10 Questions to Ask About Joint Replacement
Has your knee or hip pain become so painful that you are considering joint replacement surgery? There are many questions to ask your physician as you consider this life altering surgery.
In planning your treatment, your doctor will consider many things, including your age, activity level and general health. If nonsurgical treatment methods, such as medication and physical therapy, don't relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend total joint replacement surgery.
Your doctor and health care team will provide you with information to help you prepare for surgery. Never hesitate to ask questions, but what questions should you ask?
- What are the major and/or most frequent complications of surgery?
- Is the skill and experience of the orthopedic surgeon more important than the device or procedure?
- Can you give me any information on outcomes and complication rates?
- If I don't have surgery, what is the risk?
- How much pain can I expect, and how will it be managed in the hospital and after I go home?
- How long will the device last, and what can I do to make it last as long as possible?
- What will I be able to do/not do after my total joint replacement?
- Is therapy necessary after surgery?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- Will I be able to contact you after the surgery if I have a question or problem?