Cost of Knee Replacement

Knee surgery is considered to be a major surgical procedure in the field of orthopedic surgery. Being one of the largest joints in a human body, any surgical procedure to be performed on a knee joint has to be performed with utmost precision. It is because of the precision required in a knee replacement surgery that the cost of knee replacement is also relatively higher than other minor surgical procedures. This cost of knee replacement however depends on the nature of services and facilities offered under different knee replacement packages.

Basic treatements before a total knee replacement surgery

Since the cost of knee replacement surgery is relatively high and the patient has to arrange significant funds, other basic treatments could be tried by the surgeon. Cost however is not the only reason behind trying the basic treatments. It has been observed that a knee replacement surgery lasts for more than fifteen years. Hence surgeons advise a knee replacement surgery only for patients who are above fifty years of age.

Cost of knee replacement surgery in India, USA and UK

The cost of knee replacement surgery is highest in USA. A knee replacement surgery in USA can cost up US$ 45,000. Cost of knee replacement surgery in UK goes upto 26,000 pounds. However the cost of knee replacement surgery is lowest in developing countries. Patients have been skeptical about the quality of services being offered by these developing countries. India has lately emerged as a leader in providing quality health services at very reasonable and affordable prices. The cost of knee replacement surgery in India varies from Rs.6000 to Rs.8000 depending upon the facilities offered by the hospital. Indian doctors and nurses are recognized world over for their quality of services. They also have the experience of treating international patients especially patients from western countries.

Cost of the complete package

While deciding on the cost of knee replacement surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon takes into account a number of factors. The surgeon first of all evaluates the range of motion and the strength of the knee. This evaluation would be vital in discussing whether a total knee replacement should be performed or not. Cost of knee replacement surgery also depends upon the anesthesia during the surgery and the extent of the damage in the bone. The extent of the damage in the bone will also be considered while deciding the recovery period and the hospital stay of the patient. Additional cost of knee replacement surgery includes an appropriate shower area, stable shower bench and a stable toilet seat etc.

Cost of knee replacement surgery in developing countries

Cost of knee replacement surgery in developing countries is much lower than the cost in western developed countries. The cost is infact lowest in India when compared with Thailand, Singapore, Costa Rica and Philippines. Cost of knee replacement surgery in India could range from US$ 6000 to US$ 8000. This cost in India includes the cost of prosthesis, single room stay for 6 to 7 nights, nursing and doctor’s charges, anesthesiologist and surgeon fee, operation theatre charges, physiotherapy and patient’s diet etc. Considering the lower cost of knee replacement surgery in India, patients from all over the world have been coming to India for the knee replacement surgery

Health Insurance in knee replacement surgeries

Role of health insurance is very important in deciding the cost of knee replacement surgery in any of the countries. It would be very difficult for a patient to bear the cost of knee replacement if he/she does not have any health insurance in place. A patient in USA who does not have any health insurance will have to spend approximately US$ 45,000. The cost of knee replacement in a health insurance case comes down significantly. The best option for patients who do not have health insurance is to visit any of the developed countries and get the treatment done.

Types of knee replacement surgeries

The cost of knee replacement surgery depends on the types of knee replacement surgeries being performed. There are two types of knee replacement surgeries. First type of surgery is the total knee replacement surgery which involves larger incisions into the knee joint and a longer recovery period after the surgery. Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery is the second type of surgery which involves smaller size of incisions and a shorter recover period. With a shorter recovery period in the minimally invasive knee replacement surgery, the patient can leave the hospital one or two days after the surgery resulting into a difference in the cost of total knee replacement surgery and the cost of minimally invasive knee replacement surgery.