Shoulder Replacement in Vietnam: Costs and Top Hospitals

Shoulder pain caused by arthritis, injury, or degeneration can severely impact a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. For patients whose symptoms do not respond to conservative treatments, shoulder replacement surgery may be a life-changing solution. Vietnam has emerged as a reputable destination for orthopedic procedures like total shoulder arthroplasty, offering high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost seen in Western countries.

This comprehensive guide explores everything international patients need to know about shoulder replacement in Vietnam, including costs, top hospitals, procedure types, recovery expectations, and travel tips for 2025.

What Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where damaged parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components, called prostheses. It is commonly recommended for patients suffering from:

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Rotator cuff tear arthropathy

• Post-traumatic arthritis

• Avascular necrosis

• Severe fractures

The goal of the procedure is to relieve pain, restore motion, and improve quality of life.

Types of Shoulder Replacement

There are three main types of shoulder replacement performed in Vietnam:

1. Total Shoulder Replacement (Anatomic)

This procedure replaces both the humeral head (the ball) and the glenoid (the socket) with artificial components. It is ideal for patients with intact rotator cuff tendons and arthritis.

2. Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Used when the rotator cuff is severely damaged or torn, the reverse shoulder arthroplasty switches the positions of the ball and socket, allowing the deltoid muscle to move the arm instead of the rotator cuff.

3. Partial Shoulder Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)

Only the ball portion of the shoulder joint is replaced. This option is less common today but may be suitable in specific fracture cases.

Why Choose Vietnam for Shoulder Replacement?

Vietnam offers a compelling combination of affordability, medical excellence, and welcoming hospitality, making it a top destination for medical tourists seeking orthopedic surgeries like shoulder replacements.

Key Benefits:

• Affordable costs: 50–80% lower than in the US or Europe

• Internationally trained surgeons

• Modern hospitals with JCI or ISO accreditation

• No long wait times

• Personalized recovery and rehabilitation plans

• Beautiful destinations for post-surgical recovery

Cost of Shoulder Replacement in Vietnam (2025)

The cost of shoulder replacement surgery in Vietnam varies depending on the type of procedure, hospital choice, and patient condition. Below is a general price range:

These packages typically include:

• Pre-operative evaluation

• Surgery and anesthesia

• Hospital stay (3–5 days)

• Prosthesis

• Post-operative care and physical therapy

Some hospitals offer medical tourism packages that also include airport transfers, interpreter services, and recovery hotel stays.

Top Hospitals for Shoulder Replacement in Vietnam

Several leading hospitals in Vietnam specialize in orthopedic and joint replacement surgeries:

1. Vinmec International Hospitals

With branches in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major cities, Vinmec provides world-class orthopedic care. Their joint replacement specialists use advanced techniques like minimally invasive shoulder arthroplasty.

Accreditation: JCI

2. FV Hospital – Ho Chi Minh City

This French-Vietnamese hospital offers high-quality shoulder surgeries performed by international-standard orthopedic teams. Their surgical outcomes and infection control rates are on par with European benchmarks.

Languages: English, French, Vietnamese

3. 108 Military Central Hospital – Hanoi

Renowned for its orthopedic department, this tertiary-level hospital serves both local and international patients. Surgeons here have extensive experience in complex joint replacement surgeries.

Specialty: Reverse and revision shoulder replacements

4. Cho Ray Hospital – Ho Chi Minh City

One of the largest public hospitals in southern Vietnam, Cho Ray offers cost-effective orthopedic surgeries without compromising quality.

Ideal for: Budget-conscious medical tourists

5. City International Hospital (CIH) – HCMC

A modern private hospital offering shoulder replacement packages in a comfortable, patient-focused environment.

An experienced Vietnamese orthopedic specialist discusses shoulder replacement options with an international patient.

What to Expect: Step-by-Step Process

1. Pre-Operative Evaluation

• Imaging (X-rays, MRI)

• Blood tests

• Medical history and physical examination

• Consultation with the orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist

2. Surgery Day

• Procedure duration: 1.5 to 3 hours

• General or regional anesthesia

• Prosthesis is implanted via an incision on the front or side of the shoulder

3. Post-Operative Care

• Hospital stay: 3–5 days

• Pain management

• Early passive motion exercises

4. Rehabilitation

• Starts immediately after surgery

• Physical therapy for 6–12 weeks

• Strength and range of motion gradually restored

5. Recovery Timeline

• Driving: 6–8 weeks

• Return to desk work: 4–6 weeks

• Full recovery: 3–6 months

Is Shoulder Replacement Right for You?

Ideal candidates for shoulder replacement surgery in Vietnam include:

• Patients over 60 with severe joint damage

• Individuals with limited arm mobility and chronic shoulder pain

• Those who have not improved with medications, injections, or physical therapy

You may not be eligible if you have active infections, poor bone quality, or severe neurological conditions.

Tips for Medical Tourists Traveling to Vietnam

Here are essential tips for planning your trip:

Visa and Travel

• Most patients can enter Vietnam with a 30-day tourist visa

• Several countries are eligible for visa exemption

Best Time to Travel

• Dry season (November–April) is ideal for recovery and sightseeing

Accommodations

• Many hospitals partner with nearby 4-star hotels for patient recovery

• Some packages include chauffeur service and meals

Language Support

• Leading hospitals offer English-speaking staff

• Interpreter services are available for French, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean

Why Vietnam Is Ideal for Post-Surgery Recovery

Beyond its medical excellence, Vietnam offers serene and affordable places to recover. Consider spending your recovery period in:

• Da Nang: Beachside hotels with physical therapy services

• Dalat: Cool mountain climate and peaceful surroundings

• Hoi An: A UNESCO town with charming ambiance and wellness spas

Patient Testimonial

“I had reverse shoulder replacement in Ho Chi Minh City after years of pain. The doctors were professional, and the facility was spotless. I recovered in a beach resort for two weeks—it was the best decision I ever made!”
— John R., Australia

Final Thoughts

Shoulder replacement in Vietnam offers international patients an excellent combination of advanced care, affordable pricing, and a comfortable healing environment. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, an injury, or rotator cuff disease, Vietnam’s hospitals provide world-class orthopedic solutions tailored to your needs.

With medical tourism support, streamlined procedures, and personalized care, undergoing shoulder replacement in Vietnam can lead to a pain-free, mobile future—without the long wait times or heavy financial burden found elsewhere.