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When musculoskeletal injuries become very serious, they may require surgery to reattach muscles, ligaments, and tendons; repair nerve damage; reposition joints; and put the broken bones back together.Orthopedist diagnoseConditions, create treatment plans, perform procedures, help patients recover, and monitor the body for future injuries so they can restore patient mobility and comfort.
Orthopedic surgery costs
There are many types of orthopedic surgery, so costs can vary depending on the specific procedure. For example, hip surgery is often much more expensive than suturing a band in the elbow. The following factors can affect the price of your orthopedic surgery:
- Whether or not you need to stay in the hospital overnight for your procedure. Inpatient procedures typically cost between $25,000 and $30,000, while outpatient surgeries range between $15,000 and $20,000.
- The anesthesia you use. Depending on the invasiveness and duration of your procedure, your orthopedist may recommend local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, conscious oral sedation, general anesthesia, or a combination of these. Anesthesia usually costs between $2000 and $4000 for orthopedic procedures.
- consulting fees. Orthopedic surgeons typically charge between $100 and $500 for an initial consultation and surgical planning session. Some allow this fee to be applied to your surgery if you choose to proceed.
- Diagnostic examinations and evaluations. Your orthopedist will assess the affected area of your body at your first appointment, but may also order additional tests, including X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. In certain cases, your doctor may also refer you to other specialists for more information and advice.
- Where did you have your surgery. Some surgeons perform procedures in private offices or clinics, while others have privileges in local hospitals. Each operating room has different equipment and therefore costs.
Your orthopedist can discuss the potential cost of your surgery during your initial consultation. While price is certainly an important factor when choosing a doctor and treatment plan, remember that a less expensive option can be an indicator of quality. Choosing a reputable and qualified orthopedist can save you time, money and discomfort in the long run.
Payment for orthopedic surgeries
Some or all of your surgical costs will likely be due at or before the procedure. Because orthopedic surgery is usually considered a medical necessity, your health insurance company may be willing to cover most or all of your costs, depending on the details of your plan. If you don't have health insurance or your current insurance doesn't cover all of your surgical costs, medical financing can help you pay for this procedure by allowing you to pay your costs in monthly instalments. Some clinics offer independent financing directly, while others use external programs such as CareCredit. Of course, you must qualify for this financing option and be prepared to pay any interest accrued on your balance. Federal programs like Medicaid or Medicare can also help cover the cost of orthopedic surgery.
If you don't have health insurance or your current insurance doesn't cover all of your surgical costs, medical financing can help you pay for this procedure.
If you intend to use funds to fund your procedure, you must make an agreement with your orthopedist's office. If you want to apply your health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare to the cost of your surgery, you must work with a clinic or hospital that accepts your program and make sure your doctor has the correct paperwork from your provider.
Secure financing for orthopedic care today compassionate finances
Are you a candidate for orthopedic surgery?
Orthopedic problems often cause subtle symptoms that gradually worsen, so it can be difficult to tell when it's time to consider surgery. You may qualify for orthopedic surgery if:
- Discomfort or mobility problems arising from your bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles or nerves affect your daily life and activities.
- Physical therapy, prescription medication, compression, ice application, rest, or other non-surgical treatments have not adequately addressed your orthopedic problem.
- Your X-rays, MRIs, or other diagnostic images will show that your joints are significantly dislocated, your bones are fractured, or your tendons, muscles, or ligaments are or may be torn.
- They are in good general condition, without any immunocompromised diseases. You must be able to walk safely under anesthesia and heal properly to be a good candidate for orthopedic surgery.
- They do not smoke and do not drink excessively. These habits can hamper your recovery and increase your risk of complications. You can have orthopedic surgery if you are willing to stop smoking and drinking for a period of time before and after the procedure.
- You have realistic expectations about the expected outcome of your procedure. Orthopedic surgeries provide excellent results for most patients, but they come with risks and you may not experience full resolution of discomfort or mobility issues.
- Are you an athlete who would benefit from itsports medicine services.
Of course, only your doctor can make a final decision as to whether you are suitable for orthopedic surgery. If you are concerned about musculoskeletal pain, please consult your GP or orthopedist to get the help you need.
How to choose an orthopedist
Your orthopedist will guide you through the rehabilitation of the affected bone, ligament, muscle, tendon or nerve, from the initial consultation to successful recovery, so it is important to find a doctor you trust. Find out more about qualified orthopedists in your area:
- Ask friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and acquaintances for recommendations
- Talk to your doctor about your concerns and ask for a referral
- Verification of licensed orthopedic surgeon databases (e.g. you can search by zip code on the American Board of Orthopedics website)
- Search for local doctors online and see their reviews on sites like Yelp or HealthGrades
- Check with your health insurance provider for local orthopedic surgeons (to find doctors that match your coverage)
After finding a few potential orthopedic surgeons, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before making your selection. These include:
- Are you a licensed Orthopedist?
- Where did you complete your medical degree?
- Are you a member of an orthopedic professional association or professional group?
- How many years of experience do you have in orthopedic surgery?
- Do you perform the type of orthopedic surgery I need?
- Do you offer alternatives to the procedure I need?
- WasOrthopedic surgical techniquedo you use it regularly?
- How often do you perform this operation? What is your success rate for this procedure?
- What are the risks of this procedure?
- What is the infection rate in your clinic, practice or hospital (the proportion of patients who suffer from bacterial infections)?
- What do you do for patients with complications or unsatisfactory outcomes?
- What is the expected recovery time for this procedure?
- What types of aftercare do you offer? Do you have a partnership with a physical therapy practice that I can work with during my rehabilitation?
- What surgical technologies do you use in orthopedic procedures?
- Does your office accept my insurance?
- Do you offer financing options for this procedure?
- May I speak to one of your past patients or read testimonials?
Talking to your orthopedist about your concerns is also an opportunity to develop a relationship with them.
RELATED: Find a qualified orthopedist in your area
Types of orthopedic surgery
Your orthopedic surgeon will customize the techniques he or she uses to repair your bones and tissues to meet your specific needs. There are many types of orthopedic surgery including:
- Tissue Graft:Use your own bone marrow, skin, or tissue to repair another area
- Ersatz:Providing an artificial replacement for a damaged bone or joint
- Reduction:Removing bone fragments after a fracture to allow for better healing
- resection:Removing part or all of the bone, joint, or area of tissue to relieve pressure and discomfort
- Arthroscopy:Using a small computer-controlled camera instrument to examine and diagnose joint problems
- Wash:Cleaning an injured joint with antibiotics and salt water to prevent infection and speed recovery
- Arthrodese:Fusion of two adjacent bones
- release cut:a procedure in which an overly tight ligament, tendon, or muscle is incised to relieve pressure and tension
- fixation:Using pins, screws, needles, or other biocompatible metal instruments inside or outside the skin to reposition damaged bones or joints
- Member Rescue:Excision of infection or tumors in the bone tissue to save the limb
- Debridement:Removal of injured, dead, or diseased cells to allow remaining tissue to heal
- Aspiration:a procedure in which the orthopedic surgeon uses a fine needle to remove fluid from the bone marrow for analysis
- Osteogenic distraction:a technique used to rebuild and lengthen bones
Preparing for orthopedic surgery
Once you have decided to have orthopedic surgery, there are a few steps you should take to ensure you are mentally, physically, and practically prepared for the procedure. Before your surgery you must:
- Make sure you understand all aspects of your procedure, including pre- and post-operative instructions. Consult your orthopedist if you have any questions or concerns.
- Ask a friend or family member to take you to the hospital or clinic for the procedure. You will not be able to drive after the operation. It is also advisable to have someone look after you and your home for a few days or weeks after the procedure while you recover. You should ask for time off from work or school so you can properly recover.
- Buy post-op supplies. Fill out your prescriptions, obtain a sling or crutches if needed, and buy comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that will be easy to change into after the procedure.
- Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly (but gently) and take vitamins. Keeping your body in tip-top shape can help your surgery and healing go more smoothly.
- Ask your GP, physical therapist or other relevant professional to send your medical record to your surgeon. This gives you important information about your allergies and diseases while your orthopedic surgeon plans and carries out your procedure.
- Pack a bag with clothing, toiletries, and entertainment if you're spending the night in the hospital or clinic.
- Do not eat or drink anything at least twelve hours before the scheduled time. It is dangerous to have food or liquid in your stomach during anesthesia.
Recovery from orthopedic surgery
Proper healing is critical to achieving excellent results in orthopedic surgery. Depending on the severity of your condition and the techniques used during the surgery, it may take you anywhere from several weeks to several months to recover from the procedure. To speed healing and reduce the risk of complications, you should:
- Get adequate rest in the days and weeks after orthopedic surgery.
- Understand and follow your orthopedist's post-operative instructions.
- Take the pain relievers, antibiotics, steroids, and other medications prescribed by your surgeon.
- Resume light exercise when ready. It's important to stretch and rebuild your joints so you can regain your range of motion and return to your daily activities.
- Consult a physical therapist as indicated to rehabilitate the affected joint or limb.
- Use ice and elevation to reduce inflammation.
- Contact your orthopedist if you notice a bad odor, excessive pus, or redness at the incision site. Persistent discomfort or fever can also be a sign of more serious complications that should be treated immediately.
- Avoid contact sports, excessively strenuous exercise, or potentially risky activities such as in-line skating, skiing, or jumping.
Results of orthopedic surgery
The results of your orthopedic surgery depend largely on the extent of your injury, the skill of your surgeon, the invasiveness of your treatment plan, and your compliance with post-operative instructions. Ideally, your procedure will:
- Restore the function and freedom of movement of your bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and tissues
- Relieve uncomfortable symptoms
- Repair any deformity caused by musculoskeletal damage
Your orthopedist can best explain the expected results of your surgery to you during your initial consultation.
Benefits of orthopedic surgery
Aside from the obvious benefit of orthopedic surgery—the repair of musculoskeletal damage—performing these procedures can improve your well-being in myriad ways. The benefits of orthopedic surgery include:
- So you can train more easily and conveniently. An active lifestyle can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, and other conditions.
- Relief of discomfort, pain, tension and stiffness associated with orthopedic injuries.
- Prevent further damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, bones and other tissues.
- improving your posture.
- Reducing stress, anger or anxiety due to pain or lack of exercise.
Orthopedic injuries affect each patient individually, so your surgeon can discuss the specific benefits of your surgery with you during your consultation.
Risks of orthopedic surgery
Orthopedic surgeries are relatively safe, but no surgery is completely risk-free. Complications that can occur during orthopedic surgery include:
- Seratoma (accumulation of fluid) or hematoma (accumulation of blood)
- Deep vein thrombosis (possibly fatal blood clotting in the legs)
- Permanent nerve damage and loss of feeling
- unfavorable scar formation
- Inability to restore full range of motion or achieve desired results, which may require revision surgery
- develop or worsen arthritis
- Recurrence of the original condition (especially in cancer)
- Deformity of the treatment area
- Tissue death, which can cause swelling and discoloration that may need to be surgically removed (more common in patients who smoke)
If you experience symptoms of any of the above complications or side effects, please contact your orthopedist.
Working with a qualified, established surgeon and carefully following their instructions can reduce the risk of complications. You should also provide your surgeon with complete medical records so they can assess your risks before the procedure and make any necessary precautions. For example, patients who are allergic to certain anesthetics can use alternative sedatives.
Side effects of orthopedic surgery
The surgical process and materials used can be harsh on your body, so some of the following side effects may occur:
- Adverse or allergic reaction to anesthetics or other drugs and materials used
- Dizziness, disorientation and nausea due to the anesthesia
- heavy bleeding
- inflammation
- Light pain
- Infection
- hematoma
- irritated skin
- Seam issues (your incision may open up again or individual seams may rip too soon)
- Temporary loss of feeling as the nerves heal
- Loss of mobility (when you regain your strength and flexibility through activity and physical therapy)
These side effects, while uncomfortable, are temporary and can usually be treated very easily. Talk to your orthopedist if you have any of the above conditions.
Safety data in orthopedic surgery
Orthopedic surgeries are generally quite safe, especially if you choose an excellent and experienced doctor and follow their instructions. You must sign a consent form before undergoing the procedure. You should not do so until you fully understand your treatment plan, risks, side effects, expected results, and instructions for preparing for and recovering from your orthopedic surgery.
Statistics of orthopedic surgery
Every patient's orthopedic condition and treatment is different, but understanding some general statistics about orthopedic surgery can help you become familiar with the field and decide if you're interested in undergoing surgery. Here are some figures on orthopedic surgery:
- 34 percentof orthopedic surgeons perform knee surgery, making it the most popular specialty.
- 73.5 percentof orthopedic surgeons work in private practices44.3 percentPartnership with other orthopedists in a group practice.
- 25.500Orthopedists currently practice in the United States.
- These professionals work on average32Procedures every month, about one a day.
- One97 millionIn 2010 alone, people saw a doctor with musculoskeletal problems, suggesting that many people could benefit from orthopedic treatment.
- The average success rate for most orthopedic procedures is85 % bis 95 %(But your own odds may be higher or lower depending on the surgeon you choose).
Frequently asked questions about orthopedic surgery
How long does a joint replacement last?
With proper care, artificial joints usually last between 10 and 20 years. Patients who lead more active lifestyles tend to wear out their replacement products more quickly.
Why do I need an arthroscopy?
This minimally invasive procedure allows your surgeon to easily visualize, diagnose, and in some cases treat damage to your joint. It can be performed as a precursor to more invasive procedures, or it can treat your condition entirely on its own.
Can I still do sports after the operation?
Normally yes. However, you need to take precautions so you don't re-injure the affected area or strain your muscles and ligaments. Orthopedists generally recommend avoiding high-impact sports like soccer after surgery.
pediatric orthopaedics
If your child has a musculoskeletal irregularity, a joint infection, or a broken bone, a pediatric orthopedist can help. These professionals undergo the same rigorous training as all orthopedic surgeons, but with special attention to the needs of children. They know how to communicate with children about their feelings, diagnose their conditions, and operate on their developing smaller bodies to keep them calm and comfortable.
Find a qualified orthopedist in your area
Non-surgical alternatives
Orthopedists almost always suggest non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. You may be able to properly treat your musculoskeletal damage and discomfort by doing one of the following:
- Physiotherapy to increase flexibility and strength
- Avoiding certain unhealthy exercises or activities
- Braces, slings, or crutches (temporarily)
- Joint fluid therapy, in which a lubricant is injected into the affected joint
- Vitamins and dietary supplements such as glucosamine or chondroitin
- anti-inflammatory drugs
Using these treatments can help you avoid the expense, hassle, and inconvenience of surgery, but you need to monitor your condition and visit your orthopedist's office regularly to make sure your condition is not getting worse over time.