About Amputation above Elbow
Key Highlights
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Life-saving intervention for severe trauma, infection, or cancer.Alleviates chronic, debilitating pain unresponsive to other treatments.Creates a stable and healthy residual limb for optimal prosthetic fitting.Prevents the spread of life-threatening conditions like sepsis or gangrene.Performed by specialized orthopedic surgeons with expertise in limb salvage and amputation.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe crush injuries or traumatic avulsion of the arm with non-viable tissue.
- Advanced, uncontrollable infection (e.g., necrotizing fasciitis) or osteomyelitis.
- Malignant bone or soft tissue tumors (e.g., osteosarcoma) in the forearm or hand.
- Irreversible ischemia (lack of blood flow) due to peripheral vascular disease or complications from diabetes.
- Severe, painful deformities or contractures that severely impair function and quality of life.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical evaluation including blood tests, imaging (X-ray, MRI, angiography), and cardiac assessment.
- Consultation with a prosthetist to discuss post-amputation options and goals.
- Pre-operative counseling with the surgeon, physiotherapist, and possibly a psychologist.
- Management of existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease to optimize surgical safety.
- Fasting as instructed (typically 8-12 hours before surgery) and discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Poor wound healing or skin breakdown at the surgical site.
- Phantom limb sensation (feeling the amputated part is still present) or phantom limb pain.
- Neuroma formation (a painful nerve ending) in the residual limb.
- Joint contractures in the shoulder or elbow if not properly mobilized post-operatively.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
- Psychological challenges including depression and adjustment disorder.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay for initial pain control, wound monitoring, and early physiotherapy.
- Use of compression garments (shrinker socks) to shape the residual limb and reduce swelling.
- Strict wound care to prevent infection, with stitches or staples removed in 10-14 days.
- Early mobilization of the shoulder and remaining elbow joint to prevent stiffness.
- Gradual progression of exercises to strengthen the upper body for prosthetic use.
- Referral to a rehabilitation program for gait training (if applicable), prosthetic fitting, and occupational therapy.
- Ongoing psychological support and counseling to aid in emotional adjustment.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for initial healing and basic prosthetic adaptation; full adaptation and functional recovery may take 6-12 months or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering amputation above elbow in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for amputation above elbow in Turkey include Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform amputation above elbow. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for amputation above elbow compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 1,632 – USD 4,895 | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 months for initial healing and basic prosthetic adaptation; full adaptation and functional recovery may take 6-12 months or more. | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 12,079 – USD 36,236 | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 months for initial healing and basic prosthetic adaptation; full adaptation and functional recovery may take 6-12 months or more. | Know More |
Top hospitals for Amputation above Elbow in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing amputation above elbow.
Had my gallbladder out at MGM....
Had my gallbladder out at MGM. Dr. Vinod was really clear about what to expect after. The first couple days were rough, I won't lie, but his team had a good plan for the pain that actually worked. Follow-up was simple, he just told me to take it easy and call if anything felt off. Felt normal again quicker than I thought.
Orthopedists for Amputation above Elbow
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform amputation above elbow and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 12 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 12 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 12 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 12 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Liv Hospital Ankara