If you’re considering consulting with an orthopedic surgeon for the pain in your bones and joints, you likely already have a long list of questions to ask. Orthopedic surgery can restore your mobility and reduce or eliminate pain, but as with any surgery, it’s not something you want to go into without being well-informed.
Before you meet with the surgeon, read through this list of FAQs that they often hear. The answers may cover some of the questions you already had, or they may raise new items you would like answered before the procedure.
Questions About the Procedure
Why Are You Recommending This Procedure?
There are several different orthopedic procedures available. Your surgeon should be able to walk you through the surgery process of your dislocated shoulder, including why they have recommended it over other options, including non-surgical ones.
What Other Options Are There?
Surgery may not be the only option, though it may be the most successful one. Ask about other options and the pros and cons of each.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
A good orthopedic surgeon will walk you through every step of the procedure, but you may still have some questions about the particulars. Make sure you ask those questions and are satisfied with the answer. You may want to ask about the instruments that will be used, how long the procedure will take, and what the recovery time will be.
What Is the Success Rate?
Every procedure has a different success rate. Many common orthopedic procedures very, very rarely fail or have complications, while some more advanced or complex surgeries may have a higher risk.
Are There Follow-Up Procedures?
Some surgeries do require follow-up procedures, especially if they’re not successful. Be sure you understand what other surgeries may be required.
What Risks Does the Procedure Have?
Every surgical procedure comes with a risk. Many are minor or rare, but they still can happen. You’ll want to know the particular risks or negative outcomes from your surgery.
Is There Any Pain Associated with this Procedure?
If you’re concerned about there being any pain after the procedure, make certain to ask. Also ask about any follow-up medication, exercises, or physical therapy you may need to do.
What’s the Expected Recovery Time?
Are you going to be laid up for a few days or for a week or more? Be sure you know. Likewise, be sure you ask about when you can return to your daily activities if no one tells you. If you have strenuous hobbies or working conditions, be sure you mention those to your surgeon.
Questions About Orthopedic Surgeons
In addition to questions about the procedure, you may have some questions about orthopedic surgeons.
How Do they Differ from Ordinary Surgeons?
Orthopedic surgeons or specialists are full medical doctors, but they have focused their studies and training on conditions that affect the joints, bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments. Some even go so far as to focus on certain parts of the body, such as the neck, the spin, or the foot and ankle. Others specialize in certain fields such as trauma, sports medicine, or pediatrics.
How Much Education Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Have?
Orthopedic experts have gone through medical school and have then done an orthopedic residency and fellowship training. All in all, it usually takes 14 years to complete the training necessary to go from an undergraduate first-year college student to a board-certified orthopedic surgeon.
Finding the Best Orthopedic Surgeon
Any time you have surgery, you want to make certain you have an experienced surgeon at the table, and that’s no different for orthopedic procedures. Here at AICA Orthopedics, we have a team of certified, experienced orthopedic surgeons ready to assist you with any procedure. Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation.
