Questions You Must Ask the Orthopedic Specialist

Orthopedic surgery—whether minor or major—is a serious matter that has little room for uncertainty. So, when you meet with an orthopedic surgeon, you want all the information you can gather. Here are eight critical questions to ask when meeting with your orthopedic specialist before surgery.

• Do you have board certification?

A surgeon who has received proper certification in their medical field and country of practice should always be your first choice since obtaining an official certificate requires years of extensive studies and training.

• Why do you recommend this procedure?

Choosing an operation or another procedure for your injury is difficult since there’s almost always another option available. Every specialist with knowledge relevant to your issue has their considerations as to why a particular procedure will work better than another.

• What is your experience with this specific procedure?

Ask your surgeon about how many cases they have treated with the procedure or operation. Above all else, it’s critical that you’re comfortable and satisfied with their level of experience.

• How much improvement can I expect?

Consult with your doctor about the desired and expected results of your operation or procedure to determine and prepare for the most likely outcome.

• What are the risks?

Before agreeing to the procedure, you should be aware of all the risks associated with it. Talk with your doctor to determine whether the risks are worth the gain. If you believe that the costs exceed the benefits, listen to other recommendations from your doctor.

• What’s the success rate?

The overall success of the procedure depends on your health and other medical conditions. Your doctor should be upfront and honest about the successes and failure of previous relevant cases.

• What type of anesthesia will be used?

If you’re undergoing orthopedic surgery, there’s a high chance that one of two types of anesthesia will be used during the operation: general (sleep) or local (epidural or peripheral). Which one is used depends on the surgery and your medical conditions.

• What can I expect during recovery?

Depending on the severity of the injury and procedure, post-operation measures can vary from rest to physical therapy. Talk to your doctor about whether you should arrange for physical therapy and post-operative care.

When you’re suffering from an injury or illness, you can trust the specialists at OrthoAtlanta to improve and maintain your quality of life. OrthoAtlanta has 39 highly trained and experienced surgeons and physiatrists backed by a team of dedicated physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, hand therapists and occupational therapists committed to patient care. With 14 convenient locations across the greater Atlanta, GA, area, OrthoAtlanta is ready to serve all your orthopedic needs. Call (770) 953-6929 to confirm that we can accept your insurance and schedule your appointment.