Your orthopedic doctor is your partner in health. It is advised that patients take an active role in their healthcare by asking questions and becoming proactive in their treatment. Usually, patients who are proactive have better health outcomes.
Never has asking questions been more important than when an orthopedic doctor recommends treatment such as surgery. Learning more about your procedure is important and knowing what to expect leaves no room for surprises.
Below are questions to ask your orthopedic doctor.
Why Do You Recommend This Treatment?
There are goals for each treatment. Find out what the treatment can do for your orthopedic symptoms. If the doctor recommends joint reconstruction surgery, ask why it is better than non-surgical treatment options, and what you can expect during the procedure. Let your orthopedic doctor walk you through the treatment process.
A good orthopedic surgeon will try to exhaust all conservative to minimally invasive treatment options before recommending surgery. Therefore, if they recommend surgery, there are probably good reasons for it, which you should know about.
What is Your Success Rate For The Procedure?
If your orthopedic doctor recommends arthroscopic surgery — which allows them to make repairs to the joint and soft tissues using a long, flexible tube and a tiny camera — ask how many times they have performed this procedure, as well as their success rate. For any surgery, you are more apt to have the best possible outcome if the surgeon specializes in the specific procedure.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
Any type of surgery, no matter how minimally invasive, is followed by a recovery period. Patients who undergo minimally invasive procedures tend to have a more comfortable and faster recovery. Discuss expectations with your orthopedic doctor, such as what you should expect during recovery, especially regarding pain, function, mobility, as well as physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Ask about what is normal after surgery, such as how much improvement can be expected after surgery, how soon you should be able to stop taking pain medication, and when you can return to work and normal activities.
How Can I Prepare for Recovery?
There are activity limitations to be expected after surgery. As the incision heals and depending on what was operated on, there may be a few days or weeks when you may need assistance. Preparing for recovery should take place before the surgery. Your orthopedic doctor can provide recommendations on how to prepare your home, as well as assistive devices you can use for a safer and more comfortable recovery.
Orthopedic Doctor in Farmington Hills, Michigan
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Tri-County Orthopedics value patient health and comfort. We like our patients to be educated, empowered, and proactive in their health. Our physicians spend a great deal of time with each patient, explaining each treatment method, answering questions, and addressing concerns. We are orthopedic specialists with a passion for providing patient-centric care.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor, call us at (248) 474-5575 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to providing you with the quality and compassionate care you deserve.
