.
We have successfully assisted over 5,000 foreign patients to complete their dreams and goals of health and aesthetic ! You will be communicating with reliable professionals who will guide you through
the entire process, always looking for your best interest and safety.
Immediate Response guaranteed
From your first inquiry to all of your subsequent doubts or questions, our highly experienced team of MTC’s (Medical Tourism Consultants) will provide you with the answers you need on an immediate basis.
Accurate / Useful Information Provided
Our MTC team has managed more than 1500 cases of international patients in the area of Cosmetic Surgery alone! Their perspective along with all of our surgeon´s recommendations will make you feel at ease. We promise!
Worry Free Organization Of Your Medical Trip
Our team will assist you with booking and organizing every little detail to ensure the perfect Medical Vacation.
We remind you that all of our packages include:
- Private airport transfers.
- All ground transfers (Hospital, Hotel, Appointments)
- Personal Bilingual Assistance
- Translation services
- City Guidance
- Medical Appointments
- And more…
We Choose To Promote Only The Best
Our concept is simple: Only work with the best.
All of the surgeons and specialized physicians MUST meet our criteria to be part of our network.
It is not ONLY about experience, training and credentials; we promote surgeons that KNOW how to treat the international patient with impeccable records and fully bilingual of course.
We have no obligation to promote any specific surgeon whatsoever. We CHOOSE the best.. for you!
Comprehensive Post Op Care Program
All of our packages also include the most complete follow up program available. Our multidiscipline staff includes: Specialized Registered Nurses (You will absolutely love them), certified Patient concierge (They will make everything easier for you) and more.
After being released from the hospital, our team will take over, providing and assisting you every step of the way.
You will never feel alone… if anything you will feel like part of the family!
Long Distance Follow Up
Our service doesn’t stop after our airport farewell! Our medical tourism consultant team will keep close communication, informing your surgeon about your progress and of course answering any doubt or question you may have at this stage and until you are completely recuperated and back to your normal life.
Awards and Certifications
