Total Hip Replacement Cost

When your hip pain starts dictating your daily choices, you eventually reach a point where something has to change. After talking with your doctor and undergoing imaging, you’ve finally realized that total hip replacement surgery is the answer. It’s a big decision, but also one that offers hope for restored function and comfort, allowing you to look forward to the day when you can move without wincing or don’t have to plan your day around your hip pain. However, most patients also want to know what they can expect to pay for hip replacement surgery: what’s included, what isn’t, and how to budget for their entire journey from the operating room to physical therapy. In this blog, we’ll explore factors that influence the cost of a total hip replacement, so you can go into the procedure and recovery with confidence. 

What Is Involved in Robotic Total Hip Replacement?

Robotic total hip replacement is one of the most advanced approaches available today, offering exceptional precision and total customization. Prior to your surgery, Dr. Snibbe uses state-of-the-art technology to create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your anatomy. During your hip replacement, the robotic system helps guide Dr. Snibbe in several vital aspects of the procedure, including optimal implant placement, precise alignment, and exact positioning. These factors significantly influence the long-term comfort, stability, and mobility of your hip replacement, maximizing your results. The robotic system offers advantages such as greater accuracy, less damage to the soft tissues in the surgical area, and optimized recovery. 

During total hip replacement surgery (also known as arthroplasty), damaged bone and cartilage are removed, and the hip socket is prepared to receive the replacement. Then, a prosthetic cup, liner, stem, and ball are carefully and meticulously placed. Because robotic systems provide real-time feedback, Dr. Snibbe can make micro-adjustments throughout your surgery to achieve the most natural fit and movement possible.

Robotic hip replacement is typically performed in a hospital or accredited surgical center. Most patients can return home either the same day or within 24 hours, depending on their needs and the specific surgical approach.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Total Hip Replacement?

As with any surgery, several elements influence the overall cost of your total hip replacement. While you may receive an outline of expected charges before scheduling your surgery, it’s important to understand how each component plays a role so that you can plan more confidently.

Complexity of the Surgery

Every hip is different, so that means some cases require more extensive or detailed work than others. Issues that may need to be addressed that could increase the cost of your hip replacement include:

• Severe arthritis or bone loss
• Hip deformities
• Prior hip surgeries or hardware
• The need for additional procedures during surgery

More complex cases require longer operating times, additional imaging, or specialized implants, all of which will affect your total cost.

Surgical Approach

Hip replacement surgery can be performed using several methods, including a direct superior approach, traditional posterior approach, a mini-posterior approach, or a muscle-sparing anterior approach. Dr. Snibbe uses the direct superior approach, which is muscle-sparing and avoids cutting the iliotibial band. In addition, Dr. Snibbe also uses the latest AI and robotic technology for accurate implant placement and alignment. 

The type of approach used for your hip replacement can impact:

• Operating time (including anesthesia and surgeon’s fees)
• Length of your hospital stay
• Type of equipment used
• Post-operative rehabilitation requirements

Patients should also note that if they are undergoing a revision surgery, it will require more time and skill to remove older implants and place new implants, therefore impacting the cost.

Additionally, your surgeon’s technique can affect the final price, depending on whether they perform robotic hip replacement surgery or use a more traditional method. It is important to remember that hip replacement surgery is a major investment; this is not the time to shop around for a “deal” or low price. It takes many years of training and experience to perform the direct superior approach and robotic surgery. Dr. Snibbe is a master surgeon with vast experience in these two areas. People come from all over the world for his reputation and experience.  

Materials Used

Not all hip implants are created using the same materials. The type of prosthetic devices used during your hip replacement can significantly affect your overall cost. Metal (including titanium), ceramic, and polyethylene (plastic) can all be used in different combinations to create the hip replacement that works best with your individual anatomy and needs. The materials for your artificial hip are selected based on your age, overall health, and level of activity. For example, some implants are designed for younger, highly active patients, so they may cost more due to their advanced engineering and longevity.

Post-Op Care

Recovery after a hip replacement doesn’t just mean getting back to normal after surgery. It also involves a range of services and products that support optimal healing. These may include:

• Physical therapy, either in a clinic or at home, to help you regain strength and mobility.
• Medical equipment for safety and convenience, such as raised toilet seats, walkers, canes, or compression devices.
• Follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure a safe and successful recovery. Dr. Snibbe is with his patients at every step of recovery, providing one-on-one follow-up appointments and personalized attention to answer any questions they may have throughout their journey toward optimal results. 

Depending on your insurance plan and needs (such as the number of physical therapy sessions required), these costs can vary widely.

Your Surgeon’s Experience and Reputation

An experienced, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with an excellent track record (like Dr. Snibbe) may command higher fees, but it’s a worthwhile investment in your health, safety, and overall well-being. Experience, expertise, surgical precision, and consistently successful outcomes can help reduce complications during surgery and recovery, improve the healing experience, and ensure your hip replacement lasts as long as possible. Choosing a highly qualified orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Snibbe also provides you with the best possible post-operative care, further ensuring a successful recovery and outcome. 

Geographic Location

When it comes to where your hip surgery takes place, you’ll find that surgical costs vary significantly. For example, major metropolitan cities generally have higher costs than smaller or less populous areas due to:

• Cost of living
• Hospital and surgical center rates
• Access to advanced technology and equipment

Many patients often find it worth the extra cost to travel to see a specialist like Dr. Snibbe to ensure they receive optimal and lasting outcomes. 

Hospital and Surgical Center Fees

The cost of your hip replacement is also affected by where your hip replacement surgery is performed. Some of the facilities fees charged by hospitals and surgery centers include:

• Operating room time
• Nursing care
• Medications
• Imaging
• Surgical supplies
• Recovery room use

Dr. Snibbe performs his total hip replacement procedures at DOCS Surgery Center in Los Angeles, and you can choose to stay at the private Recovery Center once you’re discharged from the Surgery Center.

Learn More About Robotic Total Hip Replacement in Los Angeles

If your hip pain has started interfering with your quality of life, it’s time to schedule a consultation with board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jason Snibbe. He’ll give you a clear picture of your options, what your recovery will look like, and what you can expect financially. If you’re ready to restore comfort and movement to your life, schedule your appointment with Dr. Snibbe today by calling (310) 860-3048 or using our online form.