Musculoskeletal Medical Costs
Procedures, conditions, and treatments for the musculoskeletal system. Browse 1775 procedures with Medicare rates and commercial insurance estimates.
Most Expensive Musculoskeletal Procedures
Top procedures by Medicare reimbursement rate
Musculoskeletal Procedures by Category
Surgery - Musculoskeletal
197 procedures
Surgery - Musculoskeletal
197 procedures Surgery
2 procedures
Surgery
2 procedures Physical Therapy/Rehab
1 procedure
Physical Therapy/Rehab
1 procedureMusculoskeletal Conditions
ACL Tear
An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear is a common knee injury, especially in athletes. The ACL is one of the key ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. Most complete tears require surgical reconstruction followed by months of rehabilitation.
Ankle Fracture / Ankle Surgery
Ankle fractures range from simple breaks that may heal with a cast to complex fractures requiring surgical repair with plates and screws. They are among the most common fractures seen in emergency departments, often caused by twisting injuries, falls, or car accidents.
Back Pain (Chronic Low Back Pain)
Chronic low back pain is persistent pain in the lower back lasting more than 12 weeks. It is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits and missed work. Causes range from muscle strain and arthritis to disc problems and spinal stenosis.
Bone Fracture
A bone fracture is a break in a bone ranging from a thin crack to a complete break. Fractures are commonly caused by falls, sports injuries, and car accidents. Treatment depends on the type and location of the fracture.
Bunion (Hallux Valgus)
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to push against the next toe. Bunions develop slowly and can become painful, making it difficult to wear shoes or walk comfortably. Surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand due to pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. It is common in people who perform repetitive hand motions. Treatment ranges from wrist splinting to surgical release.
Cervical Disc Disease / Neck Pain
Cervical disc disease involves degeneration or herniation of discs in the neck, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, and arms. It is a common cause of neck pain especially as people age. Treatment ranges from physical therapy to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. It amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way the brain processes pain signals. Treatment focuses on symptom management with a multidisciplinary approach.
Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid that crystallizes in joints, causing sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. It most commonly affects the big toe. Medications can prevent future attacks and dissolve uric acid deposits.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the outer casing, potentially irritating or compressing nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg depending on the location.
Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery removes the damaged hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. It is most commonly performed for severe arthritis but may also be needed after hip fractures or other conditions.
Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery resurfaces a knee damaged by arthritis with metal and plastic components. It is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility after recovery.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, caused by wear-and-tear breakdown of joint cartilage over time. It most often affects hands, knees, hips, and spine. While damage cannot be reversed, treatment can reduce pain and improve function.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, so fragile that a fall or even mild stresses like bending over can cause a fracture. It is most common in older women after menopause. Treatment includes medications that slow bone loss and lifestyle modifications.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the lining of joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Early treatment with disease-modifying drugs can slow progression.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury involving damage to the tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Tears can be partial or complete and may result from injury or gradual wear. Treatment ranges from physical therapy to surgical repair.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often occurs during the growth spurt before puberty. Mild scoliosis may only need monitoring, while moderate cases use bracing to prevent worsening. Severe curves may require spinal fusion surgery.
Shoulder Surgery (Labral Repair / Shoulder Instability)
Shoulder instability and labral tears often result from dislocations or repetitive overhead motions. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket. Arthroscopic repair (Bankart repair) is common for recurrent dislocations. Recovery typically takes 4-6 months.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that can put pressure on the nerves traveling through it. Most commonly caused by age-related wear, it can cause pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and problems with bladder or bowel function.
Whiplash (Cervical Strain)
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, most commonly from rear-end car crashes. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness or memory problems. Most people recover within weeks to months.
Medications for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of musculoskeletal procedures?
The average Medicare rate for musculoskeletal procedures is $1,604. Costs range from $1.1K to $3.5K depending on complexity. Commercial insurance typically pays 150-250% of these Medicare rates.
How many musculoskeletal conditions are tracked?
We track 20 musculoskeletal conditions with detailed cost breakdowns, treatment timelines, and related procedures. Each condition page includes severity-based cost estimates.