ACL Surgery (ACL Reconstruction) Cost in 2026
Understanding the Investment
- National average: $20,000 (range: $10,000–$30,000)
- Insurance: Usually Covered — ACL reconstruction is covered by most insurance plans as medically necessary...
- Recovery: 42–180 days typical downtime
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
ACL reconstruction surgery replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, most commonly due to sports injuries. This procedure is frequently performed on individuals aged 10 to 29. The surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and facility fees are significant factors influencing the overall cost of ACL reconstruction. Graft type will also influence the final price you pay.
The facility fee, whether at a hospital or surgical center, accounts for a sizable portion of the total expense. The cost of implants and surgical supplies also contributes significantly. Choosing an allograft (donor tissue) versus an autograft (tissue from your own body) can affect the price.
Consider having your ACL reconstruction performed at an outpatient surgery center instead of a hospital to potentially lower costs. Outpatient procedures are often less expensive than inpatient ones. For older patients with extensive knee damage, knee replacement may be recommended instead of ACL reconstruction. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Where does your money go?
Typical allocation for a acl surgery (acl reconstruction) procedure at the national average price point.
ACL Surgery (ACL Reconstruction) Cost by State
Geographic location plays a significant role — cost-of-living adjustments, regional demand for top specialists, and facility competition all affect pricing.
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi $17,700-11.5%
- West Virginia $17,960-10.2%
- Alabama $18,100-9.5%
- Arkansas $18,240-8.8%
- Missouri $18,360-8.2%
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii $23,280+16.4%
- California $22,660+13.3%
- New York $22,560+12.8%
- Massachusetts $22,300+11.5%
- District of Columbia $22,100+10.5%
State-by-State Pricing Atlas
Click any state to see detailed pricing, regional cost factors, and top cities.
ACL Surgery (ACL Reconstruction) Cost in All 50 States
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| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $18,100 | -9.5% |
| Alaska | $21,740 | +8.7% |
| Arizona | $20,160 | +0.8% |
| Arkansas | $18,240 | -8.8% |
| California | $22,660 | +13.3% |
| Colorado | $21,040 | +5.2% |
| Connecticut | $21,960 | +9.8% |
| Delaware | $20,500 | +2.5% |
| District of Columbia | $22,100 | +10.5% |
| Florida | $20,060 | +0.3% |
| Georgia | $19,600 | -2.0% |
| Hawaii | $23,280 | +16.4% |
| Idaho | $19,440 | -2.8% |
| Illinois | $20,240 | +1.2% |
| Indiana | $19,160 | -4.2% |
| Iowa | $19,100 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $18,960 | -5.2% |
| Kentucky | $18,460 | -7.7% |
| Louisiana | $18,640 | -6.8% |
| Maine | $20,760 | +3.8% |
| Maryland | $21,360 | +6.8% |
| Massachusetts | $22,300 | +11.5% |
| Michigan | $19,900 | -0.5% |
| Minnesota | $20,700 | +3.5% |
| Mississippi | $17,700 | -11.5% |
| Missouri | $18,360 | -8.2% |
| Montana | $19,500 | -2.5% |
| Nebraska | $19,300 | -3.5% |
| Nevada | $20,100 | +0.5% |
| New Hampshire | $21,100 | +5.5% |
| New Jersey | $21,900 | +9.5% |
| New Mexico | $18,760 | -6.2% |
| New York | $22,560 | +12.8% |
| North Carolina | $19,760 | -1.2% |
| North Dakota | $19,040 | -4.8% |
| Ohio | $19,660 | -1.7% |
| Oklahoma | $18,560 | -7.2% |
| Oregon | $21,500 | +7.5% |
| Pennsylvania | $20,360 | +1.8% |
| Rhode Island | $20,960 | +4.8% |
| South Carolina | $18,700 | -6.5% |
| South Dakota | $19,360 | -3.2% |
| Tennessee | $18,840 | -5.8% |
| Texas | $19,240 | -3.8% |
| Utah | $19,840 | -0.8% |
| Vermont | $20,900 | +4.5% |
| Virginia | $20,640 | +3.2% |
| Washington | $21,440 | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | $17,960 | -10.2% |
| Wisconsin | $19,960 | -0.2% |
| Wyoming | $18,900 | -5.5% |
Primary Pricing Factors
Three variables explain most of the cost variation you'll see across the same procedure.
The Road to Results
Recovery is an investment of time. Understanding the phases helps you plan downtime and set expectations.
Before your ACL reconstruction, you'll have consultations with your surgeon and anesthesiologist, plus some physical tests to assess your knee. Be sure to tell your doctors about all medications and supplements you take, as you may need to stop some beforehand. On the day of surgery, which usually takes 1-2 hours, you'll receive either general or regional anesthesia so you won't feel anything. The surgeon will reconstruct your torn ACL using a tendon graft.
Immediately after surgery, expect to feel groggy from the anesthesia. You'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24-48 hours. Pain and swelling are normal, so follow your doctor's instructions for pain management and icing. Full recovery takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on your activity level. You'll be using crutches initially, followed by physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion. Remember to schedule your follow-up appointments and plan for time off work or school during the initial recovery phase.
Paying for ACL Surgery (ACL Reconstruction)
Usually Covered by InsuranceACL reconstruction is covered by most insurance plans as medically necessary for knee instability.
Financing Options
- Promotional financing — CareCredit's 24-month 0% APR plan is the most common way patients finance acl surgery (acl reconstruction)
- Provider installment plans — many practices let you start payments before surgery and continue after, spreading out the cost
- Tax-advantaged accounts — paying $20,000 through your HSA/FSA saves you 20-35% versus after-tax dollars
- Cash discounts — surgeons prefer upfront payment and often reduce the price by 10-20% for cash-pay patients
- Charitable care programs — some nonprofit surgical organizations offer reduced-cost procedures for qualifying patients