A surgery becomes necessary when the rotator cuff tears or the shoulder gets dislocated. The shoulder surgery costs could range anywhere between $5600 to $35,600, depending on the complexity of the procedure employed.
Did You Know?
According to statistics provided by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, in 2006, more than 7.5 million Americans sought treatment for shoulder problems, out of which 4.1 million people visited the doctor’s clinic for rotator cuff injuries.
The shoulder joint is held in place by muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which enable us to move or rotate our arm. Many times, this joint is subjected to wear and tear due to overuse or frequent exhaustive athletic activities such as tennis, baseball, weightlifting etc, leading to pain or injury. This pain and the associated discomfort can be treated effectively with medication, rest, and physical therapy. But, a major injury would require surgery right away.
Open surgery and arthroscopy surgery are the two common shoulder surgery procedures. The third option is total shoulder replacement surgery, which is required in case of severe arthritis of the shoulder joint. A surgeon will suggest an appropriate surgery, depending upon the cause of the problem, whether it is a joint dislocation, connective tissue damage or some other injuries. So, the cost depends on the type of procedure recommended to the patient.
Shoulder Arthroscopy Cost
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, that may cost anywhere between $4,000 to $8,000 minimum. Usually, arthroscopic repair is suggested to patients who are diagnosed with partial rotator cuff tear, full-thickness rotator cuff tear or dislocated shoulder. During the rotator cuff repair or dislocated shoulder surgery, small incisions are made in the shoulder area. A thin device with a lens and light source (i.e. arthroscope) is inserted in the shoulder joint to view the affected joint. Then, other therapeutic instruments are inserted to correct the problem.
Total Recovery Period After Surgery: Approximately 3 months.
Open Surgery Cost
The average cost for this type of procedure falls between $9,000 to $18,000. Open surgery is one of the conventional approaches, taken in case of severe damage to the shoulder joint. In short, serious injuries that cannot be corrected by arthroscopy are treated with open surgery. As the name implies, a large incision is made at the affected portion, so that the surgeon can directly access the joint and tissues. Since the incision is large, scarring, possibility of infection and other side effects are high. Also, the healing period for open shoulder surgery is longer than arthroscopic surgery. Despite the risk factors, post-operative results of open surgery are impressive in most patients.
Total Recovery Period After Surgery: Approximately 3-6 months.
Shoulder Arthroplasty Cost
Arthroplasty is a more complex procedure, where a malformed or degenerated joint is surgical reconstructed or replaced with artificial materials like metal or plastic. The cost for this shoulder surgery is similar to an open surgery type and may range between $9,000 – $21,000.
Total Recovery Period After Surgery: Approximately 6-9 months.
Costs by State
Please Note:
- All figures are as of March 2013 and is in US Dollars.
- The costs may vary based on procedure type, location, insurance type, physician fees, hospital charges, and post-operation physical therapy sessions.
| Alabama | $6,100 – $29,100 |
| Alaska | $10,700 – $38,200 |
| Arizona | $15,200 – $39,400 |
| Arkansas | $13,800 – $19,400 |
| California | $22,500 – $47,200 |
| Colorado | $18,200 – $72,000 |
| Connecticut | $10,200 – $30,100 |
| Delaware | $14,600 – $18,200 |
| Florida | $15,900 – $66,000 |
| Georgia | $14,400 – $33,000 |
| Hawaii | $8,400 – $31,900 |
| Idaho | $6,600 – $14,800 |
| Illinois | $8,200 – $40,600 |
| Indiana | $15,700 |
| Iowa | $9,600 – $33,000 |
| Kansas | $9,500 – $49,000 |
| Kentucky | $9,600 – $33,600 |
| Louisiana | $13,900 -$28,000 |
| Maine | $19,500 |
| Maryland | $16,900 – $21,400 |
| Massachusetts | $7,000 – 60,800 |
| Michigan | $11,000 – $34,300 |
| Minnesota | $7,700 – $34,200 |
| Mississippi | $14,400 |
| Missouri | $6,200 – $30,900 |
| Montana | $15,700 |
| Nebraska | $15,600 – $33,600 |
| Nevada | $15,600 – $37,200 |
| New Hampshire | $19,600 |
| New Jersey | $18,700 |
| New Mexico | $16,800 |
| New York | $6,800 – $50,900 |
| North Carolina | $9,100 – $18,700 |
| North Dakota | $13500 – $25,800 |
| Ohio | $7,500 – $30,100 |
| Oklahoma | $12,100 – $49,600 |
| Oregon | $18,600 – $33,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $13,600 – $41,800 |
| Rhode Island | $9,400 – $24,400 |
| South Carolina | $16,200 – $22,000 |
| South Dakota | $16,000 – $24,200 |
| Tennessee | $11,500 – $18,200 |
| Texas | $13,300 – $40,900 |
| Utah | $5,300 – $22,500 |
| Vermont | $10,500 – $18,600 |
| Virginia | $6,000 – $28,400 |
| Washington | $8,700 – $36,500 |
| West Virginia | $11,700 – $30,000 |
| Wisconsin | $10,700 – $38,000 |
| Wyoming | $13,500 – $33,300 |
Standard shoulder replacement surgery is usually covered by most insurance plans but if they do not, and you simply cannot afford it, then talk to your doctor or the billing department about your financial situation. Tell them, you would like to pay the lowest rates like the insurance company does.
So, this was all about shoulder surgery cost for different types of procedures. Post operation, the patient is expected to follow self-care tips and suggestions as directed by the orthopedic surgeon to insure prompt recovery.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
