Shoulder prosthesis in Turkey

How much does a shoulder replacement cost in Turkey?

The average cost of a shoulder prosthesis in Turkey in Istanbul is €5,000. Depending on your needs, the price can vary from €4,000 to €7,000.

What is a shoulder prosthesis?

Shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) is an operation in Turkey during which a prosthesis is used to replace all or part of the glenohumeral joint in order to relieve disability and pain.

Shoulder arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in Istanbul during which the shoulder joint is replaced by an artificial joint.

Shoulder arthroplasty is performed in cases where the shoulder joint is severely damaged by arthritis or physical injury, and where medication and lifestyle adjustments have failed to treat the pain and mobility restrictions caused by the damaged shoulder joint.

How is a shoulder replacement operation performed in Turkey?

• An anterior incision is made in the shoulder.
• The nerves, muscles and blood vessels are moved to one side.
• The shoulder joint capsule is cut, allowing the surgeon to see the joint.
• The ball of the humeral head is removed using a bone saw.
• The hollow inside the humerus is scraped away and a space is created to fix the metal stem of the humeral component.
• If the glenoid is to be replaced, a tool called a burr is used to grind away the surface cartilage.
• Holes are drilled in the scapula where the stem of the glenoid component is fixed.
• The humeral and glenoid components are then placed and the humeral ball is fixed.
• Once the joint is anchored, it is checked that it has been correctly fixed.
• The surgeon sutures the joint capsule.
• The nerves, muscles and blood vessels are returned to their original positions.
• The incision is closed with stitches and covered with a bandage.

Artificial shoulder joint

There are two types of shoulder joint implant:

• Cemented: The cemented implant is fixed in place by a type of epoxy cement that joins the metal to the bone.
• Uncemented: The uncemented implant is made up of a mesh of holes on the outside, and the bone grows into this mesh. Finally, the implant is joined to the bone.

The artificial implant consists of two parts:

• The humeral components: The humeral head, which is the ball of the joint, is replaced by the humeral component. It is made of metal.
• The glenoid component: The joint cavity, which is part of the scapula, is replaced by the glenoid component. It consists of two parts: the socket, which is made of a strong, smooth plastic cup, and a metal plate that is attached to the bone.

How do you prepare for shoulder arthroplasty in Turkey?

• The patient undergoes a physical examination to ensure that he or she is in good condition to undergo the operation.
• The patient must undergo several examinations in Turkey, such as blood and urine tests, X-rays and a cardiogram.
• The doctor must be informed of any medication the patient is taking, with or without a prescription.
• These may be supplements, herbs or medicines. Some medicines that the patient is taking can be stopped two weeks before the operation.
• The Turkish doctor must be informed if the patient is suffering from any illness or health problem.
• The doctor must be informed if the patient has consumed more than two glasses of alcohol per day.
• The patient must stop smoking to ensure a rapid recovery.

Duration of surgery: Approximately 2 hours

Days of admission: 2 to 3 days

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia

Recovery:

The patient’s shoulder may be attached to a continuous passive motion machine, which reduces stiffness in the joint and relieves pain.

• A drainage tube can be used to drain excess fluid after the operation.
• A sling is used to keep the patient’s arm at rest. It should be worn at night for 4 to 6 weeks.
• The patient will be able to carry out light activities such as eating and washing a few weeks after the operation.
• The patient will be able to drive a car within 6 weeks of the operation.
• The patient must follow a rehabilitation programme starting the day after the operation.
• The patient may need 6 months to 1 year to fully recover.

Risks :

The risks of shoulder arthroplasty are as follows:

• Fracture of the humerus during the operation
• Rupture of the tendons
• Shoulder instability
• Loosening of the glenoid implant
• Dislocation of the joint
• Damage to a nerve or blood vessel
• Bleeding
• Blood clotting
• Infection

Post-operative care:

The patient must continue the rehabilitation programme for several months. A physiotherapist will help the patient perform certain exercises that will improve the strength and stability of the shoulder.

The patient must visit the doctor every 6 weeks for 5 to 6 months, during which time the Turkish doctor will monitor the patient’s progress. The patient must take antibiotics after any surgical or invasive procedure to prevent infection. This includes dental procedures.

The doctor should be informed immediately if the following symptoms occur:

• High fever
• Excessive drainage from the incision wound.
• redness and swelling of the incision area
• Intense pain