Knee Surgery Cost

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 surgery can be used for excision of torn ligaments or cartilage especially in cases of meniscus tear or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

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 are prescribed after surgery, as part of extensive physical therapy to ensure proper development and speedy recovery of the muscles and tissues around the knee. Recovery from knee replacement surgery may take up to six weeks, after which the patient is able to walk again with the support of a cane. The surgery cost can thus, be a substantial amount taking all of these things under consideration.

Cost
The total cost of knee replacement surgery can be quite high, taking into consideration the following factors:

1. Cost of physiological tests
2. Cost of procedure
3. Cost of drugs
4. Cost of hospital stay
5. Cost of post operative therapy

Most of these costs are covered if you have insurance. The total inclusive cost of 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 fiber optic 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. Recovery is usually shorter in a younger person as compared to an older person.

Cost
The cost of 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 surgery costs or any other health related expenses that may suddenly crop up. If you are above 35 then make sure that you have adequate insurance cover. Knee surgery cost may be high but when it comes to health it is best not to compromise.