Shoulder Surgery Abroad: Rotator Cuff, Labrum and Replacement
Shoulder conditions — from rotator cuff tears and shoulder instability to severe arthritis requiring replacement — are among the most debilitating musculoskeletal problems. When conservative treatment fails, surgery offers genuine restoration of function. Turkey’s orthopaedic and sports medicine centres have developed significant expertise in shoulder surgery, attracting international patients seeking timely, high-quality care at lower cost.
Rotator Cuff Surgery
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint. Tears — partial or full thickness — are common, particularly in patients over 50 and in those with a history of overhead activities or shoulder trauma. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair — performed through three or four small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments — is the standard surgical approach for significant tears. Recovery involves a period of immobilisation followed by structured physiotherapy over three to six months.
Shoulder Instability and Labrum Repair
Shoulder instability — recurrent dislocation or subluxation — is often caused by tears of the glenoid labrum, the cartilage ring that deepens the shoulder socket. Arthroscopic Bankart repair reconstructs the labrum and restores shoulder stability. The procedure is particularly common in younger patients following traumatic dislocation. For patients with significant bone loss, the Latarjet procedure — transferring a small piece of bone to the front of the socket — provides more robust stabilisation.
Total Shoulder Replacement
For patients with severe glenohumeral arthritis that has not responded to conservative treatment, total shoulder arthroplasty replaces the damaged ball-and-socket joint surfaces with prosthetic components. Reverse total shoulder replacement — which reverses the positions of the ball and socket — is used when the rotator cuff is severely damaged or absent, allowing the deltoid muscle to power shoulder function.
Costs and Recovery
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery in Western Europe costs €6,000 to €14,000. In Turkey at an accredited orthopaedic centre, costs range from €3,000 to €7,500 all-inclusive. Total shoulder replacement costs €10,000 to €20,000 in Western Europe versus €6,000 to €12,000 in Turkey. Contact Dr.Visor at drvisor.com to find a verified shoulder surgery specialist.