An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear is one of the most common knee injuries, especially among athletes in sports like football, basketball, and soccer. If you’ve torn your ACL, you might be wondering:
How much does ACL repair surgery cost? 💵
The cost depends on factors like hospital fees, surgeon charges, insurance coverage, and physical therapy requirements. Plus, famous athletes like Tom Brady, Derrick Rose, and Saquon Barkley have undergone ACL surgery—how much did their recoveries cost?
Let’s break it all down! 👇
💲 Average Cost of ACL Repair Surgery
Type of Expense |
Estimated Cost (Without Insurance) |
Estimated Cost (With Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
Surgeon’s Fees |
$2,000 – $10,000 |
$500 – $3,000 |
Hospital or Surgical Facility |
$5,000 – $50,000 |
$1,000 – $7,000 |
Anesthesia Fees |
$1,000 – $3,500 |
$300 – $1,000 |
MRI Scans (Pre-Surgery) |
$500 – $4,000 |
$0 – $1,500 |
Physical Therapy (6+ Months) |
$1,500 – $10,000 |
$200 – $3,000 |
Total Estimated Cost |
$15,000 – $60,000 |
$1,500 – $12,000 |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- The total cost of ACL surgery can range from $15,000 to $60,000 without insurance.
- With insurance, the out-of-pocket cost could be between $1,500 – $12,000, depending on your deductible and copays.
- Rehabilitation is a major cost factor—most patients need 6-12 months of physical therapy.
🏥 What Affects the Cost of ACL Surgery?
✅ Type of Facility – Hospitals charge more than outpatient surgery centers.
✅ Location – Prices are higher in major metro areas than in smaller towns.
✅ Type of Graft Used – Autografts (your own tissue) and allografts (donor tissue) have different costs.
✅ Surgeon’s Experience – Top orthopedic surgeons charge higher fees.
✅ Insurance Coverage – Some policies don’t cover physical therapy fully.
📍 ACL Surgery Cost Breakdown by Facility Type
Facility Type |
Estimated Cost (Without Insurance) |
Why? |
|---|---|---|
Hospital (Inpatient Surgery) |
$30,000 – $60,000 |
Higher due to overnight stay & staffing costs |
Outpatient Surgery Center |
$15,000 – $30,000 |
More affordable, shorter stay |
Sports Medicine Clinic |
$10,000 – $40,000 |
Specialized care for athletes |
💡 Pro Tip: Outpatient surgical centers are often 40-60% cheaper than hospital procedures!
🏆 Famous Athletes Who Had ACL Surgery (And Their Costs)
Many pro athletes have undergone ACL repair, often with cutting-edge treatments. Here’s how much their recoveries likely cost:
Athlete |
Sport |
Estimated Surgery & Recovery Cost |
|---|---|---|
Tom Brady (2008) |
🏈 NFL |
$100,000+ |
Derrick Rose (2012) |
🏀 NBA |
$150,000+ |
Saquon Barkley (2020) |
🏈 NFL |
$200,000+ |
Adrian Peterson (2011) |
🏈 NFL |
$250,000+ |
Zion Williamson (2017) |
🏀 NBA |
$200,000+ |
🚀 Why so expensive?
- Top-tier surgeons
- Personalized rehab teams
- Cutting-edge regenerative treatments (like PRP injections & stem cells)
💡 For everyday patients, costs are MUCH lower, but advanced sports medicine techniques can speed up recovery—for a price!
🏦 ACL Surgery Costs With and Without Insurance
Insurance Type |
Out-of-Pocket Cost |
Coverage Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
Private Insurance |
$1,500 – $12,000 |
Usually covered if deemed medically necessary |
Medicare (Part B) |
20% of total cost after deductible |
Covered for severe ligament injuries |
Medicaid |
$0 – $2,000 |
Coverage varies by state |
No Insurance (Self-Pay) |
$15,000 – $60,000 |
Full cost paid by patient |
🔥 Pro Tip: Many hospitals offer financial assistance or interest-free payment plans for uninsured patients.
🏗️ How Much Does ACL Rehabilitation Cost?
ACL surgery is just step one—rehab and physical therapy are crucial for a full recovery.
💰 Cost of Physical Therapy After ACL Surgery
Rehab Option |
Estimated Cost (Without Insurance) |
Estimated Cost (With Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
Physical Therapy (6+ Months) |
$1,500 – $10,000 |
$200 – $3,000 |
At-Home Recovery Equipment (Braces, Ice Machines, etc.) |
$200 – $1,500 |
$50 – $500 |
Sports-Specific Rehab (Advanced Training) |
$2,000 – $8,000 |
Rarely covered |
💡 Skipping rehab can lead to re-injury! Pro athletes invest heavily in sports rehab specialists, but for most people, standard physical therapy is enough.
🚀 Ways to Save Money on ACL Surgery
💡 Here’s how to reduce your ACL surgery bill:
✅ Compare hospitals & surgery centers – Prices vary by 50%+ between locations.
✅ Ask for a cash discount – Some facilities offer 20-50% off for self-pay patients.
✅ Consider outpatient surgery – Hospitals charge way more than private surgery centers.
✅ Check if your insurance covers physical therapy – If not, look into community rehab programs.
✅ Look into medical tourism – Some people travel abroad for surgery at a fraction of the cost.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Is ACL Surgery Worth the Cost?
ACL surgery is expensive, but necessary for regaining full knee function. Costs depend on facility type, surgeon experience, insurance, and rehab requirements.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ ACL Surgery Costs: $15,000 – $60,000 without insurance; $1,500 – $12,000 with insurance.
✅ Hospital vs. Outpatient Surgery: Outpatient centers are 40-60% cheaper.
✅ Physical Therapy Costs: $1,500 – $10,000 depending on duration.
✅ Pro Athlete Recoveries Can Cost $100K+, but for regular patients, insurance can lower costs.
💬 Have you or someone you know had ACL surgery? What was your experience with costs and recovery? Drop a comment below! 👇
🚀 For real-world medical pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com!
