Belgium has become a trusted destination for musculoskeletal care thanks to its dense network of university hospitals, advanced surgical technology, and teams that regularly handle complex cases. The best orthopedic surgeons in Belgium combine academic training with high-volume clinical experience, making their services attractive to both local patients and medical travellers. Belgium’s universal healthcare system supports strong hospital networks and specialist departments.
Demand for joint replacement, sports-injury repair, and spine care has grown among international patients because Belgium offers accessible, well-equipped facilities and experienced teams. Many of the top Belgian orthopedic clinics are based in major university hospitals, which publish research and run specialty programmes, so patients can expect multidisciplinary care and up-to-date imaging and surgical techniques. For professional standards and continuing education, orthopaedic surgeons in Belgium are organized through national bodies such as the Belgian Association for Orthopaedics and Traumatology (BVOT), which helps maintain training and practice standards for internationally trained orthopedic surgeons working in the country.
Patients comparing options should consider clinical volume, hospital accreditation, and whether the team includes internationally trained orthopedic surgeons familiar with the latest implants and minimally invasive approaches. Those researching treatment in Belgium will find a balance of high clinical standards with cost levels that are often competitive compared with some neighbouring countries. Many Belgian orthopedic clinics also offer coordinated international patient services, including translation, logistics, and follow-up planning, so treatment in Belgium can be straightforward for nonresident patients.
Prof. Dr. Jan Victor
Specialization: Knee surgery (arthroplasty, sports knee)
Experience: 40 years
Prof. Dr. Jan Victor heads the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent) and is an established authority on knee biomechanics and total knee arthroplasty. He earned a PhD in 2009 and was appointed full professor in 2011, combining high-volume clinical work with academic research.
Prof. Dr. Peter Verdonk
Specialization: Knee surgery (meniscus substitution, cartilage repair, arthroplasty)
Experience: 19 years
Professor Peter Verdonk is a full-time knee specialist at Antwerp Orthopaedic Center (Orthoca) and a visiting surgeon at Aspetar. He completed international fellowships and holds a PhD focused on meniscus biology and transplantation. His practice spans meniscal substitution, cartilage repair, and complex reconstructive and arthroplasty work.
Dr. Koen De Smet
Specialization: Hip surgery (resurfacing, complex primary and revision hip arthroplasty)
Experience: 30 years
Dr. Koen De Smet directs the ANCA Clinic in Ghent and is known for high-volume hip resurfacing and complex revision cases. He trained and worked in academic settings and has developed a referral practice that treats difficult primary and revision hips.
Dr. Steven Claes
Specialization: Knee instability and sports orthopaedics (ACL/ALL reconstruction)
Experience: 12 years
Dr. Steven Claes is a KU Leuven–affiliated knee surgeon working clinically at AZ Herentals with a strong research record on the anterolateral ligament and rotational stability of the knee. He earned a doctoral degree for his ALL work and has authored influential biomechanical studies and consensus outputs that guide when to add anterolateral procedures to ACL reconstruction.
Prof. Dr. Lieven Moke
Specialization: Spine surgery (adult spinal deformity, scoliosis, kyphosis)
Experience: 15 years
Prof. Lieven Moke leads spine services at University Hospitals Leuven and KU Leuven’s orthopaedic research institute, combining reconstructive spine surgery with outcomes research. His training includes a Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences and a Harvard Medical School surgical leadership scholarship, and he focuses on complex deformity correction and value-based perioperative care.
Dr. Geert Van Damme
Specialization: Knee arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, knee prosthesis
Experience: 29 years
Dr. Geert Van Damme is clinical head of orthopaedics at AZ Sint-Lucas Brugge and practices arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, and knee arthroplasty. He completed fellowships at the London Health Sciences Centre and the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam and focuses on arthroscopic reconstruction and complex ligament repairs.
| Consultation | Cost in USD |
| Consultation with a General Practitioner | $ 200 |
| Consultation with a Specialist | $ 300 |
Note: Consultation fees for orthopedists in Belgium are generally reasonable, as many outpatient specialist visits are partially reimbursed through the country’s healthcare system. The overall cost of orthopedic treatments is often more affordable compared with other Western European countries, though expenses depend on the type of procedure, the choice of implants, and whether private or public hospital care is selected. Patients are advised to request a detailed cost estimate in advance and confirm expected reimbursement with their insurer.
➤ High clinical standards aligned with World Health Organization guidelines, ensuring consistent quality of care.
➤ Affordable orthopedic care for many procedures, with costs often lower than in the United States or other Western European countries, making it attractive to international patients in Belgium.
➤ Internationally trained specialists who bring experience from global fellowships and research collaborations.
➤ English-speaking staff in many clinics and hospitals, which supports smooth communication for non-Dutch and non-French speakers.
➤ Dedicated international patient services, including case coordination, insurance guidance, and logistical support.
➤ Well-developed rehabilitation facilities that allow patients to combine treatment with structured recovery.
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