Shoulder Arthrodesis Treatment in Turkey
About Shoulder Arthrodesis
Key Highlights
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Provides a permanent solution for severe, untreatable shoulder pain and instability.Creates a stable and strong shoulder platform for arm function.Eliminates the source of pain from a destroyed or chronically infected joint.Can restore the ability to perform overhead activities and lifting with the arm.Durable and long-lasting result, avoiding the potential for prosthetic joint failure.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, post-traumatic arthritis with bone loss where joint replacement is not possible.
- Failed total shoulder arthroplasty (replacement) with significant bone or soft tissue damage.
- Chronic, uncontrollable shoulder joint infections (septic arthritis).
- Paralytic conditions like brachial plexus injuries leading to a flail, unstable shoulder.
- Tumor resection in the shoulder joint requiring removal of bone.
- Severe rheumatoid arthritis with extensive joint destruction.
- Recurrent, irreparable shoulder dislocations.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical evaluation including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for surgery.
- Detailed imaging studies like CT scans and X-rays to plan the precise fusion position and technique.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, NSAIDs) as advised by the surgeon.
- Pre-operative physiotherapy to strengthen surrounding muscles like the scapular stabilizers.
- Discussion with the surgeon to set realistic expectations about post-operative function and limitations.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the scheduled surgery time.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or deep within the bone.
- Non-union or delayed union, where the bones fail to fuse properly.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage during surgery, potentially affecting arm sensation or circulation.
- Hardware complications (pain, loosening, or breakage of plates/screws).
- Persistent pain despite successful fusion.
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) or pulmonary embolism.
- Anesthetic risks.
- Fracture of the humerus or scapula.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay of 2-4 days for pain management, monitoring, and initial wound care.
- The arm is immobilized in a specialized shoulder spica cast or rigid brace for 8-12 weeks to allow fusion.
- Strict adherence to weight-bearing restrictions; the arm cannot be used for lifting or support.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Early focus on gentle hand, wrist, and elbow exercises to prevent stiffness.
- Gradual, supervised physiotherapy after cast removal to strengthen scapular and elbow muscles and adapt to the fused shoulder.
- Regular follow-up X-rays to monitor the progress of bone fusion.
- Full recovery and adaptation to the new shoulder mechanics can take 6-12 months.
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Typical hospital stay:
2-4 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 months for full adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering shoulder arthrodesis in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for shoulder arthrodesis 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 shoulder arthrodesis. 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 shoulder arthrodesis compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Shoulder Arthrodesis in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing shoulder arthrodesis.
Istanbul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Arjun Saxena, a 48-year-old construction foreman,...
Arjun Saxena, a 48-year-old construction foreman, had his life upended by a catastrophic motorcycle accident five years prior. The crash shattered his right shoulder, leading to multiple failed surgeries and a chronic, debilitating infection (osteomyelitis) that destroyed the joint. Despite aggressive antibiotic treatments, his shoulder was left with severe bone loss and instability, causing constant, severe pain and a completely useless arm that hung limply at his side. He could no longer work, drive, or even perform basic self-care. His orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mehta, explained that further reconstruction was impossible. The only option to eliminate the pain and provide a stable, functional limb was a shoulder arthrodesis, surgically fusing the shoulder bone to the scapula. Arjun was devastated by the loss of motion but desperate for relief. The surgery was long and complex, but successful. After a challenging year of recovery in a rigid brace, followed by intensive physiotherapy to strengthen his scapular muscles, Arjun achieved a pain-free, stable arm. He regained the ability to work with tools using his elbow and wrist, drive, and lift his grandchildren. Emotionally, he journeyed from anger and grief over his loss to profound gratitude. While he mourns the motion he lost, he celebrates the pain-free function he regained, calling the fusion his 'second chance at a useful life.'
Orthopedists for Shoulder Arthrodesis
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform shoulder arthrodesis and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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