Scoliosis Surgery in Turkey
Turkey has become a global hub for medical tourism, attracting a large number of international patients every year. These patients seek treatment at top-tier hospitals under the care of highly skilled medical teams at significantly lower costs compared to Western, European, and even Arab countries.
Scoliosis surgery in Turkey is among the procedures that draw international patients due to affordable treatment costs and a very high success rate. This success can be attributed to the use of innovative techniques, highly experienced medical teams, world-class healthcare, and the exceptional quality of medical services provided to patients.
Turkey welcomes more than 700,000 medical tourists annually across various medical fields, and this number is expected to grow thanks to the country’s ongoing medical achievements, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Cost Comparison of Scoliosis Surgery: Turkey vs. Other Countries
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| USA | €60,000 |
| Germany | €45,000 |
| France | €47,000 |
| Spain | €40,000 |
| Turkey | €20,000 |
If you’re considering traveling to Turkey for scoliosis correction surgery, contact us for guidance and referrals to the best hospitals specializing in scoliosis procedures with the highest success rates and the lowest possible treatment costs.
Get a Medical Diagnosis
Before and After Scoliosis Surgery in Turkey
Methods for Treating Scoliosis
Most children with scoliosis have mild curvatures, often requiring no braces or surgery. However, children with moderate or severe scoliosis may need regular check-ups to monitor changes in spinal curvature during growth.
Before starting treatment, several factors must be considered, including:
- Gender: Females are more likely to experience worsening scoliosis.
- Severity of the curvature: Larger curves are more likely to require intervention.
- Pattern of curvature: Certain curvature patterns respond better to treatment.
- Location of curvature: Thoracic curves are more likely to worsen than lumbar curves.
- Skeletal maturity: Growth potential influences the likelihood of curve progression.
Bracing Treatment
For children with moderate scoliosis and growing bones, a brace may be sufficient. Although braces do not cure scoliosis or reverse the curvature, they can prevent it from worsening. The effectiveness of braces improves with the number of hours worn daily.
Surgical Treatment for Scoliosis
Severe scoliosis tends to progress over time, necessitating surgical intervention to reduce spinal curvature and prevent further complications. The most common type of scoliosis surgery is spinal fusion.
In spinal fusion surgery:
- Two or more vertebrae are fused together to prevent independent movement.
- Bone grafts or bone-like material are placed between the vertebrae.
- Metal rods, hooks, screws, or wires hold the spine straight while the bones fuse over time.
For young patients with rapidly progressing scoliosis, surgeons may install an adjustable rod that grows with the child. These growing rods are typically lengthened every six months.
Surgery Details
- Duration: 4 to 8 hours
- Hospital Stay: 5 to 15 days
- Stay in Turkey: 1 to 2 months
- Full Recovery: Approximately 3 months after surgery
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, often occurring during the growth spurt before puberty. While conditions like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy may cause scoliosis, the cause of most cases remains unknown.
Most scoliosis cases are mild, but severe spinal deformities can worsen as a child grows, potentially affecting lung and heart function.
Children with mild scoliosis are monitored with X-rays to detect any progression. In many cases, treatment is unnecessary, but braces or surgery may be recommended for severe cases.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
- Uneven shoulders
- A prominent shoulder blade on one side
- Uneven waist
- A hip higher than the other
Causes of Scoliosis
While the exact cause of most scoliosis cases is unknown, it may involve genetic factors since the condition often runs in families. Less common causes include:
- Neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
- Congenital spinal malformations
- Spinal injuries or infections
Complications of Scoliosis
Scoliosis can lead to complications, including:
- Lung and heart damage: Severe curvature can compress the ribs, impairing lung function and blood circulation.
- Chronic back pain: Common in adults with scoliosis.
- Significant physical changes: Worsening curvature can result in uneven hips, shoulders, or prominent ribs.
For more in-depth medical information on scoliosis and its treatment in Turkey, visit Wikipedia.
For researchers and professionals interested in scoliosis surgery, explore reputable sources such as JSTOR, Britannica, or the Internet Archive.
