Joint replacement (hip and knee) in China

Hip and knee replacement is widely performed in China. National volume-based procurement from 2022 cut average implant prices from about 35,000 to 7,000 yuan (hip) and 32,000 to 5,000 yuan (knee). These are implant prices, not total surgery cost. Foreigners usually self-pay through international departments.
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Treatments available

TreatmentsStatus in ChinaStatus in USSources
Total hip replacementAvailableApproved in China
Total knee replacementAvailableApproved in ChinaChina Daily

Hospitals with documented programs

Informational listings from cited public sources, not recommendations.

What it costs

EntryAmountYearSourceStatus
Knee replacement¥60,000 about $8,4512026China Daily via Shanghai Municipal Government (english.shanghai.gov.cn)Reported

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Clinical trials

15studies listed as recruiting with a site in China on ClinicalTrials.gov, as of 2026-10-26. See the list

We link trials only; enrollment decisions belong to trial teams. Since May 2026, charging patients to join clinical research is prohibited in China, as reported by AFP.

Frequently asked

How much did implant prices fall?

After the September 2021 national bid, implemented from April 2022, average hip implant prices fell from 35,000 to about 7,000 yuan and knee implants from 32,000 to about 5,000 yuan, an average cut of 82%.

[1] Xinhua (English)[2] China Daily

Does the procurement price equal what I pay?

No. It covers the implant system. Surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay and rehabilitation are billed separately, and international departments may price differently.

[1] Xinhua (English)

Sources

  1. Centralized procurement of artificial joints boosts healthcare accessibility in China
    Xinhua (English) · news · accessed 2026-10-26
    “Average prices of artificial hip and knee joints dropped from 35,000 yuan and 32,000 yuan to approximately 7,000 yuan and 5,000 yuan, respectively.”
  2. Artificial hips and knees set to become cheaper
    China Daily · news · accessed 2026-10-26
  3. Artificial knee joints after national procurement (explainer)
    National Healthcare Security Administration · official · accessed 2026-10-26
    “The average price of artificial knees fell from 32,000 yuan to just over 5,000 yuan, a drop of more than 80%.”

Information only. Not medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Talk to your doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.