Shoulder replacement surgery in Germany

The best hospitals for shoulder replacement surgery in Germany are listed below. The rank is based on multiple factors, including price, quality of the doctors, cost of treatment and the success rate from our user reviews.

Shoulder replacement

A shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or arthritic shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial joint, called a shoulder prosthesis. This surgical intervention is typically performed to alleviate pain, restore shoulder function, and improve the quality of life for individuals with severe shoulder problems, such as advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injuries to the shoulder joint.
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, with the “ball” being the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the “socket” being the glenoid cavity of the scapula (shoulder blade). In a shoulder replacement procedure, the damaged or arthritic surfaces of both the humeral head and the glenoid are removed and replaced with artificial components. These artificial components usually consist of metal and plastic, and there are various designs and types of shoulder prostheses, including those with a traditional or reverse configuration.

What types of shoulder replacements can be used

There are several types of shoulder replacements, each designed to address different needs and conditions. The choice of the specific type of shoulder replacement is determined by the orthopedic surgeon after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s shoulder joint, the extent of damage, and other factors. The primary types of shoulder replacements include:
Total Shoulder Replacement (Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, TSA): In a total shoulder replacement, the entire shoulder joint is replaced with artificial components. This procedure is the most common type of shoulder replacement.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement (Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, rTSA): In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the normal positions of the ball and socket components are reversed. This design is typically used for patients with specific shoulder conditions, such as rotator cuff tears, where the standard total shoulder replacement would not be effective.
Partial Shoulder Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty): In a partial shoulder replacement, only one part of the shoulder joint is replaced, typically either the humeral head (the ball) or the glenoid (the socket). This is often used for patients with specific conditions, such as humeral head fractures.
Resurfacing Shoulder Replacement: Resurfacing shoulder replacement is a variation of total shoulder replacement, where only the damaged or arthritic surfaces of the humeral head and the glenoid are replaced, preserving more of the patient’s natural bone.
Reverse Shoulder and Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: These are often used when the rotator cuff muscles are severely damaged, as they rely on different mechanics to provide better shoulder function and stability.
Revision Shoulder Replacement: This is a more complex procedure performed when a previously implanted shoulder replacement has become damaged, worn out, or infected. It involves the removal of the existing prosthesis and the placement of new components.

How is the shoulder replacement surgery performed

Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or arthritic shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial joint, called a shoulder prosthesis. This surgery is typically performed by an orthopedic surgeon and involves several key steps:
Anesthesia: The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure that the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the surgery. There are two primary options:
General Anesthesia and Regional Anesthesia (Spinal or Epidural Anesthesia):
Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the affected shoulder to expose the damaged shoulder joint.
Glenoid Preparation: If it’s a total shoulder replacement, the surgeon prepares the glenoid (the socket) by removing any damaged or arthritic tissue. In the case of a reverse shoulder replacement, the glenoid is also prepared.
Humerus Preparation: The surgeon prepares the humerus (the upper arm bone) by removing the damaged or arthritic head of the humerus.
Prosthesis Placement: The artificial components of the shoulder prosthesis are positioned and secured in place. These components typically include:
Humeral Component: This component replaces the head of the humerus and may have a stem that is inserted into the bone.
Glenoid Component: In a total shoulder replacement, this component replaces the glenoid. In a reverse shoulder replacement, the glenoid component may also be replaced.
Plastic Liner: A plastic liner may be inserted between the humeral and glenoid components to allow for smooth articulation.
Testing and Alignment: The surgeon carefully assesses the placement, alignment, and function of the artificial shoulder components to ensure proper shoulder movement and stability.
Closure: The surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples and may insert a drain to remove excess fluids.

How much does a shoulder replacement cost in Germany

The estimated cost of a shoulder replacement in Germany can range from approximately €20.500 to €27.300.

Best hospitals for shoulder replacement surgery in Germany

Here are some well-regarded hospitals in Germany known for their orthopedic departments and expertise in shoulder replacement surgery:
Nordwest Hospital Frankfurt am Main.
Atos Hospital Munich.
Rotkreuz Hospital Frankfurt am Main.
Ethianum Clinic Heidelberg.