Knee Replacement Surgery in Seoul Robotic-assisted options
When arthritis pain limits your walking and sleep despite good non-surgical care, knee replacement can restore a smoother joint. We explain total, partial and osteotomy options in English.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital, at 731 Eonju-ro in Gangnam-gu near Hakdong Station (Line 7, Exit 10), offers total and partial knee replacement, including robotic-assisted surgery, with English-speaking coordinators. Joint Center orthopedic surgeons confirm advanced arthritis on standing X-rays, discuss alternatives such as high tibial osteotomy for younger bow-legged patients, and plan rehabilitation with dedicated therapists. To book a consultation, message WhatsApp +82-10-6290-9796.
Who knee replacement is for
Knee replacement is usually considered when advanced arthritis keeps causing pain after months of physical therapy, weight and activity changes, medication and injections. If you are earlier in that journey, start with our knee pain guide.
Advanced arthritis
X-rays show severe cartilage loss, and pain limits walking, stairs or sleep despite good conservative care.
Arthritis in one compartment
If wear is limited to one part of the knee and ligaments are healthy, a partial replacement may be possible.
Younger, bow-legged knees
Active patients with bow legs and inner-knee arthritis may suit high tibial osteotomy, which realigns the leg and keeps the joint.
How knee replacement works, step by step
In knee replacement, the worn surfaces of the thighbone, shinbone and often the kneecap are replaced with metal and plastic implants. With robotic assistance, the surgeon uses a detailed plan of your knee to guide bone cuts and implant position.
Assessment and planning
Exam, standing X-rays and a health check. Your surgeon explains total, partial, robotic-assisted or osteotomy options and their risks.
Anesthesia
The anesthesia team discusses spinal or general anesthesia and pain control with you before surgery.
Resurfacing the joint
Damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone are removed, and implants are fitted. Robotic assistance helps match position to your anatomy.
Balancing and closing
The surgeon checks movement, stability and alignment before closing the wound.
Early movement
Most patients stand and walk with support soon after surgery, guided by therapists, to reduce stiffness and clot risk.
Total, partial replacement or osteotomy?
The right choice depends on where the arthritis is, your alignment, ligament health, age and activity level. Your surgeon will explain which options fit your X-rays.
| Option | What is done | Often suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Total knee replacement | All joint surfaces are resurfaced with implants | Arthritis affecting much of the knee |
| Partial knee replacement | Only the worn compartment is resurfaced | Arthritis limited to one area, with healthy ligaments |
| Robotic-assisted replacement | Total or partial replacement guided by a robotic system and a personal plan | Patients wanting precise implant planning; suitability assessed case by case |
| High tibial osteotomy | The shinbone is cut and realigned to shift load away from the worn inner side; your own joint is kept | Younger, active patients with bow legs and inner-knee arthritis |
Every surgery has risks, including infection, blood clots, stiffness and implant wear over time. Your surgeon will discuss these with you.
What recovery usually looks like
Recovery varies from person to person. Rehabilitation with our dedicated therapists is a key part of getting a good result, and continuing exercises at home matters as much as surgery itself.
First days
Walking with a frame or crutches, bending exercises, swelling control and clot prevention. Pain is managed with a planned medication approach.
Weeks 2 to 6
Wound check, gradual walking without aids for many patients, and daily exercises to regain bending and straightening.
Weeks 6 to 12
Strength and balance work. Many people return to driving, desk work and longer walks in this period.
3 to 12 months
Swelling and stiffness keep improving. Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling and swimming are usually encouraged.
Inside the knee, before and after replacement
Replacement does not rebuild cartilage; it replaces worn surfaces with smooth implants designed to glide against each other.
Simplified medical illustration for education only, not a patient image. Results vary by condition and individual; your specialist will explain what to expect for your case.
Your Specialists
Care at this clinic is provided by Nanoori Joint Center orthopedic surgeons. Tap a doctor to see their full profile.
Common Questions
How long should I stay in Seoul after knee replacement?
Plan for a hospital stay, early rehabilitation and a wound check before flying. Long flights after joint replacement raise the risk of blood clots, so your surgeon will advise when it is reasonable to travel. Share your dates with our coordinators early.
Is robotic knee replacement better than standard surgery?
Robotic assistance helps the surgeon plan and position implants precisely for your anatomy. Your surgeon still performs the operation, and good results also depend on patient selection and rehabilitation. Ask your surgeon whether it suits your knee.
Am I too young for a knee replacement?
Age alone does not decide it, but younger, active patients place more demand on implants. If you have bow legs and arthritis mainly on the inner side, high tibial osteotomy may be an alternative that keeps your own joint.
How long does a knee replacement last?
Modern knee implants often last many years, and for many patients well over a decade. Implant life depends on activity, weight and other factors, and some people eventually need revision surgery.
Will my insurance pay for knee replacement?
We accept Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) for enrolled foreign residents. If you have international insurance, our coordinators explain the billing documents we provide; please check pre-approval and coverage with your insurer before surgery.
Are there options before replacement?
Yes. Physical therapy, weight management, image-guided injections and, for selected patients, bone marrow (BMAC) injection may help. Learn more on our Knee Center page.
Discuss knee replacement with a surgeon
Send your X-rays on WhatsApp and our coordinators will arrange a consultation in English.
Related Care
Last updated October 2026. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Contact us · Gangnam Nanoori Hospital home
