We don’t often think of implanted medical devices in the same frame of reference as that odd old TV show “The 6 Million Dollar Man” but more and more of us are kind of like that guy! Implanted medical devices have become so common and so widely used over the years that many of us don’t even think of them as implants! Without looking at the list, can you even name 10 medical implants? Most people can’t. It turns out that sooner or later, most of us are just a little bit cyborg! In order of usage below, are the top ten most common medical implants placed into the body in the United States, including the approximate total number of procedures performed per year and the approximate average cost. As a plastic surgeon, I think it is remarkable to consider that breast implants are on this very illustrious top ten list! This is even more remarkable in light of the fact that breast implants are the only implants on the list that are purely elective and not medically mandated.
1. Artificial Lens for the Eye (cataract surgery)
Over 2.5 million artificial lenses are placed each year, the average cost is about $4500.
2. Ear Tubes (for recurrent ear infections)
Over 700,000 ear tube procedures are performed each year, the average cost is about $2500.
3. Artificial Knee/Knee Joint Replacement
About 700,000 knee replacement procedures are performed each year, the average cost is about $22,000.
4. Coronary Artery Stents (opens blocked heart arteries)
More than 500,000 stent procedures are performed each year, the average cost is about $12,000.
5. Dental Implants
About 500,000 dental implants are placed each year, the average cost is about $2500.
6. Bone Fracture (Trauma) Repair: screws, pins, plates
About 450,000 bone fracture procedures are performed each year, the average cost is about $10,000.
7. IUD (contraception)
Over 400,000 IUD procedures are performed each year, the average cost is about $1000.
IUD’s are the least expensive implant device on our top ten list!
8. Spinal Surgery: screws, rods, plates
About 400,000 spinal procedures are performed each year, the average cost is about $25,000.
9. Breast Implants
About 350,000 breast implant procedures are performed each year, the average cost is about $5000.
10. Artificial Hip/Hip Replacement
About 300,000 hip replacement procedures are performed each year, the average cost is about $45,000.
Artificial hip/hip replacement is the most expensive implant device on our top ten list!
Dr. Lyle Back is originally from New York City, receiving his medical and surgical training at Rutgers Medical School, Cooper Hospital – University Medical Center, and Ohio State. He is Board Certified in General Surgery (ABS) and Plastic Surgery (ABPS). He specializes in the full range of the most modern and state of the art cosmetic surgery procedures for the breasts and non-surgical cosmetic enhancement techniques available today.
Visit our website today to learn more about us! http://ilovelyleback.com/.
