Discuss shoulder replacement with Dr. Mesut Sançmış, an orthopaedics and traumatology specialist in Antalya. Understand implant options, recovery and the demands of rehabilitation.
Shoulder replacement, also called shoulder arthroplasty, replaces damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. The main shoulder joint connects the ball of the upper arm bone, the humeral head, with a shallow socket in the shoulder blade called the glenoid.
When cartilage is severely damaged, these surfaces may no longer move comfortably against each other. Replacement aims to reduce pain and make activities such as dressing, washing and reaching more manageable.
The operation is different from repairing a tendon or stabilising a repeatedly dislocating shoulder.
When Might Shoulder Replacement Help?
Replacement may be considered for advanced osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, damage following an old injury or collapse of the humeral head from avascular necrosis. Certain complex fractures and severe rotator cuff-related joint damage can also require replacement.
For arthritis, the discussion usually arises when pain disrupts sleep or everyday activities and appropriate non-surgical treatment no longer provides enough relief.
Pain medication, activity changes, physiotherapy and selected injections may still be suitable alternatives. A painful shoulder does not automatically need a prosthesis.
Assessment Before Shoulder Arthroplasty
Examination assesses movement, muscle strength and how symptoms affect the use of your arm. The condition of the rotator cuff is particularly important because these tendons help control and stabilise the joint.
X-rays show arthritis, deformity and bone loss. CT may help plan the socket reconstruction, while ultrasound or MRI can investigate tendon damage when required.
Your health, previous surgery and activity goals also influence the recommendation. Explain whether you depend on the arm for work, caring responsibilities or using walking aids.
Types of Shoulder Replacement
Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement
An anatomic replacement follows the joint's original arrangement: a ball replaces the humeral head and a socket component replaces the damaged glenoid surface.
It is often considered for arthritis when the rotator cuff functions adequately and the available bone can support the components.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
A reverse replacement places the ball on the shoulder blade and the socket on the upper arm. This changes the mechanics so the deltoid muscle can play a greater role in lifting the arm.
It may be considered for an irreparable rotator cuff with joint damage, selected fractures, significant deformity or some failed previous replacements. It is not simply a newer version that suits everyone better.
Partial Shoulder Replacement
A hemiarthroplasty replaces the humeral head without adding a socket component. It remains an option for selected conditions, depending on the socket, bone quality and surrounding tissues.
Preparing for the Operation
Preoperative checks assess your fitness for surgery and anaesthesia. Provide a complete medication list and mention previous infections, allergies and any injections into the shoulder.
Do not change prescribed medication without instructions. The team will explain which medicines to continue or adjust.
Arrange practical help with meals, dressing and household tasks while your arm is restricted. Preparing easy-to-reach essentials and loose-fitting clothes can make the first weeks more manageable.
How Shoulder Replacement Is Performed
The surgeon accesses the joint through an incision, removes the damaged surfaces and positions the selected components. Fixation depends on the implant design and bone quality.
General anaesthesia, a regional nerve block or a combination may be used. Any tissues released to access the joint are repaired as appropriate before the wound is closed.
Afterwards, care focuses on pain control, wound protection and learning how to manage the arm safely. Discharge depends on your condition and support needs rather than a guaranteed hospital stay.
Recovery After Shoulder Replacement
Protecting the Shoulder
A sling is commonly used during early recovery. The permitted movements depend on the replacement and any tendon repair.
Hand, wrist and elbow exercises may be encouraged while shoulder movement follows a more controlled programme. Avoid using the operated arm to lift, pull or push yourself out of a chair until cleared.
Restoring Function
Physiotherapy progresses from protected movement towards active use and strengthening. Anatomic and reverse replacements may require different precautions, so another patient's exercise schedule may not be suitable.
Recovery takes several months, with further gains sometimes continuing through the first year. Returning to driving, physical work and sport requires separate assessment of control, strength and healing.
Risks and Long-Term Expectations
Possible complications include infection, dislocation, fracture, nerve injury, blood clots and implant loosening. Rotator cuff failure can affect an anatomic replacement; reverse replacements have additional risks such as stress fractures around the shoulder blade.
Pain may improve more than strength or movement. Some limitations can remain, and further surgery may be needed if the implant fails or symptoms persist.
A replacement is intended to support everyday function, not guarantee unrestricted heavy lifting or contact sport.
Report increasing wound redness, drainage, fever or worsening arm numbness promptly. Chest pain or sudden breathlessness requires emergency assessment.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Cost in Turkey
Request an estimate specifying anatomic, reverse or partial replacement. Clarify the implant, anaesthesia, hospital care, imaging and rehabilitation included.
Ask how follow-up, additional treatment and any extended stay would be charged. A quotation should describe the proposed care rather than rely on an unspecified shoulder surgery package.
Share previous scans and operation reports before a planned assessment. Establish who will help while you use a sling and how physiotherapy will continue after returning home.
Confirm the early review schedule and obtain individual advice about flying. Being discharged from hospital does not automatically mean you are ready to travel.
This content does not replace an individual medical assessment. Treatment selection and recovery vary between patients.
Reviews
What Patients Say
Read reviews of Dr. Sançmış and MSM Klinik on Google, WhatClinic and Trustpilot.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Dr Mesut Sançmış for his kind, caring and professional approach to my long term medical issues. He very efficiently examined, tested and diagnosed my medical issues and offered treatment of arthroscopic knee surgery for the following day.
The surgery was an absolute success with my original pain now gone and the procedure stiffness subsiding daily. I can already walk and sleep better and my quality of life is improving. The constant pain etched on my face and in my daily life has gone and I can never thank him enough. He is a true gentleman and 5 star surgeon.
Trustpilot
From the very beginning, I felt that I was in good hands with Dr. Mesut Sançmis . The consultation was clear, supportive, and reassuring, which made me feel confident about moving forward. Throughout the treatment, Dr. Mesut Sançmis showed great care and professionalism, always making sure I was comfortable and informed.
The results have exceeded my expectations — my feet not only look better, but I feel more confident and at ease in my daily life. It has truly been a positive change for me, both physically and emotionally.
I am very grateful for the expertise, kindness, and attention to detail that Dr. Mesut Sançmis provided. I would gladly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for high-quality, compassionate care.
WhatClinic
The Dr was very helpful and honest and gave me my options how to go forward. Very pleased with the support. I requested injections and the Dr recommended would not help as my condition requires surgery in the near future
Google
MSM Klinik have been excellent. From the initial consultation, through the Hospital procedure and the after care absolutely fantastic. Communication about the knee procedure and the ease of making it happen with genuine concern for your welfare and recovery. Highly recommend this great Klinic. Thanks MSM
Google
I fortunately came across Dr. Mesut while researching orthopedic surgeons in Antalya after suffering a severe heel fracture in the United States. From the beginning, I was uneasy with the treatment plan proposed by my U.S. surgeon. After more than a year of being told that it was simply a “bad break” that would take time to heal, it was finally discovered that I had also severely sprained my ankle at the time of the injury, resulting in partial ligament and tendon tears that had been missed entirely.
When these tears were eventually identified, the solution I was given was ankle fusion surgery, an option that would have permanently limited my mobility. This did not sit right with me.
While in Antalya for my spouse's dental care, I had the opportunity to consult with Dr. Mesut at MSM Klinik. His team quickly arranged comprehensive testing to fully understand what was happening with my foot. Dr. Mesut confirmed the ligament and tendon damage but was very clear that ankle fusion was not the appropriate solution for my case. Through my time there, it was clear to me that he treats a wide range of complex orthopedic conditions, not just ankle cases, which gave me even more confidence in his overall experience. From our first conversation, I felt confident in his expertise. He immediately recognized the complexity of my injury, especially given that my foot had healed incorrectly over the course of more than a year and a half.
After returning to the U.S. and doing further research, I made the decision to go back to Antalya and proceed with surgery under Dr. Mesut’s care. One of the major factors in my decision was his use of stem cell therapy, an option that was never even discussed by my doctors in the United States.
From start to finish, the level of professionalism and compassion at MSM Klinik was exceptional. Everyone in the office was attentive, organized, and supportive. Eli was especially wonderful, managing all logistics and providing clear translation throughout the entire process, which made everything seamless and stress free. During my stay, I also received IV vitamin and supportive therapies at the office designed to aid healing and speed recovery.
I am now just 2.5 weeks post surgery and already able to walk at approximately 50% weight bearing. In the U.S., I would have been non-weight bearing for at least two months before even beginning this stage. My recovery has been faster and smoother than I ever expected, and everything is healing remarkably well.
Trustpilot
Near Lara/speak English/top orthopedic
Top orthopedic. We needed a hand surgeon for our son who had an accident with a knife. Great Service via WhatsApp/speak English. Modern clinic. All innovative methods. State of art Equipment. Near hotels in Lara/Kundu. Also good for international tourists.
Google
I had a bit of a medical emergency during my trip to Antalya, and I'm so glad I found this clinic. They managed to squeeze me in right away and built a care program that worked perfectly with the rest of my stay. The doctor was wonderful, and having a translator there made the whole process stress-free. I felt truly well-cared for at every appointment!
WhatClinic
Dr Mesut and the team were exceptional and delivered excellent service. My issue was well investigated and management options/plans were provided. I am well satisfied with the service and happy with the outcome. Thank you again
Google
Service was excellent. I’m forever grateful to Surgeon Mesut Sancmis for taking care of me. I’m still recovering and have a follow up coming soon but I’m confident I will recover 100%. The whole staff was very attentive and professional. Starting with the driver he was so helpful and nice assisting me with my wheelchair. Amy who was with me throughout the whole process made sure all my needs and concerns were addressed. I didn’t feel there was a language barrier because she was there to translate and facilitate all my needs. Even after discharge Dr Mesut and Amy visit me multiple times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. I highly recommend them. Dr Mesut Sancmis is an awesome surgeon I’m glad I found him and if I ever need surgery again i will choose him, I highly recommend him. Thank you 🙏🏽
Google
My wife had a knee injection at MSM Klinik in Antalya in Turkey last year. She had been suffering from severe knee pain for several years and the injection really helped her regain mobility. So, we returned to MSM Klinik this year, where she has now had a second injection, which we expect will help her sustain her ability to walk at least another six months free of pain. My wife has been referred to NHS orthopedic specialists in the UK and is waiting for their diagnosis also. Waiting times are very long still in the UK, so the assistance provided by MSM Klinik in Turkey in the meantime has been extremely helpful.
WhatClinic
I visited Antalya in early May of 2025, while experiencing acute sciatica pain going down my left leg. I got in touch with MSM Klinik and had the exam scheduled promptly after talking over the phone with the staff. I had the X-rays and MRI done very promptly at Yasam Hastanesi Life Hospital. MSM Klinik staff, Mr. Mursel, took me to the hospital and was with me there while I was getting the x-rays and MRI done. Then he drove me back to the MSM Klinik where we reviewed the results with the Doctor. The Doctor appeared very knowledgeable and offered an effective treatment plan. However, it was beyond my budget. I continued to manage my back pain with NSAID.
I'm giving 5 starts for the service and promptness, but not for any medical procedure as no medical procedure was done.
The Doctor, his assistant Mr. Murcel, and the office staff were very kind, professional and attentive to my issue, which deserves a 5 star review.
The MRI, x-rays and the consultation were reasonably priced.
Google
I couldn't recommend this clinic more!
In addition to achieving my desired results, the clinic and doctor were constantly in touch with me (both in person and by phone) and responded quickly to any questions or concerns I had. This gave me peace of mind and made the process feel much easier, while giving me confidence in it.
Google
Challenging or mild conditions require the type of specific attention provided! Dr. Mesut Sancmis Ortopedi and his entire staff are highly knowledgeable and solution focused! It is incredible to witness the difference their patient care delivers. Do you have back pain, shoulder issues, orthopedic problems, here’s your source for these and MUCH more! Please don’t hesitate to book your 1st consultation to start on the path of healing!
Google
The staff / ladies at the clinic are very professional, friendly and cute,,,, nothing is too much trouble.
Dr Mesut is also very Professional and knowledgeable, and if his treatment works successfully, which i have no doubt about, I will return annually for check overs / mot.
If not I will return just once,,,, for a refund 😂🤣
Seriously he is very very good, i totally recommend him and his team and I have experienced hospitals / clinics all over the world due to my previous life racing Speedway,,,, tge racing was fine,,,, the crashes were the problem.
01 / 14
Ratings as shown on each platform on 15 October 2026. Reviews cover a range of treatments and are the opinions of individual patients.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Antalya
Ask the team about accommodation at Ramada Plaza Antalya and the arrangements relevant to your planned stay.CONFIRM: partnership
Ramada Plaza AntalyaPartner hotel · on the cliffs, next to the old town
~10 minto the clinic
On sitesea platform
~20 minfrom the airport
Distances are approximate.CONFIRM
Everything set up for recovery
Accessible roomSpace for crutches and a wheelchair
No. It solves different mechanical problems. Rotator cuff function, bone structure and the reason for surgery determine whether anatomic or reverse replacement is more appropriate.
How Long Will the Implant Last?
Implants can function for many years, but there is no guaranteed lifespan. Activity, bone quality, tendon function and complications can affect durability.
Can I Return to Swimming or Golf?
Some patients resume these activities after rehabilitation. The timing and any long-term limits should be agreed for your particular replacement.
Will I Regain Completely Normal Movement?
Not necessarily. The operation can improve comfort and useful movement without restoring every direction of motion or the strength of an undamaged shoulder.
