5 Key Factors That Influence Knee Surgery Costs in Malaysia

Understanding Knee Surgery Costs

Knee surgery is a major investment in your health and mobility. Whether you’re considering total knee replacement, partial replacement, or arthroscopic repair, the cost can vary significantly across Malaysia.

If you’ve searched “how much does knee surgery cost in Malaysia?”, you’ve likely noticed wide price ranges — from RM 8,000 to RM 45,000, depending on the procedure and hospital.
Let’s break down what truly affects that cost.

Table of Contents

1️⃣ Type of Knee Surgery

The type of surgery you need plays the biggest role in overall cost.

Surgery TypeDescriptionEstimated Cost (RM)
ArthroscopyMinimally invasive procedure to repair cartilage or ligament8,000 – 12,000
Partial Knee ReplacementReplaces only the damaged part of the joint18,000 – 28,000
Total Knee ReplacementReplaces the entire joint for severe arthritis25,000 – 45,000

Each procedure has different surgical durations, implant costs, and recovery needs.
👉 Learn more about Partial vs Total Knee Replacement in Malaysia

2️⃣ Hospital or Medical Centre Type

Private hospital charges in Malaysia differ based on:

  • Hospital location (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, etc.)
  • Room category (standard, single, or deluxe)
  • Facilities such as ICU or advanced physiotherapy services

Generally, private hospitals offer premium comfort and shorter waiting times but are more expensive than government hospitals.
Outpatient surgery centres can be slightly cheaper for minor arthroscopy.

💡 Tip: Always request a full quotation, including surgery, implant, and hospital stay, before confirming your procedure.

3️⃣ Implant Material and Brand

The knee implant used can also affect the total bill.

Implant TypeAverage Cost Range (RM)Durability
Standard Metal Alloy10,000 – 15,00010–15 years
High-Flex Titanium / Ceramic15,000 – 25,00015–20 years
Custom 3D-Printed or Imported Brands25,000 +Up to 25 years

Premium or imported implants often come with better motion range and longevity — suitable for younger or more active patients.

Learn more about Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Malaysia

4️⃣ Surgeon’s Experience and Expertise

Choosing a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon like Dr. Sashi Darshan ensures the best outcome and lower complication rates.
Surgeons with subspecialty training in joint replacement or arthroscopy may charge slightly higher professional fees, but the results and recovery are typically worth it.

Remember — cheaper doesn’t always mean better when it comes to surgical expertise and long-term knee function.
Meet our doctor here: Dr. Sashi Darshan – Orthopaedic Surgeon in Malaysia

5️⃣ Post-Surgery Care and Recovery

The cost doesn’t end when you leave the operating theatre.
Recovery includes:

  • Physiotherapy sessions (RM 150 – 300 per session)
  • Follow-up consultations
  • Medication and wound care

Some hospitals include 2–3 rehab sessions in their package, while others bill separately.
Faster recovery and good physiotherapy help you return to normal mobility sooner — reducing long-term expenses.

🏥 Estimated Cost Breakdown Summary

ComponentAverage Range (RM)
Pre-surgery Consultation + MRI500 – 1,000
Surgery + Implant20,000 – 40,000
Hospital Stay (3–5 days)3,000 – 7,000
Post-surgery Rehabilitation1,000 – 3,000
Total Estimated CostRM 25,000 – 45,000

💳 Insurance, EPF & Payment Options

If you have private medical insurance, part or all of your knee surgery cost may be covered.
Alternatively, Malaysians can also withdraw from EPF Account 2 under the Healthcare Withdrawal Scheme to help fund surgery expenses.

Learn more: How to Use Insurance or EPF for Knee Surgery in Malaysia

🧠 Key Takeaways

  • The main cost factors are surgery type, hospital choice, implant brand, surgeon expertise, and rehab needs.
  • Always discuss with your orthopaedic specialist for a tailored treatment and cost breakdown.
  • Investing in quality care and an experienced surgeon ensures better mobility and long-term joint function.

✅ Why Choose Dr. Sashi Darshan

  • Specialist in Knee and Sports Injury Surgery
  • Fellowship-trained in Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy
  • Offers transparent cost estimates and personalized care
  • Based in Malaysia, accessible from major cities including KL, Penang, and Johor
Arthroscopy - knee surgery

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