The researchers attribute the potential increase in demand to aging baby boomers and a rise in conditions that contribute to arthritis, namely obesity. Also there are more trained orthopedic surgeons that perform the surgery and it is becoming more mainstream.
Total knee replacement (TKR) will be a key driver of health care costs in the future. Many studies have demonstrated that TKR is cost-effective because it improves patients' activity and health-related quality of life.
The total cost for TKR in the United States (including hospital, pre-op tests, medical supplies, OR fee, X-rays and physician fees) runs between $35,000 to $60,000. For best results, patients should find a surgeon that specializes in TKR and runs a "focus factory" with strict protocols and a comprehensive treatment team for quick ambulation and rehabilitation.
