Elbow Replacement Cost in Germany

The cost of elbow replacement in Germany typically ranges from $7,000 to $25,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Elbow replacement replaces a damaged elbow joint with an artificial hinge made of metal and plastic, mainly to relieve pain from arthritis or a severe fracture. In Germany, the total depends on:

• Reason for surgery: arthritis or fracture.
• Implant type: linked or unlinked.
• Hospital stay: usually a few days.
• Physiotherapy: and long-term lifting limits.

Oxford University Hospitals explains that elbow replacement is mostly done for rheumatoid arthritis, and also for osteoarthritis or fractures. It uses a metal and plastic hinge and is mainly for pain relief.

A sling is weaned over 3 to 6 weeks, and driving and work usually resume after 6 to 8 weeks. Improvement continues for up to a year.

Lifting is limited to about 2.5 kg for life with the operated arm.

Deep infection occurs in up to 5 in 100, long-term ulnar nerve effects in up to 5 in 100 and triceps problems in about 3 in 100. Loosening affects nearly 10 in 100 at 5 years.

International patients are usually treated in Germany as self-paying patients: the hospital reviews the medical reports, sends a cost estimate and asks for an advance payment before admission, then settles the final bill after discharge.

Inpatient hospital care in Germany is billed under the German DRG system, which depends on the main diagnosis, other diagnoses and the procedures carried out, so the final amount is known only after the stay.

Patients insured in another EU country need an S2 form from their own insurer for planned treatment in Germany, as the EHIC is intended for unplanned care.