The cost of shoulder impingement surgery will depend on a variety of factors, including insurance coverage, copays, deductibles, and other medical needs.  Shoulder impingement is a condition in which the rotator cuff starts to pinch against the acromion. If the patient does not have any type of health insurance, shoulder impingement surgery can reach up to $21,000. The total will continue to rise as other medical expenses are added including doctor visits, hospital stay, and follow up care.

Prior to Surgery Costs

Prior to shoulder impingement surgery, other treatments may be used to reduce symptoms while alleviating pain. The costs of these non-surgical methods will slowly add up over a period of time, which will continue to raise the total of the overall medical expenses.

• Rest may seem like a free approach to a non-surgical treatment option. However, if the patient is required to spend time resting. Work and other routine activities may have to be delayed or eliminated which can result in loss of wages.
• Use of braces may help ease the pain while resting the arm and shoulder to promote healing. The brace is usually under $100. The cost is relatively low for the actually brace. However, limiting the range of motion can decrease activity which may result in having to take time off work.
• Physical therapy sessions may be required. Depending on the severity of the shoulder injury, physical therapy may last weeks. The sessions can help reduce the progression of symptoms through a variety of exercises.  Prior to beginning physical therapy, the patient may be required to have an ultrasound to verify the damaged area. The ultrasound and physical therapy session can be costly.
• Over the counter and prescription drugs may be used to reduce inflammation and pain. In the beginning, the pain relievers may be a low cost option. Over time the costs will continue add up.
• Cortisone or other type of steroid injection may help in reducing the symptoms of the shoulder impingement. The injection can reduce the inflammation and irritation, which may feel like a quick fix.

Shoulder Impingement Surgery

After all the non-surgical options have been exhausted, the next step is to consult with the orthopedic surgeon to discuss the shoulder impingement surgery. The surgical approach will depend on the severity of damage.

• Shoulder arthroscopy is the less invasive choice with small incisions to fix the damaged area. The cost is usually under $8000 with a shorter recovery period of approximately three months.
• Open surgery is a more conventional option. The incision is larger to give the surgeon a direct view of the damaged area. The cost is under $18000 with a longer recovery process of approximately six months.
• The final approach is the shoulder arthroplasty which is a complex medical procedure. Arthroplasty requires the damaged area to be replaced or reconstructed to bring back range of movement to the shoulder. The complexity is the reason for the higher costs of around $21,000. The drawback is the longer recovery process of around nine months.

Complete, accurate diagnosis is vital for achieving an optimal outcome. Dr. Howard Marans can provide a complete explanation of treatment options and surgery expectations. Dr. Marans welcomes PPO and will work with other insurance companies to give the best treatment available. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.