The shoulder replacement procedure is a surgical treatment for chronic shoulder pain and dysfunction caused by joint damage of any cause.

You may suffer shoulder joint damage resulting from severe chronic inflammatory joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, or from acute joint damage, as seen in shoulder fractures or trauma.

Whether the cause is an inflammatory disease or a sudden destructive fracture, replacing the damaged joint with a new, human-made joint allows you to move your arm freely, naturally, and without pain, significantly improving your quality of life.

In this article, we will explain all the details regarding shoulder replacement surgery, including the procedure steps, recovery tips, and the cost of shoulder replacement in Turkey and other countries.

If you are suffering from severe shoulder pain and dysfunction, you may need to undergo joint replacement surgery.

Table of content

What is Shoulder Joint Replacement?
- Shoulder joint replacement surgery pros and cons
Why Choose Shoulder Joint Replacement in Turkey?
Shoulder Joint Replacement Cost in Turkey
Best shoulder Joint Replacement Surgeons in Turkey
Types of shoulder joint replacement
Shoulder Joint Replacement Procedure
Recovery and Aftercare for Shoulder Joint Replacement
Shoulder Joint Replacement Results
FAQs

What is Shoulder Joint Replacement?

Shoulder joint replacement is a major surgery in which the damaged shoulder joint is replaced by a synthetic joint made of metal, ceramic, or plastic.

The prosthetic joint, called an implant, is designed to restore the joint function effectively and resolve the pain.

The material that the synthetic joint is made from should be medical grade biocompatible materials; meaning that your body will not reject it, these materials are either:

Metal materials such as cobalt and titanium
Ceramic material
Medical grade plastic

Shoulder joint replacement surgery pros and cons

Advantages and benefits of shoulder joint replacement

Pain relief with significant reduction or complete elimination of chronic shoulder pain.
Improved mobility and function, restoring range of motion and allowing for daily activities like lifting, reaching, and dressing.
Better quality of life with increased independence and ability to perform hobbies like swimming, golf, or gardening.
Long-lasting results, as modern implants can last 15–20 years or more with proper care.
Effective for severe arthritis and rotator cuff tears, especially beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or rotator cuff arthropathy.

Drawbacks of shoulder joint replacement:

Surgical risks, include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, or complications from anesthesia.
Long recovery time, with full recovery taking 6–12 months and requiring physical therapy.
The implants may wear out over time, potentially requiring revision surgery.
Possible shoulder weakness, with some patients experiencing mild weakness or stiffness, especially if the rotator cuff was severely damaged before surgery.

Why Choose Shoulder Joint Replacement in Turkey?

Turkey is renowned for its excellence in orthopedic surgery, particularly in knee, hip, and shoulder replacement.

Its advanced medical infrastructure, internationally trained surgeons, and cutting-edge technology contribute to its high success rates.

One of Turkey’s key advantages is the expertise of its surgeons, many of whom hold international certifications and are skilled in the latest surgical techniques.

Additionally, the affordability of medical services makes Turkey an attractive option for patients seeking high-quality treatment without excessive costs.

Medical centers in Turkey offer comprehensive packages that cover consultations, surgery, post-operative care, and accommodation, ensuring a seamless experience for international patients.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology that meets WHO and FDA standards, Turkish clinics provide world-class orthopedic care, making the country a top choice for joint replacement procedures.

Beyond orthopedics, Turkey has also gained a strong reputation for performing complex surgeries, including spine surgery such as lumbar and cervical spine procedures. With the integration of minimally invasive spine surgery, risks are significantly reduced, further solidifying Turkey's position as a leader in advanced medical care.

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Shoulder Joint Replacement Cost in Turkey

The price of a shoulder prosthesis varies depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the clinic’s location and reputation, the material used in the synthetic joint, and the type of joint replacement procedure.

Turkey is known for offering top-quality medical services at affordable prices. These offers often include comprehensive medical packages, seasonal discounts, credit card payment options, and personalized, budget-friendly payment plans.

When comparing the cost of shoulder replacement in Turkey with countries such as the UK, US, and other European nations, Turkey provides significantly lower prices without compromising the quality of medical care.

In the United States, shoulder replacement surgery typically costs between $14,000 and $52,000.

In Europe, the cost varies between $4,500 and $22,000, depending on the country and healthcare facility.

In some countries the joint replacement costs may be comparable to that in Turkey, however, the quality of medical care and the facilities advances, and surgeon qualification can vary significantly

Best shoulder Joint Replacement Surgeons in Turkey

The best surgeon for shoulder joint replacement surgery is an orthopedic surgeon who combines specialized certification in joint replacement with extensive experience and advanced skills.

Their qualifications include continuous updates on the latest medical guidelines for joint replacement surgeries, training in cutting-edge technologies designed to improve outcomes, increase success rates, and minimize surgical risks, as well as active contributions to international committees for orthopedic surgeons.

Turkey is home to a group of top internationally recognized orthopedic surgeons who are capable of performing such surgeries with the highest success rates and the lowest complication rates.

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Types of shoulder joint replacement

There are several types of shoulder joint replacement surgeries, each designed to address specific conditions and patient needs:

The most common three types of shoulder replacement procedure are:

Total Shoulder Joint Replacement

Total shoulder replacement is a complex procedure that involves replacing the shoulder ball and socket entirely, it is usually performed by a major surgery and requires a prolonged recovery period.

Patients who are candidate for total joint replacement are:

Patients with severe shoulder joint damage caused by inflammatory disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis) or fractures.

Patients in good overall health who can safely undergo major surgery.

Patients with severe shoulder pain and joint dysfunction that significantly impact daily activities and have not responded to medical or physical treatments.

Partial Shoulder Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)

When only part of the shoulder joint is damaged while the remaining structures are healthy, partial shoulder replacement, also known as hemiarthroplasty, is recommended.

In this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the joint and replaces it with a synthetic implant made of metal, ceramic, or plastic, preserving the healthy bone and cartilage.

Reverse shoulder joint replacement (rotator cuff arthropathy)

Reverse shoulder replacement, or rotator cuff arthropathy, is a specialized procedure designed for patients with severe shoulder dysfunction, particularly those with irreparable rotator cuff tears or arthritis combined with rotator cuff damage .

Patients who are candidate for reverse shoulder replacement:

Patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears.
Patients with cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis due to rotator cuff failure).
Patients who have failed previous shoulder replacement surgery.
Patients with complex shoulder fractures that cannot be repaired with standard methods.

Other types include:

Primary Shoulder Replacement
Primary shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure where the damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components to restore function and relieve pain.

It is commonly performed for patients with severe arthritis or irreparable joint damage.

Anatomic Shoulder Replacement
Anatomic shoulder replacement preserves the natural structure of the shoulder by replacing the damaged ball-and-socket joint with prosthetic components.

This procedure is most effective for patients with intact rotator cuffs and stable shoulder mechanics.

Shoulder Resurfacing
Shoulder resurfacing is a less invasive alternative to total replacement, where only the damaged surface of the humeral head is replaced with a smooth cap.

It is ideal for younger patients or those with early-stage arthritis who wish to preserve more of their natural bone.

Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff repair is a surgical procedure aimed at fixing torn tendons in the shoulder to restore mobility and reduce pain.

It is typically performed arthroscopically, using small incisions to reattach the tendons to the bone.

Shoulder Joint Replacement Procedure

The shoulder joint consists of a ball-and-socket structure made up of three bones:

Humerus (upper arm bone)
Scapula (shoulder blade)
Clavicle (collarbone)

The humeral head (the ball-shaped top of the humerus) fits into the glenoid, a rounded socket in the scapula. This joint is lined with articular cartilage, a smooth, protective tissue that allows for frictionless movement and absorbs shock.

Additionally, a ring of cartilage called the labrum surrounds the glenoid, deepening the socket and providing extra stability.

Before the procedure:

The initial consultation includes a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's health, having some medical tests and images to assess the condition and choose the best option for treatment.

The surgeon will discuss several key points and plan for the procedure, including:

All pre- and post-surgical instructions
The expected outcomes
The preferred type of anesthesia
The most suitable type of replacement surgery

The most important pre-surgery instructions include:

Stop some medications that interfere with the procedure or increase the risk of complications,
Stop eating and drinking 6 to 12 hours before the procedure
Stop drinking and smoking until the recovery and healing are complete.

During the procedure:

During shoulder replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged portions of the shoulder joint and replaces them with artificial components (prosthetics). The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. The surgeon makes an incision over the shoulder to access the joint.

2. The damaged humeral head (ball) is removed, and if necessary, the glenoid (socket) is reshaped or replaced.

3. The surgeon inserts a metal or ceramic prosthetic ball and secures it to the humerus. If the socket is being replaced, a plastic or polyethylene component is placed in the glenoid.

4. The rotator cuff and surrounding soft tissues are repositioned to ensure stability and function.

5. The incision is closed, and the shoulder is bandaged for recovery.

Recovery and Aftercare for Shoulder Joint Replacement

The recovery period of the shoulder replacement procedure varies depending on the patient’s overall health, the severity of the joint damage, the patient’s compliance with the aftercare instructions, and the type of the replacement procedure.

Generally, the recovery period required for complete healing after prosthetic joint surgery varies between patients but typically ranges between 6 to 12 months.

Shoulder joint replacement recovery timeline:

Day 1 to 4: Patients may stay in the hospital for two to three days after surgery, and pain and swelling begin to diminish.

Weeks 1 to 2: Introduction of mild therapy exercises.

Weeks 2 to 6: Sling application followed by participation in light tasks, including lifting a cup of coffee or assembling a sandwich.

Weeks 8 to 12: Restoration of regular function.

3 to 6 months: Significant improvement in shoulder function

6 to 12 months: Full recovery is typically achieved

Important tips during the recovery period after shoulder joint replacement:

Support your shoulder with a pillow while sleeping.
Wear loose, front-buttoning clothes for easy dressing.
Keep your wound dressing dry for 10 days.
opting for towel bathing instead of full showers or baths.
Your therapy team will provide a tailored rehabilitation plan and arrange follow-ups.
You'll wear a sling for 6-8 weeks and must avoid external rotation for the first 6 weeks.
Early movement is encouraged to prevent stiffness and ensure the best recovery.
You can start gentle exercises like swimming at 6 weeks and golf at 3 months.
Racquet sports should be avoided for at least 3-6 months, depending on the operated arm.
Light gardening is allowed after 3 months.
Recovery from a desk job takes about 4-6 weeks, while full recovery may take 18-24 months.
Manual job return will be discussed with your surgeon.

Shoulder Joint Replacement Results

A successful joint replacement surgery shows great benefits that change the patient's quality of life significantly

During the recovery period, some of these benefits start to appear including pain disappearance, and improved ability to move hands, and by the end of the recovery period you will restore the entire functionality of the shoulder joint

The success rate of shoulder replacement surgery is high and reaches up to 95% in Turkey.

The results last for a prolonged period approximately 90% of shoulder replacements last for longer than 10 years and patient-reported benefits are sustained

However, this durability varies between patients, and proper joint care can help extend its lifespan and maintain its function for a longer period.

FAQs

Can a shoulder joint be replaced?

Yes, a damaged shoulder joint can be effectively replaced with a prosthetic implant made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. This replacement helps restore smooth, pain-free movement and improves overall function.

How successful are shoulder joint replacements?

The successful rate of shoulder joint replacement is very high and can reach up to 95%, however it depends on several factors like the surgeon’s qualification, the aftercare instruction commitment and the patient’s general health and age.

How long does it take to recover from shoulder replacement?

The average recovery time after shoulder surgery is around six weeks to allow for all side effects to subside and the joint replacement results to appear.

Is shoulder replacement a major surgery?

Yes, shoulder replacement is considered a major surgery. because the procedure requires general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and a structured rehabilitation program for recovery