Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery Cost in India

Rotator cuff surgery is performed in patients with a torn rotator cuff – a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint that keeps the upper arm firmly in the shoulder joint socket. The surgery can be performed traditionally – with an open incision or minimally invasively/arthroscopically.

Rotator cuff injuries are common, mostly in older people or people who frequently perform overhead motions, like painters, carpenters, etc. Normally, rotator cuff injuries happen over time and can be treated conservatively if caught in time. However, severe tears or tears that occur due to a single trauma are normally treated surgically.

If you need rotator cuff repair surgery, you should consider the following factors while calculating the cost of the surgery:

• Choice of hospital and city

Rotator cuff surgery costs in India can be a little different depending on the city you are getting your treatment. Similarly, the cost of hospitalization also depends on your treatment city. In metro cities like Kolkata and Mumbai, the cost of medical treatment is usually higher than in non-metro cities.

• Type and severity of the injury

In the initial stages, rotator cuff tears can be easily managed; however, if not treated properly in time, the condition can turn severe. The type and severity of the tear will help determine how extensive the surgery will be.

• Consultation and surgeon fees

The surgeon’s consultation and operative fees depend on their expertise and experience. An experienced surgeon has more chances of successfully completing the treatment without any complications.

• Patient’s age, gender, and health condition

The type of surgery and postoperative care required by the patient also depends on the patient’s age, gender, and health condition. If the patient has chronic health issues like diabetes, hypertension, etc., their recovery might take longer.

• Diagnostic tests required

Diagnosis for rotator cuff tears is performed through imaging tests like X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, etc. These diagnostic tests help determine whether the patient needs surgery, what kind of surgery they need, etc.

• Duration of the hospital stay

Rotator cuff surgery can be performed as a daycare surgery, but in case of complications or the patient’s poor health condition, overnight hospitalization may be required. The cost of hospitalization will depend on the total duration of the hospital stay.

• Anesthesia cost and anesthetist fees

The surgery may be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia based on the type of surgery and the patient’s and surgeon’s preferences. The cost of anesthesia and anesthesiologist’s fees will depend on the same.

• Type of hospital room

Your hospitalization fees will also depend on your choice of hospital room. If you select a deluxe or private room, your hospital stay cost after rotator cuff surgery will be higher than in the case of a general or shared ward.

• Cost of postoperative care and follow-up treatment required

Most patients require a minimum of 6 weeks of physiotherapy after rotator cuff tear surgery. It is necessary as it helps the patient adjust to the effects of the surgery and regain complete joint movement after the surgery. 

Additionally, the patient will also need assistive devices like a shoulder brace/holster, pain medications, antibiotics, etc., to aid their recovery after the surgery.

Rotator cuff repair surgery is usually only performed for severe cases of labrum tears; therefore, it is usually covered by most major health insurance policies. However, the extent of the coverage regarding the surgery and physiotherapy depends on the terms of the policy and the policy premiums.