Meniscus Surgery Cost

A twist of the knee and a slight pressure on it while playing or running and there he goes. This is a common scenario faced by any sportsman who is into contact sports. The result of this twisting of the knee is basically a matter of concern. Well, if the individual is lucky enough, it will just be a harmless twist, with a bit of pain. If the knee has taken a blow, God forbid, then the person is in for a real trouble. The name of one of the troubles the person's knee might have to go through is meniscus tear. Meniscus is a small cartilage located in your knee and it is pivotal in maintaining balance and free movement of the legs. In case an injury and then a meniscus tear occurs, a meniscus surgery is required. The cost of the surgery, too, is a matter of concern for some. So let us take a look at the same!

Torn Meniscus Surgery

The cost will come later, no one would obviously pay before the surgery! What is this torn meniscus surgery all about? The meniscus tear surgery involves three of the processes. It either has the surgeon removing the meniscus, repairing the meniscus or the surgeon may replace the meniscus completely. Typically, for many patients, just repairing the meniscus works well. In short, small instruments and small camera are inserted in the concerned area, after incisions are made in the knee joint. The torn fragment is cut and removed after the surgeon gets the hang of what is wrong and how much damage has been inflicted. Once the torn part is gotten rid of, the remaining part of the meniscus is smoothened.

Cost of Torn Meniscus Surgery

A number of factors revolve around how much will you have to pay to get your meniscus operated. Some of the most important aspects are the age and overall health of the patient, the gravity of the injury and the type of surgery. But I will stop beating around the bush now. I will get straight to the figures. As per the official records, surgery cost hovers around $8000, which is the upper limit. The average is around $4,500. This is the typical cost for a meniscus surgery. Now it depends on the surgery as well and the location and the hospital too. A plush hospital with state-of-the-art facilities may even charge around $10,000 or more. According to some studies the maximum a person will have to pay for surgery can go to up to $30,000 as well. The cost will include the following -

• Doctor ordering the MRI
• MRI scan
• The surgeon doing the surgery
• Anesthesia
• The surgeon's assistant
• Hospital set up
• Physical therapy after surgery

All these factors combined will give you the exact amount to be paid for the meniscus surgery. All these costs apply to medial meniscus surgery and any other arthroscopic procedure too. Here is an example of how a location can impact the cost. On an average in Los Angeles, meniscus surgery may cost around $15,000, as against $9000 (approximately) in Atlanta.

If a patient has medical insurance, it may come in handy. If a person does not have insurance and is going to pay from his own pocket and the cost is more than one can afford, the doctors give special preferences. For such people, there is the option of a care credit. In countries like India, the cost is probably half or less than that of the cost in USA. Of course, it depends on other factors, too, and may vary.

In addition to the expenses in the hospital, do not forget to consider the post operative treatment in the expenses! Take Care!