Atlantoaxial Surgery Treatment in Turkey
About Atlantoaxial Surgery
Key Highlights
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Restores stability and alignment to the most mobile spinal segment.Relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, preventing neurological damage.Alleviates chronic, debilitating neck pain and associated headaches.Corrects congenital or acquired deformities for improved function.Utilizes advanced surgical navigation and instrumentation for precision and safety.Offers a definitive solution for atlantoaxial instability to prevent catastrophic injury./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Traumatic injuries like fractures of the C1 or C2 vertebrae (e.g., Jefferson or Hangman's fracture).
- Congenital abnormalities such as os odontoideum or Down syndrome-associated ligamentous laxity.
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis causing ligament erosion and instability.
- Degenerative conditions leading to excessive motion and spinal cord compression.
- Tumors or infections affecting the atlantoaxial joint.
- Non-union of a previous odontoid fracture.
- Progressive neurological symptoms (weakness, numbness, gait disturbances) due to cord compression.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic imaging including dynamic X-rays, CT scans, and MRI to assess bone and soft tissue structures.
- Detailed neurological examination to establish a baseline.
- Pre-operative medical clearance, especially for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other systemic conditions.
- Discussion of anesthesia risks and the surgical plan with the anesthesiologist and surgeon.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the doctor.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
- Arranging for post-operative support and transportation for the recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Nerve or spinal cord injury, potentially leading to weakness, paralysis, or sensory changes.
- Vertebral artery injury, which can lead to stroke.
- Hardware malposition, failure, or loosening of screws/rods.
- Non-union or failure of the bones to fuse properly.
- Adjacent segment disease (increased stress on vertebrae above or below the fusion).
- Persistent pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion in the neck.
- Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness (more common with anterior approaches).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological status and pain management.
- Wearing a rigid cervical collar (e.g., halo vest or hard collar) for 8-12 weeks to immobilize the neck and promote fusion.
- Gradual return to light activities; strict avoidance of heavy lifting, bending, and twisting.
- Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture once cleared by the surgeon.
- Regular follow-up visits with X-rays to monitor the healing and fusion process.
- Pain management with prescribed medications, transitioning to over-the-counter options as healing progresses.
- Adhering to all surgeon instructions regarding wound care and activity restrictions to ensure optimal outcomes.
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Typical hospital stay:
4-7 days
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Expected recovery time:
3-6 months for full fusion and return to normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering atlantoaxial surgery in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for atlantoaxial surgery in Turkey include 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 atlantoaxial surgery. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons 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 atlantoaxial surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Atlantoaxial Surgery in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing atlantoaxial surgery.
Istanbul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Follow-up visit for my cervical disc...
Follow-up visit for my cervical disc replacement. Dr. Dwivedi remembered my daughter's board exam results and asked about them first. His staff coordinated with insurance for my scans - clinical excellence matched by human touch.