A common ankle arthroscopy at surgery center facility in North Carolina includes
| |
Units |
Avg Cash price |
Provider |
Orthopedic surgeon visit provider fee
First time visit
Standard
|
1 |
$122 |
Provider fee to remove and repair large bone defect - shin or ankle using endoscope
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$796 |
Facility |
Surgery center fee to remove and repair large bone defect - shin or ankle using endoscope
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$1,488 |
Imaging |
Radiology fee for MRI of hip, knee, or ankle joint
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$296 |
Radiology fee for ankle x-ray
2 views
Standard
|
1 |
$42 |
Prescriptions |
HYDROCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN
Standard
Standard
|
30 |
$15 |
Equipment |
Non-wood underarm crutches
Pair
Standard
|
1 |
$60 |
Anesthesia |
Anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure
Level 2
Standard
|
1 |
$124 |
Anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure
Per minute
Standard
|
227 |
$420 |
Total average cash price |
|
A common ankle arthroscopy at outpatient hospital facility in North Carolina includes
| |
Units |
Avg Cash price |
Provider |
Orthopedic surgeon visit provider fee
First time visit
Standard
|
1 |
$122 |
Provider fee to remove and repair large bone defect - shin or ankle using endoscope
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$796 |
Facility |
Outpatient Hospital fee to remove and repair large bone defect - shin or ankle using endoscope
level 3
Standard
|
1 |
$3,167 |
Imaging |
Radiology fee for MRI of hip, knee, or ankle joint
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$296 |
Radiology fee for ankle x-ray
2 views
Standard
|
1 |
$42 |
Prescriptions |
HYDROCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN
Standard
Standard
|
30 |
$15 |
Equipment |
Non-wood underarm crutches
Pair
Standard
|
1 |
$60 |
Anesthesia |
Anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure
Level 2
Standard
|
1 |
$124 |
Anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure
Per minute
Standard
|
227 |
$420 |
Total average cash price |
|
Ankle arthroscopy, which may also be called ankle keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat problems in the ankle joint. Minimally invasive means that surgery can be performed through much smaller incisions than traditional surgery. Surgeries performed with minimally invasive techniques generally have less pain and shorter recovery times.
A tiny camera, fiber optics, and tools are inserted through small incisions during ankle arthroscopy to allow the surgeon to see and work inside the ankle joint. Ankle arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat several problems of the ankle joint. These may include:
- Ankle arthritis
- Ankle fractures
- Ankle instability
- Ankle impingement
- Arthrofibrosis
- Infection
- Loose bodies
- Osteochondral defect
- Synovitis
- Unexplained ankle symptoms
There will be some pain with ankle arthroscopy surgery; however, this will be manageable. Your surgeon will prescribe oral pain medication that will allow you to remain comfortable after surgery. Swelling is normal after ankle arthroscopy. Elevating your leg will help the swelling.
Ankle arthroscopy can be performed under either general or regional anesthesia. During general anesthesia, you will receive intravenous medication and be completely asleep. During regional anesthesia or a “nerve block,” injections are given around the surgical area that completely numbs the area. You will be awake, but you will be given an oral sedative to keep you relaxed during the surgery.
Ankle arthroscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure unless you have other health problems that need to be monitored. This means that you’ll be in the recovery area for a short time after your surgery and then go home the same day.
Full recovery after surgery will take from six to 12 weeks; however, you should be able to begin exercises and walking on the leg earlier.
How soon you can walk again after ankle arthroscopy surgery depends on why you needed surgery. In some cases, you’ll be able to walk immediately; other conditions will require a period of using crutches. Your surgeon will advise you on when it is safe to walk without crutches. In general, crutches are usually not necessary for more than two weeks.
You will need to wait until you are no longer taking pain medication and can stomp your foot down without pain before driving. Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe for you to drive. For most people, you’ll be able to return to driving in two weeks or less after surgery.
How soon you will be able to return to work depends on the type of work you do. Most people will need to take off for two weeks after ankle arthroscopy. If you have a sedentary or desk job, you may be able to return as soon as three to five days after surgery.
About the ankle arthroscopy Average Cash Prices
This procedure is most commonly performed at either a surgery center or an outpatient hospital.
Surgery centers, also known as ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), are independent, licensed medical
facilities that are governed by distinct regulatory requirements compared with a hospital. Procedures
performed at an ASCs are often less expensive than when they are performed at an outpatient hospital,
but they typically offer fewer complimentary services, and may not have the full-range of support
services that a hospital provides.
Outpatient facilities are outpatient departments or clinics that may be within or next to a hospital,
but is owned and run by the affiliated hospital. These facilities can perform surgical treatments and
procedures that do not require an overnight stay. Procedures performed at an outpatient hospital are
often more expensive than when they are performed in an ambulatory surgery center, but outpatient
hospitals may offer more complimentary and support services for patients because they are connected to
the hospital system.
