Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Iran (Shoulder Arthroplasty in Iran)

Well-equipped hospitals, world-class experienced orthopedists and surgeons, and affordable and high-quality orthopedic surgeries in Iran attract foreign tourists to the country every year. In medical centers and specialized hospitals in different corners of the country, mainly in major cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashad, you can see tourists of various nationalities who traveled to Iran to receive orthopedic services which are at the most decent prices compared to other countries. Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Iran (Shoulder Arthroplasty in Iran) is one of the most needed among orthopedic surgeries.

We at Iran Medical Tours will help you get your shoulder replacement in Iran at a high-quality and affordable cost. You can get in touch with us via WhatsApp, or the website.

Shoulder replacement removes damaged areas of bone and replaces them with parts made of metal and plastic (implants). This surgery is called shoulder arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee). The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The round head (ball) of the upper arm bone fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder. Damage to the joint can cause pain, weakness, and stiffness.

Shoulder implants are available in a few different shapes and a range of sizes. Replacement options include partial and total using either anatomic or reverse implants. Shoulder replacement surgery is done to relieve pain and other symptoms that result from damage to the shoulder joint.

Conditions that can damage the joint include:

• Osteoarthritis: Known as wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis damages the cartilage that covers the ends of bones and helps joints move smoothly.

• Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injuries sometimes can result in damage to cartilage and bone in the shoulder joint.

• Fractures: Fractures of the upper end of the humerus may require replacement, either as a result of the injury or when the prior surgery for fracture fixation has failed.

• Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders: Caused by an overactive immune system, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can damage the cartilage and occasionally the underlying bone in the joint.

• Osteonecrosis: Some types of shoulder conditions can affect blood flow to the humerus. When a bone is starved of blood, it can collapse.

Shoulder Replacement Procedure

Depending on the type of joint damage you have, your doctor may recommend one of the following shoulder replacement options:

• Anatomic total shoulder replacement: Both the ball and the socket are replaced. The implants resemble the natural shape of the bones.

• Reverse total shoulder replacement: Both the ball and the socket are replaced, but the implants are reversed. The ball is attached to the shoulder blade and the socket is attached to the upper arm bone. This option typically is preferred if the rotator cuff is severely damaged.

• Partial shoulder replacement: Only the head (ball) of the joint is replaced. It may be recommended when only the ball side of the joint is damaged.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

For all of the aforementioned conditions, the doctor will first try some non-surgical treatment method which involves medicines, rest, and physiotherapy. If all of this fails, then the doctor may resort to shoulder replacement surgery. This is mainly to address:

• Shoulder pain which is severe and interferes with one’s daily activities

• Shoulder pain even during resting hours

• Weakness in the shoulder

• Loss of motion of the shoulder

After assessing the situation, the doctor will recommend certain tests such as an X-ray, a physical exam, and an MRI. The medical history of the patient will also be assessed in terms of his/her response to prior treatments. Following this, the doctor will present the possible treatments alongside recommending a shoulder replacement surgery.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

This type of surgery is less successful in people with:

• Diabetes

• Depression

• Obesity

• Parkinson’s disease

How to Prepare for the Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Several weeks before your procedure, your doctor may suggest that you have a complete physical exam to determine if you are healthy enough for surgery.

You might need to stop taking certain medications a couple of weeks before the shoulder replacement. Some medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and arthritis therapies, can cause too much bleeding. Your physician will also tell you to stop taking blood thinners.

On the day of your procedure, it is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing and a button-up shirt.

You will probably stay in the hospital for 2 or 3 days after surgery. Since driving is only recommended after you have regained normal motion and strength in your shoulder, you should arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital.

Most people require some assistance for about six weeks after surgery.

If you are having a general anesthetic, you will be asked to follow fasting instructions. This means not eating or drinking, typically for about six hours beforehand. However, it is important to follow your surgeon or anesthetist’s advice.

Your surgeon will discuss with you what will happen before, during, and after your procedure, and any pain you might have. Once you understand the procedure and you agree to have it, your doctor will ask you to sign a consent form.

FAQ about Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Iran (Shoulder Arthroplasty in Iran)

1. When Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery Recommended?

Shoulder replacement surgery is recommended when there is shoulder pain that is severe and interferes with one’s daily activities, shoulder pain even during resting hours, weakness in the shoulder, and loss of motion of the shoulder.

2. What Are the Different Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

The different types of shoulder replacement surgery are total shoulder replacement surgery, partial shoulder replacement surgery, resurfacing hemiarthroplasty, and reverse shoulder replacement surgery.

3. How Long Will Shoulder Replacement Surgery Last?

It is difficult to say just how long your shoulder replacement will last. Experts estimate that most modern shoulder replacements will last for at least 15 to 20 years.

Revision surgery for a shoulder replacement is rarely needed.

4. What Are the Risks of Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

There are various risks of shoulder replacement surgery, such as infection, nerve injury, dislocation, and loosening.

5. How Much Does Shoulder Replacement Surgery Cost in Iran?

The cost of shoulder replacement surgery in Iran is between $ 3500-5000. This price includes shoulder replacement surgery costs in Iran, doctor’s fees, standard prescribed tests, and all standard expenses required at the hospital.

6. How Many Days Should I Stay in Iran to Get My Shoulder Replacement Done?

For a shoulder replacement surgery, you will need to stay 1-3 weeks in Iran before you can return home by air.

You may also want to know about:

• Elbow Replacement in Iran

• Hip Replacement Costs in Iran

• Knee Replacement in Iran