Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Treatment in Turkey
About Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Key Highlights
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Provides significant relief from chronic back and leg pain (sciatica).Stabilizes the spine to prevent further slippage and nerve damage.Addresses spinal stenosis by decompressing pinched nerves.Can improve mobility, posture, and overall quality of life.Offers a definitive surgical solution when conservative treatments fail.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent and severe back or leg pain that limits daily activities.
- Progressive neurological deficits, such as leg weakness, numbness, or tingling.
- Neurogenic claudication (pain when walking that is relieved by sitting).
- Failure of extensive non-surgical management (e.g., 3-6 months of physical therapy, medications, epidural injections).
- Documented progression of the vertebral slippage on imaging studies.
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction (cauda equina syndrome) is a rare but urgent indication.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray.
- Undergo advanced spinal imaging (MRI and/or CT scan) for precise surgical planning.
- Discuss all current medications with your surgeon; you may need to stop blood thinners.
- Quit smoking well in advance, as it significantly impairs bone healing and fusion.
- Optimize management of chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
- Pre-operative physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen core muscles.
- Arrange for post-operative support at home for the initial recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and anesthesia complications.
- Nerve injury, which could lead to persistent pain, weakness, numbness, or, rarely, paralysis.
- Failure of the bone fusion to heal (pseudarthrosis), potentially requiring revision surgery.
- Hardware-related issues like screw loosening, breakage, or discomfort.
- Adjacent segment disease, where spinal levels above or below the fusion degenerate faster.
- Persistent pain (failed back surgery syndrome).
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from a dural tear during surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically involves 2-4 days for pain management and initial mobilization.
- You will be encouraged to walk with assistance the day after surgery.
- A back brace may be prescribed for several weeks to support healing.
- Strict lifting restrictions (often nothing over 5-10 lbs) for 6-12 weeks.
- Gradual return to activities; driving is usually restricted for 4-6 weeks.
- Formal physical therapy begins a few weeks post-op to restore strength and flexibility.
- Follow-up appointments and X-rays are scheduled to monitor fusion progress.
- Avoid bending, twisting, and high-impact activities for several months.
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Typical hospital stay:
2-4 days
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Expected recovery time:
3-6 months for basic activities, up to 12 months for full fusion and strenuous activity
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering degenerative spondylolisthesis in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for degenerative spondylolisthesis in Turkey include Liv Hospital Ankara, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, 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 degenerative spondylolisthesis. 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 degenerative spondylolisthesis compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 3,861 – USD 8,824 | 2-4 days | ~ 3-6 months for basic activities, up to 12 months for full fusion and strenuous activity | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 28,684 – USD 65,563 | 2-4 days | ~ 3-6 months for basic activities, up to 12 months for full fusion and strenuous activity | Know More |
Top hospitals for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Instabul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Ayaan Nair, a 58-year-old accountant, had...
Ayaan Nair, a 58-year-old accountant, had always been active, enjoying weekend hikes. Over the past three years, he developed persistent, aching low back pain that radiated down his left leg, causing a pins-and-needles sensation. Long hours at his desk became agonizing, and his beloved hikes were reduced to short, painful walks. An MRI confirmed Degenerative Spondylolisthesis at L4-L5, with significant nerve compression. His spine surgeon, Dr. Lee, explained that conservative treatments like physical therapy and epidural injections had provided only temporary relief. She recommended a Lumbar Decompression and Fusion to stabilize the slipped vertebra and relieve pressure on the nerve. Ayaan was terrified of surgery but desperate to reclaim his life. The procedure went smoothly. The initial recovery was challenging, with pain and strict movement restrictions, but he diligently followed his physical therapy plan. Within six months, the radiating leg pain was completely gone, and his back pain was minimal and manageable. He felt a profound sense of relief and gratitude. The constant fear of pain was lifted, allowing him to return to work comfortably and, cautiously, to nature trails with his family. His emotional journey shifted from frustration and fear to hope and a renewed appreciation for his body's resilience.