Total vs Reverse Shoulder Replacement: to All 8 Types

Shoulder replacement surgery (or shoulder arthroplasty) is a highly effective procedure to relieve chronic pain and restore motion in patients with severe shoulder joint damage. The choice of implant is critical, beginning with the distinction between anatomic total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement.

At International Clinics, we specialize in global shoulder replacement, offering state-of-the-art treatment in our internationally accredited facility in Turkey. Our all-inclusive packages make quality care accessible and reliable for patients seeking treatment abroad.

When to Consider Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Surgery is indicated for patients with severe shoulder joint pathology causing persistent pain, limited range of motion, and functional impairment that has not improved after the failure of conservative treatment.

1. Underlying Medical Conditions (Determining Implant Type): The primary indications include arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis), degeneration after a complex fracture, and Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy the condition solved specifically by the reverse replacement.
2. Clinical Symptoms (Determining Necessity): Surgery is necessary when patients experience constant pain at rest or during sleep, difficulty with daily movements (like dressing), and all non-surgical treatments have failed to provide lasting relief.

References: Rockwood & Matsen’s the Shoulder, 5th Ed., Elsevier, 2017.

The Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

The following table details the four primary replacement types

Which type is right for me?

Surgical Procedure: How the Types Differ

All shoulder replacement surgeries share the initial common steps (anesthesia and the front-of-the-shoulder incision). The surgery is defined by its outcome goal:

References: Rockwood & Matsen’s The Shoulder, 5th Ed., 2017; Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics, 14th Ed., 2021.

Modern & Specialized Techniques

Stemless / Short-Stem Implants: These are variations of the Total/Reverse designs. Their main advantage is preserving the humeral bone by avoiding insertion deep into the shaft. This minimizes the risk of fracture during surgery and makes any necessary future revision easier.

Custom / Modular Implants: Used for patients with severe bone loss or complex deformities. Implants are designed using pre-operative 3D imaging to ensure a perfect anatomical fit, which improves stability in the most challenging cases

.Biologic/Hybrid Implants: These are specialized, bone preserving techniques that may use materials like pyrocarbon or tissue grafts to delay the need for a full total replacement in younger patients.

References: Orthopaedics Today (2019); Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (2020).Comparing Global Costs and Medical Coding

Global Cost Comparison: Turkey vs. UK and USA (2025 Estimates)

Turkey is a leading destination for orthopedic medical tourism due to its significant cost savings on all-inclusive packages which bundle the surgery, implant, hospital stay, and logistics.

 Medical Insurance and Surgical Codes

For patients seeking reimbursement from their home countrys insurer, accurate documentation using standard international medical codes is essential.

Note on Coding: Most payers, including those in the US, use CPT code 23472 for both Anatomic Total and Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement. The specific procedure type is distinguished by the diagnosis codes and surgical reports. We provide all necessary documentation for your claim.

References: CPT 2025 Professional Edition, AMA; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Guidelines.

Why Choose International Clinics for Your Shoulder Replacement

Our facility in Istanbul, Turkey, is a highly sought-after destination because we balance medical excellence with exceptional value.

Quality & Safety: We are an internationally accredited (JCI) facility, ensuring our protocols and surgical safety standards meet global benchmarks.

Expertise: Your procedure is performed by fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specializing in advanced joint arthroplasty, including robotic-assisted surgery and custom implants.

Support: Our all-inclusive packages simplify medical travel, covering logistics, transfers, and providing 12 months of remote video follow-up to support your recovery after returning home.

Contact International Clinics today to receive a personalized treatment plan and start your journey toward a pain-free, fully functional shoulder.

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