Scoliosis, Spine Surgery and Orthopaedic Care in Turkey
Spinal conditions — from degenerative disc disease and herniated discs to scoliosis and spinal stenosis — are among the most debilitating health problems globally. When conservative treatment fails to provide adequate relief, spine surgery offers the prospect of genuine improvement. Turkey’s internationally accredited hospitals have developed significant expertise in spinal surgery, attracting patients from across the world who seek both excellent outcomes and substantially lower costs.
Common Spinal Conditions Treated in Turkey
Herniated Disc (Disc Prolapse)
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the outer ring, potentially compressing nearby nerve roots and causing pain, numbness or weakness. Minimally invasive discectomy — removing the herniated portion through a small incision — is one of the most commonly performed spine procedures in Turkey, with excellent outcomes in appropriately selected patients.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal, typically in the lumbar region, that compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots. Laminectomy — removing part of the vertebral arch to create more space — reliably relieves symptoms in patients who have not responded to conservative care.
Scoliosis
Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, which may be congenital or develop during adolescence. Severe scoliosis (curves exceeding 40 to 50 degrees) may require surgical correction using spinal fusion and instrumentation. Turkey’s leading orthopaedic centres perform both adolescent and adult scoliosis correction surgery.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related deterioration of intervertebral discs leading to chronic back pain. Spinal fusion — permanently joining two or more vertebrae — or artificial disc replacement may be appropriate for patients with severe, refractory symptoms.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) uses specialised instruments and imaging guidance to perform spinal procedures through very small incisions. Compared to traditional open surgery, MISS offers reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and lower infection risk. Turkey’s top spine surgery centres offer a full range of MISS procedures.
Costs in Turkey vs Western Europe
Spinal surgery costs vary considerably by procedure complexity. A minimally invasive lumbar discectomy in Western Europe costs €8,000 to €18,000. In Turkey at a JCI-accredited hospital, the same procedure costs €4,000 to €9,000 all-inclusive. Complex scoliosis correction or multi-level fusion procedures show proportionally similar savings.
Second Opinions for Spinal Conditions
Spine surgery should never be approached without careful consideration and, ideally, more than one specialist opinion. Dr.Visor facilitates second opinion consultations with Turkish spinal surgeons for patients who have received a surgical recommendation and wish to explore their options. Contact us at drvisor.com.