Orthopedic Surgery: Types, Costs and What to Expect

Not every muscle ache or joint pain requires a surgeon's care, but when it does, orthopedic surgery may help.

What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Orthopedic surgeons are specialists in treating musculoskeletal conditions.¹ This encompasses a wide range of issues that cause pain and reduce mobility, such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Dislocated joints
• Hip pain
• Back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Meniscus tears
• Scoliosis

Orthopedic surgeons have extensive training in diagnosis and treatments — both surgical and non-surgical — of the musculoskeletal system. Some orthopedic surgeons are generalists who can treat any area of the body; others specialize in specific conditions such as sports injuries; and some specialize in certain body parts, such as hips, shoulders and knees.²

To become an orthopedic surgeon, a medical student must pursue these steps:³

• Graduate from an accredited medical school with a degree as a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy.
• Pursue an additional five years of study as an orthopedic resident.
• Become licensed and certified to practice orthopedic medicine.

Physicians who wish to be officially recognized by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery must go on to practice in the field for at least two years, followed by an exam.⁴

What Is Orthopedic Surgery?

Orthopedic surgery is a subspecialty in the field of orthopedics, the specialized branch of medicine dedicated to the care of the musculoskeletal system. Your musculoskeletal system is comprised of:

• Bones
• Tendons
• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Joints

Orthopedic surgeries range from major to minimally invasive. Orthopedic surgeries are typically done under general anesthesia, but major surgeries may be done on an outpatient basis.⁵ Based on your age, health and type of surgery, you may, however, require a short hospital stay. Some examples of major types of orthopedic surgeries include:⁵

• Total hip arthroplasty
• Total knee replacement
• Shoulder surgery
• Pelvic fracture repair

Minimally invasive procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis. Minor (minimally invasive) surgeries, such as meniscus repairs of the knee, are often done arthroscopically. To perform arthroscopic surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will make small incisions in the joint being repaired. A camera and thin instruments will be threaded into the incision and used to make the repair.⁶

Surgery can be scary, but if you're in pain or unable to enjoy physical movement, it may be the best solution for you. Working with an experienced and seasoned orthopedic surgeon can help you feel confident that you are receiving the best care possible.

Orthopedic Surgery Costs

Medically necessary orthopedic surgery is usually covered by health insurance. Even so, you should expect to pay out-of-pocket costs, which will be outlined and determined by your insurer.

Out-of-pocket costs may include a deductible, as well as copays and coinsurance. If you have a high-deductible insurance plan, you may be required to pay a significant amount for your procedure before your insurance starts to pay a portion of your bill. There will also be fees for your surgeon's consultation and follow-up care, as well as for imaging tests and anesthesiology. These fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, with or without insurance.

While the cost of orthopedic surgery can vary by the location and type of surgery, here are some of the most common procedures and their average costs to consider. These costs are without health insurance.

Average Orthopedic Surgery Costs by Type

7 Common Types of Orthopedic Surgery

Before you have surgery, your orthopedic specialist or surgeon may recommend non-invasive treatment options, such as oral pain medication, injections and physical therapy. Before you decide on what type of treatment to have, discuss your recovery goals with your doctor. Your overall health, age and the desired results you're hoping for will all play a role in the treatment choice that is best for you.

Common types of orthopedic surgery include:

1. Total joint replacement

Joint replacement surgery may be done for body parts including hips, knees, wrists, elbows or shoulders.¹⁹ A total joint replacement is a surgical procedure that is done on arthritic or damaged joints. The damaged area is removed and replaced with a prosthetic device made of ceramic, plastic or metal.¹⁹ The prosthesis is designed so you can use and move the replaced joint normally. Even though total joint replacement is a major surgery, it is often done on an outpatient basis.²⁰ After surgery, the muscles surrounding the joint will need to be strengthened with rehabilitative therapy.

The average cost for total joint replacement surgery in an outpatient facility is around $11,677, and surgery at a hospital (inpatient) will cost around $19,361.⁷

2. Revision joint replacement

Revision joint replacement is also referred to as joint arthroplasty. This surgical procedure is done to replace an inserted joint replacement that is no longer viable.²¹ Over time, or with impact, a replacement joint (prosthesis) may become:²¹

• Worn out
• Infected
• Unstable
• Poorly positioned (this may occur during the original surgery)

Revision joint replacement surgeries can sometimes be more challenging or complicated than the original surgery. The formation of scar tissue, and complications with removing parts of the existing prosthesis, may make the procedure longer and more complex for your surgeon to perform.²¹

Based on the joint being worked on, you may require crutches or other supportive devices during your recovery period. It may take 12 to 18 months for full recovery to occur for procedures done on the hips and knees.²²

Knee revision surgery will cost around $17,500 on average.⁸ A hip revision surgery costs around $21,224 on average, typically ranging from $10,165 to $44,602 in price.⁹

3. Arthroscopic surgery for knees, ankles and shoulders

Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is done to correct issues such as:²³

• Rotator cuff tear (in the shoulder)
• Torn or damaged ligaments
• Inflamed tissue
• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Torn meniscus (in the knee)
• Dislocated kneecap

Arthroscopic surgeries take about an hour to perform. Your orthopedic surgeon will make one or more incisions in the joint being operated on. An arthroscope (thin instrument with a camera at its tip) will be inserted into the incision. Your surgeon will use the arthroscope to view the area, which will be magnified and visible on a monitor screen. Small surgical tools will be used to correct the issue.²³

Recovery time varies from person to person. You can expect to resume normal activities within a week. Physical therapy will be needed to strengthen the joint and surrounding muscles. You should be able to regain full movement within one to two months.²³

Arthroscopic knee surgery will cost anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000.¹⁰ Arthroscopic ankle surgery costs between $4,232 and $10,650.¹¹ Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is the most expensive and ranges from $6,900 to $31,650, with an average cost of around $25,925.¹²

4. Carpal tunnel release

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition of the wrist, caused by pressure on the median nerve.²⁴ There are two types of surgeries used to release pressure, alleviate pain and restore full movement to the wrist and hand. You and your surgeon can decide which surgical approach is best for you:

• Endoscopic surgery. Your surgeon will use an endoscope (tiny camera) to view the inside of the carpal tunnel. The ligament will be cut through small incisions made in the wrist or in the hand.²⁴
• Open surgery. Your surgeon will make an incision in your palm, over the carpal tunnel. The ligament will be cut through this incision, freeing the nerve.²⁴

As you heal, your ligament tissues will grow back together but will provide more room for the nerve. This process takes several months.²⁴ During that time, you may feel weakness in your hand. Physical therapy may be beneficial for helping you regain full movement and range of motion.

The average cost of carpal tunnel surgery is around $7,000 per hand for those without insurance.¹³

5. Trigger finger release (tenolysis)

Stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger or trigger thumb) is a condition that causes stiffness, pain and a locking sensation when you attempt to bend or straighten your finger.²⁵

Trigger finger release (tenolysis) is a relatively minor procedure that is typically done under a local anesthetic, instead of general anesthesia. Your surgeon will release (divide) the pulley at the base of the affected finger through an incision that is usually made in the palm of the hand. This will allow the flexor tendon to move and glide without infringement or pulling.²⁵

In some instances, tenolysis may be classified as an elective procedure.²⁵ Your surgeon will have to confirm that this surgery is medically necessary in order for your insurer to cover their portion of your bill. Without insurance, you may expect to pay anywhere from $1,980 to $7,774.¹⁴

6. Back surgery

There are several types of back surgeries. Based on the condition being rectified, you may need one or more types. In some instances, your surgeon may perform several procedures during the same surgery.²⁶

Back surgeries are often done on an outpatient basis. You may require a short hospital stay for more complicated procedures.

Back surgeries include:

• Spinal fusion. This corrects degenerative changes in the spine connected to nonspecific back pain. During this procedure, your doctor will fuse together specific vertebrae to limit their motion and the ability of the nerves between them to stretch and become irritated. Recovery time ranges from six months to one year.²⁷ Prices for this major surgery vary from $81,000 all the way up to $151,000, with the high end covering things like premium titanium implants.¹⁵
• Laminectomy. This alleviates lumbar spinal stenosis. Your surgeon will remove bone spurs, ligaments and bone section from your back. This will reduce the pressure on the spinal nerves. Recovery time is about 12 weeks.²⁷ A laminectomy can range in price from $51,000 to $91,000.¹⁵
• Disk replacement. This eliminates a slipped disk. Your surgeon will remove all or part of the spinal disk that has slipped out of place. This procedure may be combined with a disk replacement. Recovery time ranges from three to five weeks.²⁸ This surgery can vary in price from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on your location.¹⁶
• Foraminotomy. This relieves pain caused by compressed nerves. Your surgeon will remove bone at the sides of your vertebrae, alleviating pressure on the nerves. Recovery time ranges from two to three months.²⁹ Costs for this surgery average from $14,000 to $20,000.¹⁷

7. ACL reconstruction surgery

ACL reconstruction is an outpatient procedure done to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.³⁰ The ACL connects your thigh bone to your shin bone and helps to keep your knee stabilized. ACL injuries often occur during sports or rigorous activities.

Your surgeon will remove the damaged ligament and replace it with a piece of tendon.³⁰ Small holes will be drilled into the tibia and femur, where bone plugs will then be attached.³⁰ After the ligament is attached, your range of motion and tension will be tested, to make sure the graft is securely in place.³⁰ Your wound will then be stitched.³⁰

Physical therapy may help you regain full use of your leg. Recovery time ranges from six to 12 months.³⁰

The average cost of ACL reconstruction surgery is around $14,800.¹⁸

Saying No to Pain

Orthopedic surgeries are not done to correct life-threatening conditions, but that doesn't mean they're not important or necessary. Quality of life can be greatly determined by our ability to move freely and without pain. If your orthopedic surgeon has recommended a surgical procedure for you, you may want to consider it by weighing the pros and cons.

Physical therapy is usually recommended after orthopedic surgeries have taken place. Seeing a physical therapist can help your muscles regain strength and flexibility. This can shorten recovery time and get you closer to full mobility faster.

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Author Bio

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer with 15 years of experience focusing on medical issues and health and wellness content. Her work has been featured in outlets such as Newsweek and Time, Inc.