Knee Surgery Cost
There are two major types of knee surgery, namely, knee replacement surgery and arthroscopic knee surgery for treating a torn ligament. They are discussed here with details on the average knee surgery cost and recovery time.
Knee surgery can be segregated in two types, based on the motive of performing these surgeries. The first is knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty, where complete or partial replacement of the knee bones, with metal components, is carried out. Knee arthroplasty is mostly done in cases of osteoporosis and arthritis. The second type of major surgery that is performed on the knee is the minimally invasive surgical procedure known as arthroscopy, where a small fiber optic camera is inserted through a small incision and then the operation is performed.
Arthroscopic knee surgery
can be used for excision of torn ligaments or cartilage especially in cases of meniscus tear or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Both these procedures are discussed below along with a rough estimation of knee surgery costs.
Knee Replacement Surgery Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure used to replace diseased or worn down bones from the knee area, often replacing them with metal plates and nuts which are fixed using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. A recommended gap is kept between plates, enabling the knee to move naturally again. It is a major surgical procedure and all necessary tests are carried out before surgery, to determine the health of the patient. These include blood count tests which also check the blood clotting tendencies of the individual along with other tests comprising X-rays, ECG and blood pressure. The duration of hospitalization may range from a day to even a week, depending on the health of the patient. Immediately after surgery, crutches or a walker is generally recommended so as to not pressurize the healing knee. Simple knee exercises after surgery
are prescribed, as part of extensive physical therapy to ensure proper development and speedy recovery of the muscles and tissues around the knee.
Knee replacement surgery recovery time
may take up to six weeks after which the patient is able to walk again at least with the support of a cane. Knee surgery cost can thus, be a substantial amount taking all of these things under consideration.
You can read more on
- Knee Replacement Alternatives
- Knee Replacement Complications
- Total Knee Replacement Surgery: Recovery Tips
Knee Replacement Surgery Cost
The total cost of knee replacement surgery can be quite high, taking into consideration the following factors:
- Cost of physiological tests
- Cost of procedure
- Cost of drugs
- Cost of hospital stay
- Cost of post operative therapy
Most of these costs are covered if you have insurance. The total inclusive cost of knee surgery for knee replacement approximately ranges between USD 6000 – 12000. This may vary in different hospitals and in different locations.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure which involves using an arthroscope (a small fiberoptic camera) to carry out a surgical procedure with minimal incisions. Knee arthroscopic surgery is used primarily for treating meniscus tear and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The surgery is over pretty quickly and the patient is usually allowed to leave the hospital within a day. Post surgery physical therapy is required to get the knee back to normal condition. Drugs and painkillers may be prescribed which vary in nature and dosage from person to person.
Knee surgery recovery time
in this case, is usually shorter in a younger person when compared to older people.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Cost
The cost of knee surgery using arthroscopy in the cases of meniscus tear or ACL injury ranges from USD 4000 to 8000. As this procedure does not require a long stay at the hospital, the costs are reduced considerably.
Make sure you are covered by insurance as it can greatly reduce the burden of elaborate knee surgery costs or any other health related expenses that may suddenly crop up. If you are above 35 then making sure that you have adequate insurance cover would be a good idea. Knee surgery cost may be high but when it comes to health it is best not to compromise.
