If you have an ACL surgery, it is important to understand what that surgery might entail. In addition, many patients are concerned about what treatment may cost. Below, we will take a look at ACL surgery options and costs.  

ACL Surgery Options

The goal of ACL surgery is to repair the tear. This is accomplished by taking a small piece of tendon or ligament from another part of the body, usually another part of the knee, and repairing the tear with it. In some cases, only stitches inside the knee are required to repair an ACL tear.

Thanks to arthroscopic surgery, the majority of ACL tears can be resolved in a minimally invasive manner. During knee arthroscopy, the doctor makes several incisions about the size of a pencil near the knee. Through the first incision, the doctor inserts a camera, which produces a high-quality video of the inside of the knee. Tools are inserted through the other incisions, allowing the doctor to operate.

Open knee surgery is much more invasive, and is associated with a longer hospital stay and recovery time, as well as a higher risk of certain side effects. During open knee surgery, the doctor makes a large incision and actually opens up the knee to operate on it. This is most likely to be used in cases of very severe tears, complex tears, or when the ACL tear is associated with another knee injury as well.

Costs of Surgery

When it comes to ACL surgery options and costs, it should be understood that ACL surgery is relatively costly, just like all other surgery in modern America. However, arthroscopic surgery is much more affordable than open knee surgery, another factor that makes it an attractive option.

The biggest factor that influences ACL surgery options and costs is your insurance coverage. Since surgery is only used to treat an ACL tear when it is the best medical treatment, insurance does cover ACL tears. This means that your out of pocket costs depend primarily on the terms of your insurance coverage. If you have a low deductible, treatment can be very affordable. For people with a high deductible and copay, out of pocket costs may be higher.

There are a variety of financing options to help you manage the cost of ACL surgery and get the treatment you need. Health care credit cards and patient financing companies are two popular options which are specifically designed to be used for health care costs.

If you are interested in treatment for your ACL tear, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to hear from you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.