Procedure in Azerbaijan
Knee and shoulder arthroscopy in Azerbaijan
Keyhole surgery of the knee or shoulder for meniscus, ligament and tendon injuries, planned after a surgeon reviews your MRI.
Typical figures. The exact plan is confirmed by the treating doctor after the medical review.
Arthroscopy in Azerbaijan is performed at licensed clinics in Baku by orthopedic surgeons. Through two or three small incisions the surgeon inserts a camera and fine instruments into the knee or shoulder. In this way a torn meniscus can be trimmed or stitched, a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be reconstructed with a graft, and some shoulder injuries can be repaired. The surgeon decides which method suits you.
Arthroscopy does not help every painful joint. In wear-related arthrosis it usually brings little benefit, and the surgeon may suggest other treatment. You send a recent MRI and your reports, the surgeon gives a preliminary opinion and we send a written cost estimate before you travel. The plan is confirmed only after an examination in Baku. MedAzerbaijan is a coordinator, not a clinic, so we organise transfers, accommodation and an interpreter.
Who it may suit
- People with a meniscus tear confirmed on MRI that causes pain, locking or swelling of the knee
- Active people with an ACL rupture whose knee feels unstable or gives way
- Patients with a rotator cuff tear or repeated dislocations of the shoulder
- Those whose symptoms persist despite rest, medicines and physiotherapy
- Patients whose general health allows surgery under anaesthesia, as confirmed by the doctors
How the procedure is organised
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1
Review of your MRI
You send an MRI of the knee or shoulder and your medical reports. The surgeon gives a preliminary opinion on whether arthroscopy may help, and we prepare a written cost estimate.
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2
Consultation and tests in Baku
After arrival the surgeon examines the joint and may order additional imaging. You have blood tests, an ECG and an anaesthetist assessment, and the plan is confirmed only after this examination.
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3
Surgery day
The operation is performed under spinal, regional or general anaesthesia, as the anaesthetist decides. Its length depends on the work needed, and an interpreter is available throughout.
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4
First days after surgery
Many patients leave the clinic on the same day or the next morning. You learn to walk with crutches, and after ligament or meniscus repair the surgeon may prescribe a brace.
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5
Physiotherapy and check before flying home
Exercises start early to restore movement and muscle strength. Before the flight the surgeon checks the wound and the joint, confirms that travelling is safe and may advise on preventing blood clots.
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6
Follow-up at home
You receive a discharge summary in Russian or English and a rehabilitation plan. After ACL reconstruction rehabilitation continues for months, and we pass your questions to the surgeon.
What the cost depends on
The cost of arthroscopy is calculated individually. It depends on the joint, on whether the meniscus is trimmed or stitched, on the graft or anchors used for ligament and tendon repair, and on the tests you need. After the surgeon reviews your MRI, we send a written estimate before you travel, so you can plan your budget in advance.
- The joint and the scope of the operation
- Grafts, anchors or other fixation devices
- The clinic and the surgical team
- Additional imaging and tests before surgery
- Brace, physiotherapy sessions and accommodation
Recovery and the trip home
- After partial removal of the meniscus many people walk without crutches within a few days and return to daily activities in a few weeks.
- After meniscus repair or ACL reconstruction crutches and a brace are often needed for several weeks, and a return to sport is usually discussed no earlier than about nine months.
- After shoulder repair the arm is usually kept in a sling for several weeks, and full recovery may take several months.
- Flying home is usually possible within a few days to a week, but the surgeon decides and may advise on preventing blood clots during the flight.
Included in our coordination
- Personal coordinator
- Medical review
- Interpreter at the clinic
- Visa and invitation
- Airport and clinic transfers
- Accommodation
- Support for companions
- Follow-up at home
Documents for the medical review
Send whatever you already have. If something is missing, the doctor will tell you what else is needed.
- A recent MRI of the knee or shoulder
- X-rays of the joint, if you have them
- Reports from your orthopedic surgeon or sports doctor
- A list of your current medicines and any allergies
- Information about chronic conditions and previous operations
Frequently asked questions
How much does meniscus surgery cost in Baku?
The cost depends on whether the meniscus is trimmed or stitched, on the joint and on any implants needed. After the surgeon reviews your MRI, we send a written estimate before you travel, so you know in advance what is included.
How long does knee arthroscopy in Baku take, including the trip?
Most patients stay about five to ten days. This covers the consultation and tests, the operation, the first exercises and a check before the flight. After ligament or tendon repair the stay may be longer, and the surgeon confirms the timing.
Does a torn ACL always need reconstruction?
Not always. The decision depends on your age, activity level, knee stability and other injuries. Some people manage well with physiotherapy, while active people with an unstable knee are more often advised reconstruction. The surgeon discusses the options after reviewing the MRI and examining the knee.
When should the trip wait?
Before ACL reconstruction the surgeon often prefers to wait until swelling settles and movement returns. The trip should also wait during an infection, a flare of a chronic illness or soon after a blood clot. Please tell us about such situations, and the surgeon will advise on timing.
Does the doctor speak Russian?
Many doctors in Azerbaijan speak Russian. If needed, an interpreter joins your consultations and hospital stay. Before travelling you can also have an online consultation with the surgeon.
Send your reports and receive a treatment plan
Tell us about your condition. A coordinator will reply in your language, and the specialist will review your documents.