Amputation below Elbow Treatment in Turkey
About Amputation below Elbow
Key Highlights
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Removes a source of severe, chronic infection or life-threatening disease (e.g., gangrene, malignancy).Can alleviate intractable, debilitating pain that does not respond to other treatments.Creates a stable platform for a modern, functional prosthetic arm, restoring significant independence.Prevents the spread of infection or cancer to other parts of the body.Allows for focused rehabilitation and a return to many daily activities and vocations.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe traumatic injury (crush, avulsion, severe burn) where limb salvage is not possible or functional.
- Advanced peripheral vascular disease or diabetes leading to non-healing ulcers, gangrene, or critical limb ischemia.
- Malignant bone or soft tissue tumors (e.g., osteosarcoma) in the forearm that are unresponsive to other therapies.
- Life-threatening or uncontrollable infection (e.g., necrotizing fasciitis) that does not respond to antibiotics and debridement.
- Congenital limb deformity that is non-functional and interferes with development or prosthetic use.
- Chronic, severe pain syndromes (e.g., Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - CRPS) refractory to all other management.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical evaluation including cardiac and pulmonary assessment to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Detailed imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT angiography) to precisely define the level of viable tissue and plan the surgery.
- Consultation with a prosthetist to discuss post-amputation prosthetic options and goals.
- Pre-operative counseling with the surgeon, physiotherapist, and possibly a psychologist to set realistic expectations.
- Management of underlying conditions (e.g., optimizing blood sugar in diabetics, treating infections).
- Fasting as instructed by the anesthesiologist, typically 6-8 hours before surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, hematoma, and surgical site infection.
- Wound healing problems or skin flap necrosis, potentially requiring further surgery.
- Phantom limb sensation (feeling the missing hand is present) or phantom limb pain.
- Formation of a painful neuroma (nerve ending scar) at the amputation site.
- Joint contracture of the elbow or shoulder due to immobility or improper positioning.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism from reduced mobility.
- Psychological and emotional challenges including grief, depression, and body image issues.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for pain management, wound monitoring, and early mobilization of the shoulder and elbow.
- The residual limb will be dressed and may be placed in a rigid cast or soft compressive bandage (shrinker) to control swelling and shape the limb.
- Early physiotherapy begins in hospital to maintain range of motion in the remaining joints and build strength.
- Once the wound is healed (typically 2-4 weeks), fitting for a temporary (preparatory) prosthesis begins with a prosthetist.
- Occupational therapy is crucial for learning one-handed techniques for daily activities (ADLs).
- Ongoing outpatient therapy focuses on prosthetic training, desensitization of the stump, and strengthening.
- Long-term follow-up for prosthetic adjustments, maintenance, and monitoring of physical and mental well-being.
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Typical hospital stay:
3-7 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 months for full adaptation and prosthetic mastery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering amputation below elbow in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for amputation below elbow in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, 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 below 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 below elbow compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Amputation below Elbow in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing amputation below elbow.
Istanbul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Sarah Kumar, a 62-year-old retired school...
Sarah Kumar, a 62-year-old retired school teacher with a 15-year history of Type 2 diabetes, had struggled with a non-healing ulcer on her left hand for over two years. Despite meticulous wound care, offloading, and antibiotics, the ulcer progressed to a deep tissue infection (osteomyelitis) in the bones of her hand. She experienced persistent drainage, fever, and a complete loss of function in her fingers, which were contracted and insensate. Her orthopedic surgeon and diabetic care team concluded that the infection was life-threatening and limb salvage was no longer possible. A below-elbow amputation was recommended to remove the source of sepsis and preserve her health. Sarah felt a deep sense of failure and fear, worrying about becoming a burden to her family. The amputation was performed as an emergency procedure. Her physical recovery was complicated by her diabetes but successful. With occupational therapy, she mastered a basic functional prosthetic for daily tasks. Emotionally, she cycled through relief at being free from the chronic infection and sadness for her loss. Support from a patient group for diabetic amputees was crucial. She now focuses on stabilizing her health, enjoys gardening with adapted tools, and volunteers to speak to newly diagnosed diabetic patients about foot and hand care.
Orthopedists for Amputation below Elbow
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform amputation below elbow and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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