How Much Do Hip Replacements Cost in 2023? Without Insurance & Out-of-Pocket
The cost of hip replacement vary wildly based on multiple factors; using data from Medicare, including 748,826 cases of hip replacements between 2012 and 2017, we estimate the average cost of a hip replacement in the U.S. is $12,815, including $1043 surgeon cost, and $11,772 hospital cost.
Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure that helps restore mobility and alleviate pain in patients suffering from severe hip diseases or fractures. This comprehensive guide explores five types of hip replacement surgery — total, partial, hip resurfacing, minimally invasive, and anterior— their costs, recovery times, the type of implants used, and potential risks. The prices depend on the type of surgery and other factors, and recovery time can range from a few weeks to several months. Specific risks depend on the procedure but typically include potential infection, blood clots, hip dislocation, nerve damage, and changes in leg length.
Cost Summary of Total Hip Arthroplasty (Replacement)
We estimate the cost of Hip Replacements using Medicare reimbursement rates. The reimbursement rates are different from the charge price (MSRP); despite how much the hospital bill, Medicare has a set fee schedule of how much each procedure will be reimbursed. Private insurance often uses this fee schedule as a benchmark for how much they will pay, usually 25-50% more than Medicare rates. For those without insurance, hospitals can either bill MSRP charge price or at a slight discount. It is essential to know that you can always negotiate closer to Medicare rates.
It is important to note that hospitals can charge many times over this rate, at $60,366, and surgeons at $6,370 per case; however, these charges can be negotiated most of the time. Without insurance or with a high deductible, you are often responsible for the charges at full price, if you have received a bill or anticipate one, you can use hospital negotiation service included with Mira membership to get the lower rates.
| Region/Area | Surgeon Cost for THA | Hospital Cost for THA | Total Cost for THA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $1,035 | $12,844 | $13,879 |
| Northeast | $1,040 | $11,627 | $12,667 |
| South | $1,058 | $13,453 | $14,511 |
| West | $1,056 | $12,298 | $13,354 |
| Major MSA | $1,028 | $11,729 | $12,757 |
| Mid-sized MSA | $1,016 | $12,030 | $13,046 |
| National | $1,043 | $12,058 | $13,101 |
| Type of Procedure | When Needed | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hip Replacement | Required when painful hip joint arthritis significantly affects quality of life, and non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief. | 3-6 months |
| Partial Hip Replacement | Recommended when only one part of the hip joint is damaged, often due to fractures or localized arthritis. | 2-3 months |
| Hip Resurfacing | An option for patients under 60 with advanced hip disease who lead active lifestyles. | 3-6 months |
| Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement | An option for young, slim, and healthy patients motivated for a quick recovery and rehabilitation. | 3-6 weeks |
| Anterior Hip Replacement | Often considered for patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures. | 2-4 weeks |
Total Hip Replacement
When You Need A Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement, also known as total hip arthroplasty, is required when painful hip joint arthritis significantly affects your quality of life, and non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief. Arthritis can lead to severe inflammation, swelling, and debilitating pain, making typical daily activities challenging. Suppose the conservative approaches, such as medications, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or assistive devices, become ineffective in managing pain. In that case, your doctor may recommend total hip replacement surgery.
Type of Implants Used
Several types of implants can be used in a total hip replacement, including metal-on-plastic, ceramic-on-plastic, metal-on-metal, and ceramic-on-ceramic. The choice of have depends on several factors, such as your age, the extent of hip damage, your activity level, and your surgeon's preference according to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Recovery Time
Recovery after total hip replacement surgery is generally between three to six months. The recovery phase involves managing pain, healing, physiotherapy, and gradually returning to ordinary activities under your doctor's guidance to ensure optimal treatment outcomes according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Risks and Downside
Like any surgery, total hip replacement comes with potential risks, including the possibility of infection, blood clots, hip dislocation, changes in leg length, and persistent pain. Although these complications are infrequent, it's essential to be aware of them and discuss potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before surgery.
Partial Hip Replacement
When You Need A Partial Hip Replacement
Partial hip replacement is recommended when only one part of the hip joint is damaged, often due to fractures or localized arthritis. In this case, the damaged part of the hip joint gets replaced while the rest remains intact. A femoral neck fracture, which occurs near the top of the femur, is one of the most common reasons for this procedure.
Type of Implants Used
The most common type of implant used in partial hip replacement surgeries is the metal-on-plastic implant. This consists of a metallic femoral head replacement working in combination with a plastic acetabular component [National Health Service UK](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hip-replacement/what-happens/).
Recovery Time
It usually takes approximately two to three months for a patient to recover from a partial hip replacement surgery. This period can vary depending on several factors, including the patient's overall health, the effectiveness of their rehabilitation program, and the extent of the physical damage before the surgery.
Risks and Downside
Partial hip replacements also have potential risks. Compared to total hip replacement, there is a slightly higher risk of hip dislocation. Other complications include infection, blood clots, changes in leg length, and loosening of the implant over time. However, these risks are infrequent and are typically well managed if they occur.
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Hip Resurfacing
When You Need Hip Resurfacing
Hip resurfacing is an option for patients who are under 60 with advanced hip disease and lead active lifestyles. Rather than entirely replacing the hip joint, as in a total hip replacement, the surgeon reshapes the damaged parts and caps them with metal prosthetics. This involves less bone removal and could thus be beneficial for younger or more active patients.
Type of Implants Used
Hip resurfacing usually involves the usage of metal-on-metal implants. These contain a metallic lining both in the cup that sits in the hip socket and the cap that covers the reshaped ball of the hip joint according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Recovery Time
After hip resurfacing, patients typically need about three to six months to recover fully. This includes the time needed for the soft tissue to heal around the new joint and for the patient to regain strength and mobility through physical therapy and exercise.
Risks and Downside
While hip resurfacing has potential advantages, such as preserving more bone, it also has risks. One risk is the potential for metal ion release into the bloodstream, which can lead to health problems. Furthermore, it is not suitable for all patients, such as those with poor bone quality or major hip deformities.
Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
When You Need A Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
Minimally invasive hip replacement is an option for patients who are young, slim, and healthy, who are motivated for a quick recovery and rehabilitation. In contrast to traditional techniques, minimally invasive strategies involve smaller incisions and less muscle and soft tissue disruption, which could lead to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
Type of Implants Used
Similar to total hip replacement, the types of implant used in minimally invasive hip replacement typically include metal-on-plastic and ceramic-on-plastic. The surgeon will select a suitable implant based on the patient's specific needs, medical history, lifestyle, and overall health status
Recovery Time
The recovery time after undergoing a minimally invasive hip replacement surgery is comparatively less and is usually around three to six weeks. The reduced recovery time associated with these procedures is primarily due to less tissue disruption and damage during surgery.
Risks and Downside
Despite the quicker recovery time, minimally invasive hip replacement does come with potential risks. There is a higher risk of complications such as nerve damage and hip dislocation due to limited visibility during the surgery. Moreover, the skill and experience of the surgeon are critical in ensuring successful outcomes.
Anterior Hip Replacement
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When You Need An Anterior Hip Replacement
Anterior hip replacement is often considered when a patient has osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures. This procedure involves the surgeon accessing the hip joint from the front (anterior aspect) of the body, meaning muscles are pushed aside rather than cut, potentially resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
Type of Implants Used
The type of implants used for an anterior hip replacement is similar to those used in a total hip replacement, typically consisting of metal-on-plastic or ceramic-on-plastic materials. The choice of the implant material depends on several factors such as the age of the patient, level of physical activity, and other individual considerations.
Recovery Time
The recovery time for patients who undergo an anterior hip replacement procedure typically spans about two to four weeks. However, this depends on several circumstantial factors, such as the overall health and age of the patient, the quality of post-operative care, and adherence to physical rehabilitation.
Risks and Downside
Although anterior hip replacement surgeries have numerous advantages, there are potential risks involved as well. These might include potential nerve damage, hip implant dislocation, infection, fracture of the femur or pelvis, or blood clots. However, these risks are rare and are generally outweighed by the potential benefits of this surgical approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the cost of hip replacement include?
The cost of a hip replacement surgery is a composite of several elements. These typically include surgeon's fees, cost of the hospital stay, anesthesia fees, medication costs, and the cost of the prosthetic hip itself. Additionally, it could also include charges for preoperative tests and examinations and postoperative care, for instance, physical therapy and follow-up appointments.
2. How long does a hip replacement last?
The longevity of a hip replacement can vary widely, depending on several factors such as the patient's age, weight, physical activity level, and overall health. On average, artificial hip joints last around 15 to 20 years. Advancements in artificial joint technology and surgical techniques may even extend this lifespan further.
3. What are the risks and complications of hip replacement surgery?
As with any major surgery, hip replacement has its share of risks and potential complications. These may include infection, dislocation of the artificial joint, blood clots in the legs or lungs, nerve damage, fractures during surgery, changes in leg length, and loosening or wear of the artificial joint over time. However, modern surgical approaches, the use of prophylactic drugs, and postoperative care have successfully minimized the occurrence of such complications.
4. Can a hip replacement fail?
Yes, a hip replacement can fail, although this is relatively rare nowadays thanks to advances in surgical techniques and implant technology. Failure can occur due to infection, dislocation of the artificial joint, wear and tear leading to loosening of the implant, and breakage of the artificial joint's components. In some cases, patients might undergo a revision hip replacement surgery to address these issues.
5. What are the signs of a failing hip replacement?
Signs of a failing hip replacement can include consistent pain – even when resting – and increasing over time, reduced mobility, swelling in and around the hip joint, a feeling of instability in the hip such as it "giving way," and in some cases, an audible clicking or grinding sound may be heard from the hip. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and you should always seek medical attention promptly if you're experiencing these signs following a hip replacement surgery.
Khang T. Vuong received his Master of Healthcare Administration from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. He was named Forbes Healthcare 2021 30 under 30. Vuong spoke at Stanford Medicine X, HIMSS conference, and served as a Fellow at the Bon Secours Health System.
