Lumbar disc surgery
Endoscopic or other minimally invasive options for a herniated disc when symptoms do not settle with other care.
- Recent MRI needed
- Physiotherapy plan afterwards
Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery for Overseas Chinese
What to know about spine, shoulder and knee surgery in China, from imaging review to recovery and the flight home.
Why patients look beyond local waiting lists
Orthopaedic waits in public systems abroad are among the longest.
48.6 weeks
Median wait in Canada from GP referral to orthopaedic surgery in 2025
Source: Fraser Institute
Almost 860,000
People on England's NHS trauma and orthopaedics waiting list in October 2025
Source: The King's Fund
About 5,000 CNY
Average price of an artificial knee joint in China after national purchasing, down from 32,000 CNY. Implant only
Source: Beijing Daily, citing NHSA
Procedures overseas Chinese ask about
Whether surgery is right for you is decided by the surgeon after examination.
Cervical spine surgery
Surgery on the neck for nerve or spinal cord compression, chosen after careful imaging and a neurological exam.
- Recent MRI and X-rays
- Ask about neck movement limits
Rotator cuff repair
Arthroscopic repair of a torn shoulder tendon. Recovery relies on months of guided exercises.
- Sling worn after surgery
- Plan physiotherapy at home
Knee replacement
Partial or total replacement for advanced arthritis, followed by early walking and rehabilitation.
- Bring standing knee X-rays
- Ask for the implant details
Planning your hospital stay and recovery
Recovery planning matters as much as the operation.
Hospital stay
The surgeon sets the length of stay based on the operation and your health. Ask for it in writing, along with what the price includes, such as the implant, anaesthesia, ward and medicines.
Before you fly home
- Ask the surgeon when it is safe to fly
- Ask about blood clot prevention for the journey
- Collect operation notes, implant details and imaging
- Book a local physiotherapist and doctor in advance
Costs to check
International departments are outside medical insurance. Reported surgery and treatment fees there are about 8 to 10 times the standard insured price.
How orthopedic planning usually works
Most decisions can start from your existing scans.
Free online triage
Describe your symptoms, treatments tried so far and what you hope to achieve.
Imaging review
Send recent MRI, CT or X-ray reports and images for an initial opinion.
Confirm plan and price
Get the proposed procedure, stay and itemised price in writing. Timing is confirmed before you travel.
In-person assessment
The surgeon examines you and decides whether surgery goes ahead.
Recovery and handover
Recover until cleared to fly, then continue rehabilitation with your local team.
Orthopedic questions from overseas Chinese
Can a surgeon decide from my scans alone?
Scans support an initial opinion, but the decision to operate is made after an in-person examination in China.
How long should I stay in China after surgery?
It depends on the operation and your recovery. Ask the surgeon before you book return flights, and leave extra time in case you need it.
Who manages complications after I return?
Your local doctor and hospital. Agree before surgery how you can contact the treating team, and carry full operation records.
Will my insurance abroad cover surgery in China?
Many plans exclude planned surgery abroad. Ask your insurer in writing what is covered, including complications and follow-up care.
Is the joint price the whole cost?
No. The implant is one part. Surgery, anaesthesia, ward, tests, medicines and rehabilitation are charged separately or within a package.
Start with a free triage consultation
Tell us about your health concern and a doctor will suggest realistic next steps. Your first triage consultation is free.
Suitability is decided by the treating surgeon after examination. FreeClinic does not prescribe, treat remotely or arrange admission. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Sources
- Fraser Institute, Waiting Your Turn: Wait Times for Health Care in Canada, 2025 Report
- The King's Fund, Waiting times for elective (non-urgent) treatment, NHS England data for October 2025
- Beijing Daily, May 2024, citing the National Healthcare Security Administration on artificial joint volume purchasing
- Sina Finance / Caijing, Sept 2026, on international department pricing at Chinese public hospitals
Prices and policies change. Figures are for general information and are not a quote or medical advice.