If done successfully, hip replacement surgery can change your life for the better — it eliminates pain, increases mobility, and restores function. However, surgery is a big decision. No doubt you will have some questions and concerns. Here are a few things that you might want to ask your surgeon before undergoing hip replacement surgery.
Is Hip Replacement Surgery The Best Treatment Option At This Time?
The primary goal of orthopedic care is to relieve pain, so you can return to an active lifestyle. Nonsurgical treatments might be able to accomplish these desired results. Often, your doctor will recommend surgery once you have exhausted other, less invasive methods. Nonsurgical options include medicines, injections, physical therapy, and assistive devices.
Make sure to talk over all the available treatments with your doctor. Your age, health history, and medical conditions may also factor into whether hip replacement surgery would be appropriate for you. If alternative treatments fail to improve your condition, it’s time to consider hip replacement surgery.
What Should I Expect From The Surgery?
Your orthopedic surgeon can explain the surgical process and why they think it would be the best approach for you. Discuss your goals and the expected results with your surgeon to set realistic expectations and make informed decisions.
Aside from knowing the procedure and the expected outcomes, it helps to discuss the possible risks and complications with your surgeon. It might not be the most optimistic topic, but it’ll help you prepare and know when to contact your doctor. Pre-existing medical conditions might make you more vulnerable to certain risks, so make sure to disclose your entire medical history with your surgeon.
What Materials Will Be Used For My Implant?
It’s beneficial to know what your implant will be made of even if you don’t have to select the materials yourself. Hip replacements are metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of these materials. Each material comes with certain advantages and risks. Your surgeon will usually recommend an implant based on their experience, your specific case, and any underlying health conditions you might have.
How Many Hip Replacement Surgeries Have You Performed?
Getting a hip replacement surgery is not just a huge decision — it will be a significant factor in your health, quality of life, and wellbeing. It’s best to have an orthopedic surgeon with extensive training, experience, and skills. An essential part of the procedure is trust — and you want to know you’re in safe hands.
Other questions you might want to ask your surgeon are:
- What are your credentials?
- Are you fellowship-trained or board-certified?
- How many years of experience do you have?
- What types of hip replacement surgery have you performed — using the same prosthetic materials and the same approach — in the past?
- What is your success rate with this type of procedure?
The more experienced a surgeon is in a specific procedure, the lower the complication rates. So you can significantly minimize surgical risks by choosing a surgeon who’s well-versed in the procedure you need.
What Can I Do To Ensure A Successful Outcome?
Successful surgical outcomes start long before the surgery itself. In the weeks leading up to the procedure, be sure to follow the guidelines that your surgeon has given you strictly. These guidelines may include dietary instructions, exercise or therapy, stopping some medications, quitting cigarettes or alcohol, or simply preparing your home for recovery.
What Will My Recovery Look Like?
The surgery is only one part of your journey, usually taking only a few hours to complete. The longest part is recovery — that’s why you should discuss the recovery plan in detail with your surgeon ahead of time.
Ask how to make your home safe to prevent any orthopedic injuries and if you’ll need someone to assist you during this phase. Your surgeon should provide you with a timeline of your recovery and guide you through its different components, such as diet, exercise or therapy, medications, and more. Here are some questions you might want to ask about recovery:
- Will I need a caregiver?
- How can I make my home safer?
- What supplies will I need when I get home?
- How can I make it easier to get around and do things?
- Will I need physical therapy after the surgery?
Hip Replacement Surgery In Springfield, MA
It’s critical to communicate your feelings, questions, and concerns with your surgeon before committing to hip replacement surgery. Educated patients have better outcomes, so asking these questions should help you feel comfortable and confident in your surgeon.
Have you been experiencing hip problems and are considering surgery? Our skilled specialists at Advanced Orthopedics New England are devoted to diagnosing, treating, and preventing many orthopedic conditions and injuries. You can count on our orthopedic surgeons for trustworthy treatment recommendations and compassionate service.
To request an appointment or ask questions, contact our friendly staff today at (860) 728-6740. We look forward to delivering the best care for your orthopedic needs!
