Orthopaedics

High Tibial Osteotomy Surgery Abroad

Living with persistent knee pain due to arthritis or joint misalignment can make everyday life frustrating. For many in the UK, the wait to get high tibial osteotomy (HTO) surgery on the NHS stretches into months, sometimes longer. HTO surgery is a joint-preserving procedure that realigns the knee to reduce pressure on the damaged area, easing pain and delaying or avoiding a full knee replacement. If you're waiting too long or facing high private costs, Thera Travel offers a trusted way forward.
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Thera Travel Doctors
4.2

Star Reviews

Better Care Than the NHS, at Half the Price
I travelled to Kraków for a total knee replacement after waiting 18 months on the NHS list. The clinic was spotless, the staff all spoke excellent English, and the surgeon was clearly experienced. I was walking with a frame by day two. The physiotherapy was more intensive than I expected, which helped with recovery. Including travel and hotel, it still cost less than going private in the UK. Highly recommended.
David R. (Manchester)
Country Visited: Poland
Hip Replacement in Riga – No Regrets
After doing quite a bit of research, I booked a hip replacement in Riga. The hospital looked more like a hotel, and the nursing care was exceptional. I had a private room with a view over the river. Communication was good throughout, with a coordinator who handled airport transfers and appointments. It's now three months later and I’m back to gardening. Would choose Latvia again over private UK care.
Sandra T. (London)
Country Visited: Latvia
Professional, Efficient, and No Hidden Costs
Had my right knee replaced in Warsaw after a friend recommended the clinic. Everything was as described—pre-surgery scans, consultation, surgery, and rehab—all done in under two weeks. No upselling, no unexpected fees. I appreciated how transparent the pricing was compared to some UK providers. Very impressed.
Michael B. (Glasgow)
Country Visited: Poland
Quick Recovery and Excellent Follow-Up
I was nervous about travelling for surgery, but my experience in Latvia was reassuring from start to finish. The surgeon explained everything clearly, and the physiotherapy team worked with me daily. I even had video follow-ups after returning to the UK. I’m walking unaided now, which I hadn’t done properly in over a year. Thank you to the whole team in Riga.
Carolyn M. (Leeds)
Country Visited: Latvia
Superior to My Local NHS Hospital
Opted for hip replacement in Gdańsk due to the NHS backlog. What struck me most was the attention to detail and the level of care. From airport pickup to post-op physiotherapy, everything ran smoothly. They even arranged a companion room for my wife. I had less swelling than after my previous surgery in the UK. Would definitely go abroad again if needed.
James E. (Birmingham)
Country Visited: Poland

Why Choose

High Tibial Osteotomy Surgery Abroad

Choosing HTO surgery abroad gives you fast access to experienced orthopaedic teams at private hospitals in EU countries – with no compromise on safety or standards.

No NHS waiting lists

Your surgery can be scheduled in as little as 2–4 weeks.

More affordable than UK private care

Savings of 30–60% are typical, even with flights and accommodation included.

Specialist orthopaedic surgeons

All clinics are led by EU-certified surgeons who perform dozens of HTOs each year.

Accredited, modern private hospitals

Clinics follow strict hygiene, imaging, and surgical protocols - often exceeding UK NHS standards.

Extra care built-in

Packages often include pre-op imaging, hospital stay, physiotherapy, and private ensuite rooms.

What happens during

High Tibial Osteotomy Surgery Abroad

0
1
2
3
4
5
01

Anaesthesia

You’ll receive either general or spinal anaesthetic to ensure you're comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

02

Incision and Exposure

A small cut is made just below the kneecap to access the top of the tibia.

03

Bone Realignment

The surgeon creates a small wedge in the tibia, gently opens the gap, and adjusts the bone angle to correct alignment.

04

Fixation

A metal plate and screws are used to hold the bone in its new position while it heals.

05

Closure

The incision is closed with stitches and covered with a sterile dressing.

The surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours, followed by a hospital stay of 2 to 3 nights, where you’ll receive early physiotherapy and pain management.

Price Comparison: EU vs UK

Country
Price Range
Average Cost
% Saved vs UK
United Kingdom
£5,000 - £8,000
£6,500
-
Latvia
£3,970
£3,970
39%
Lithuania
£4,480
£4,480
31%
Hungary
£2,130
£2,130
67%
Poland
£1,865 + implant
variable
71% (before implant)

Even when factoring in travel, most patients still save thousands by choosing treatment abroad. For a detailed guide on what’s included and what to expect, see our breakdown of high tibial osteotomy costs.

What Recovery Looks Like After HTO Surgery

High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) recovery takes place gradually over several months. It’s designed to relieve pressure on the damaged part of your knee and slow the progression of arthritis. Your rehabilitation plan will be personalised, but most patients follow a similar structure.

Week 1–2

  • You’ll need to use crutches to keep weight off the healing bone.

  • Ice packs and leg elevation are essential to manage swelling and improve comfort.

  • You’ll stay on prescribed pain relief and antibiotics, and your dressing will be checked regularly.

  • Most patients remain in a private hospital room for 2–3 days post-op before flying home or continuing inpatient rehab.

Week 3–6

  • Physiotherapy begins under the guidance of a specialist, either locally or back in the UK.

  • You’ll work on improving joint mobility with gentle range-of-motion exercises.

  • Weight-bearing will be increased gradually, guided by X-rays and your surgeon’s advice.

  • Muscle stimulation and hydrotherapy may be recommended depending on your recovery setting.

Week 6–12

  • Most patients start walking short distances unaided as bone healing progresses.

  • You’ll shift focus to strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes through light gym-based exercises.

  • Some patients may begin low-resistance cycling to boost mobility without strain.

3–6 months

  • You may return to low-impact sports like swimming, cycling, or using the elliptical trainer.

  • Improvements in walking comfort, stability, and knee alignment are usually noticeable by now.

  • Long-term outcomes depend heavily on following your rehab plan and maintaining strength around the joint.

Your care may include inpatient physio while abroad and a clear outpatient rehab plan for returning home.

Where Will I Go?

We partner with top-tier orthopaedic centres across Central and Eastern Europe - each one selected for its surgical expertise, modern facilities, and smooth experience for international patients.

Kaunas, Lithuania
A historic Baltic city known for medical innovation. Clinics here combine advanced orthopaedic technology with short waiting times and English-speaking care teams. Kaunas is well connected by air, and many patients choose to stay a few extra days for rehabilitation support.

Katowice, Poland
This regional hub in southern Poland is home to some of the country’s best private hospitals. Orthopaedic teams here specialise in lower limb realignment surgeries like HTO, with fast-track surgery dates and fixed-fee packages. Flights from the UK are direct and affordable.

Prague, Czech Republic
World-renowned for its medical standards, Prague offers an ideal setting for surgery and early recovery. Many patients enjoy the calm, hotel-style hospital rooms and take time post-op to explore the city once cleared by their surgeon. Clinics are just a short drive from the international airport.

Across all destinations, you’ll benefit from:

  • Direct flights from the UK and Ireland

  • Friendly, English-speaking staff to assist with everything from admission to discharge

  • Private orthopaedic hospitals equipped for realignment and joint preservation procedures

If you're considering high tibial osteotomy abroad, our team will help match you to the most suitable clinic based on your mobility needs, medical history, and travel preferences. All support is included from the first consultation through to your return home.

Is High Tibial Osteotomy Surgery Overseas Safe?

Yes, High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) surgery abroad is safe when performed at EU-accredited private clinics. These facilities follow strict international medical standards and are staffed by experienced orthopaedic surgeons who regularly perform this procedure.

Key reasons patients feel confident:

  • Surgeons perform over 100 HTO procedures per year

  • Clinics meet EU healthcare regulations and hold ISO or JCI accreditation

  • Infection control and sterilisation protocols match or exceed UK standards

  • Pre-operative assessments and imaging ensure surgical safety

  • 24/7 nursing care during hospital stay

  • English-speaking medical teams for clear communication

Thera Travel only works with vetted clinics that provide full transparency, detailed treatment plans, and fixed-fee packages. Many patients report recovery experiences that surpass their expectations compared to NHS or UK private care.

How to Book Your HTO Surgery Abroad

We make the process simple and supported at every step:

  1. Speak to a Thera care coordinator – Discuss your condition and goals

  2. Receive a personalised quote – Includes travel, surgery, and accommodation

  3. Choose your clinic and book – Most surgeries scheduled in 2–4 weeks

  4. Travel abroad for surgery – All arrangements handled by our team

  5. Recover with support – Enjoy physio, aftercare, and remote follow-ups

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot – over 500 patients helped.

Get a free quote by filling out the contact form below:

“From the first inquiry to flying home, the support was exceptional.”
“Clean, efficient, friendly. I wish I’d gone abroad sooner.”
“Top-class care for half the price of UK surgery.”
“From the moment I landed, an English-speaking nurse met me at arrivals, and I had my first physio session within 24 hours of surgery. I never felt rushed - just cared for.”

– Mark L.

29-year-old five-a-side footballer
(ACL reconstruction, Poland)
“Before I travelled to Latvia for my knee surgery, I was hesitant. But honestly, it felt more like checking into a hotel than a hospital. My room was private and spotless, with a big window and meals brought in three times a day. It was quiet, calm, and the staff couldn’t have been more attentive. That level of comfort helped me recover quickly, and I never felt rushed out the door.”
“Is it safe?”“I had the same question. But after speaking with my care coordinator and reading about the clinic’s certifications, I felt reassured. The hospital in Poland was modern and far cleaner than the NHS ward I’d visited previously. My surgeon explained everything clearly, and all the nurses spoke fluent English. By the time I left, I felt I’d received care that matched,or exceeded,what I could have had in the UK.”
“Before going to Latvia for my hip replacement, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But it honestly felt more like staying at a hotel. My private room was spotless, meals were delivered to my bedside, and everything was calm and well-organised. The attention to comfort made a real difference in my recovery.”
“Is it safe?” “I wondered the same. But after reviewing the clinic’s credentials and talking to the coordinator, I was confident. The hospital in Poland was cleaner and more modern than the NHS ward I’d seen. My surgeon took time to explain every step, and the nursing staff spoke fluent English. By the end of my stay, I felt fully informed and very well looked after.”
(Former patients provide more stories on our Trustpilot page.)

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⁠Is Orthopaedic treatment abroad safe?

Better Care Than the NHS, at Half the Price
I travelled to Kraków for a total knee replacement after waiting 18 months on the NHS list. The clinic was spotless, the staff all spoke excellent English, and the surgeon was clearly experienced. I was walking with a frame by day two. The physiotherapy was more intensive than I expected, which helped with recovery. Including travel and hotel, it still cost less than going private in the UK. Highly recommended.
David R. (Manchester)
Country Visited:Poland
Hip Replacement in Riga – No Regrets
After doing quite a bit of research, I booked a hip replacement in Riga. The hospital looked more like a hotel, and the nursing care was exceptional. I had a private room with a view over the river. Communication was good throughout, with a coordinator who handled airport transfers and appointments. It's now three months later and I’m back to gardening. Would choose Latvia again over private UK care.
Sandra T. (London)
Country Visited:Latvia
Professional, Efficient, and No Hidden Costs
Had my right knee replaced in Warsaw after a friend recommended the clinic. Everything was as described—pre-surgery scans, consultation, surgery, and rehab—all done in under two weeks. No upselling, no unexpected fees. I appreciated how transparent the pricing was compared to some UK providers. Very impressed.
Michael B. (Glasgow)
Country Visited:Poland
Quick Recovery and Excellent Follow-Up
I was nervous about travelling for surgery, but my experience in Latvia was reassuring from start to finish. The surgeon explained everything clearly, and the physiotherapy team worked with me daily. I even had video follow-ups after returning to the UK. I’m walking unaided now, which I hadn’t done properly in over a year. Thank you to the whole team in Riga.
Carolyn M. (Leeds)
Country Visited:Latvia
Superior to My Local NHS Hospital
Opted for hip replacement in Gdańsk due to the NHS backlog. What struck me most was the attention to detail and the level of care. From airport pickup to post-op physiotherapy, everything ran smoothly. They even arranged a companion room for my wife. I had less swelling than after my previous surgery in the UK. Would definitely go abroad again if needed.
James E. (Birmingham)
Country Visited:Poland

Our Orthopaedic Treatments

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Hip Replacement Surgery Abroad

Hip pain and limited mobility can severely impact daily life, making simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting a struggle. For those suffering from arthritis, injuries, or joint problems, the pain can feel relentless. But there's good news—hip replacement surgery offers a solution.
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Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Abroad

Arthroscopic (or keyhole) knee surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pain, stiffness, or limited mobility caused by issues like torn cartilage, ligament damage, or loose bone fragments inside the joint. With Thera Travel, you can skip NHS waiting lists and access fast, expert care at leading European clinics - featuring modern facilities, English-speaking specialists, and treatment that meets strict international standards. All at significantly lower cost than in the UK, with full support from consultation to recovery.
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Knee Replacement Surgery Abroad

Living with knee pain can make everyday tasks exhausting - from walking up stairs to getting out of bed in the morning. If you're facing long NHS wait times or have been told to wait months for surgery, you're not alone. Many in the UK and Ireland are in the same position: in pain, with no clear timeline for relief.
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ACL Reconstruction Surgery Abroad

Waiting months - sometimes longer - for knee surgery can feel unbearable when every step, twist, or unexpected wobble reminds you that your joint isn’t stable. UK waiting-list backlogs mean many active people are left sidelined, anxious about worsening cartilage damage and the risk of arthritis down the line. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a precision procedure that replaces the torn ligament - usually with a small tendon graft from your hamstring or patella - so the knee can regain full stability and range of motion.