On this page, we will provide you with information about this surgical procedure, its benefits, and how it can be a viable option for patients seeking quality medical care at an affordable price. We will also discuss possibly the top destinations for shoulder arthroplasty surgery abroad and provide tips on how to plan for your medical trip. With the rising costs and availability of healthcare in many countries, travelling abroad for medical treatment has become an increasingly popular choice for many patients. By choosing to receive shoulder arthroplasty surgery abroad, patients can receive exceptional medical care, all while enjoying the benefits of a relaxing vacation in a new and exciting destination.
Shoulder Arthroplasty: An Overview
Shoulder arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged or worn-out shoulder joint with an artificial joint. This is often done to alleviate pain and improve range of motion in patients with severe arthritis or other shoulder problems.
Shoulder Arthroplasty: Types of Prosthesis
Surgery is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections have not provided adequate relief of symptoms such as pain and limited mobility. The procedure is often performed on patients who are experiencing severe shoulder pain, stiffness, and loss of function, which can significantly affect their quality of life.
There are different types of prostheses that can be used in shoulder arthroplasty, and the choice of prosthesis will depend on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s preference. Here are some of the types of prostheses used in shoulder arthroplasty:
- Total shoulder replacement: This involves replacing the entire shoulder joint with a prosthesis that has a metal ball attached to a stem and a plastic socket.
- Reverse shoulder replacement: This is used when the patient has a rotator cuff tear and involves reversing the ball and socket mechanism of the shoulder joint. The metal ball is attached to the scapula (shoulder blade) and the plastic socket is attached to the humerus (upper arm bone).
- Partial shoulder replacement: This involves replacing only the damaged or diseased parts of the shoulder joint with a prosthesis.
- Resurfacing shoulder replacement: This is a newer type of shoulder replacement that involves reshaping and capping the damaged parts of the joint with a metal prosthesis.
- Stemmed hemiarthroplasty: This involves replacing only the ball part of the joint with a metal prosthesis that has a stem that fits into the humerus bone.
- Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty: This involves capping the ball part of the joint with a metal prosthesis without using a stem.
The choice of prosthesis will depend on factors such as the patient’s age, level of activity, bone quality, and the surgeon’s experience and preference.
Waiting Times for Shoulder Arthroplasty in the UK
An important factor that drives patients to seek medical treatment abroad is the waiting times for surgery in the UK. In the case of the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK, the waiting times for surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s condition. It is worth noting that the waiting times are measured from the moment the referral is received from the specialist, but it can take some time for patients to receive the referral. This means that patients may have to wait longer than the maximum waiting time of 18 weeks from the time they first visit the GP. This uncertainty can be stressful and lead patients to consider seeking medical treatment abroad where waiting times are often shorter and more predictable.
Benefits of Shoulder Arthroplasty Abroad
Spain is becoming an increasingly popular destination for shoulder arthroplasty, particularly for patients from the UK and other countries seeking high-quality medical care. Spain is known for its advanced medical facilities, highly skilled medical professionals, and almost no waiting times compared to other countries, making it an attractive destination for medical tourism. Additionally, many patients appreciate the opportunity to combine their medical treatment with a vacation in Spain, taking advantage of the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.
What to Expect During Shoulder Arthroplasty Surgery In Spain
At Teknon Medical Center, one of the leading centres for shoulder arthroplasty in Spain, patients can expect to receive exceptional medical treatment with the utmost care and safety. During the procedure, the patient is positioned in a beach chair. A deltopectoral approach is used to replace the arthritic joint with a shoulder prosthesis. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia along with interscalene block, which helps to minimize postoperative pain. Patients can expect a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery period, thanks to the advanced techniques used at Teknon Medical Center.
Length of Admission and Recovery Period
The length of admission for shoulder arthroplasty can vary depending on the individual patient’s condition and the type of procedure performed. In general, patients can expect to spend one day in the hospital following surgery for observation and to manage pain and any potential complications. After that, they may be discharged to go home or to a rehabilitation facility where they will continue to receive physical therapy and support to aid in their recovery. The total length of stay can range from several days to a couple of weeks or more, but advice from Teknon Medical Center is to stay for 1 week in Spain. It is best to discuss the expected length of admission with the healthcare team before the procedure.
Dr. Joaquim Casañas Sintes – Expert Hand and Shoulder Surgeon at Teknon Medical Center
Dr. Joaquim Casañas Sintes is a highly experienced Chief Specialist in the field of hand surgery and restoration of nerves of the upper limb at the Teknon Medical Center. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, including 20 years at the Teknon Medical Center, Dr. Casañas Sintes has authored over 50 scientific publications in the field of electrophysiological control during operations on the hand and brachial plexus.
After graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Barcelona in 1993, Dr. Casañas Sintes completed his internship at the Department of Hand and Brachial Plexus Surgery at Avicenne Hospital and Bichat Hospital in Paris in 1997. He received certification from the European Community for Hand Surgery in 2001 and completed an internship at Mayo Clinic in the USA in 2005.
Dr. Casañas Sintes is an esteemed member of various scientific communities, including the European Federation for Societies of Hand Surgery (FESSH) and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). He currently serves as the President of the Spanish Society of Hand Surgery (SECMA) and is a co-founder of the National Wrist Arthroscopy Program (AEM). Additionally, Dr. Casañas Sintes is an Associate Professor at the Department of Hand Surgery at the University of Medicine of Barcelona and the Department of Physiotherapy at Universitat Gimbernat in Barcelona.
Dr. Casañas Sintes’ main area of scientific interest is the restoration of peripheral nerves, with the help of operations under electrophysiological control. Trust in his expertise for all your hand surgery and nerve restoration needs at Teknon Medical Center.
Teknon Medical Center: Exceptional Care, Advanced Treatments, and Cutting-Edge Technology in Barcelona
Teknon Medical Center, which is a part of the Quirónsalud Hospital Group, is one of the leading hospital groups in Spain, known for its advanced medical treatments, exceptional patient care, and state-of-the-art technology. The hospital is committed to upholding a strict culture of quality management to provide the best possible care and satisfaction to its patients. Teknon’s unwavering dedication to safety and quality has earned it the highly esteemed Joint Commission International accreditation from North America. At Teknon, patients can expect to receive exceptional medical treatment with the utmost care and safety.
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