Questions to ask an orthopaedic surgeon before Surgery

A visit to an orthopaedic surgeon can be scary and may cause anxiety. One always must remember in situations like this that, a simple 5-minute preparation before the visit goes a long way and can help make your meeting much more effective and result-oriented.

It’s a common confusion among patients as to what questions to ask the orthopedician. How to ensure that you have been rightly diagnosed and how to understand everything that’s going on with you.

An average doctor’s appointment takes about 18 minutes. To ensure that you have utilised these 18 minutes to their maximum benefit, go through the following questions and ask the relevant ones to your orthopedician.

1. What are my options?
   Ans : Understand that learning about your options could help you decide the best possible procedure for you.

2. How long before I have to decide on the surgery?
   Ans : Some orthopaedic conditions require immediate attention, while some can wait. Please ensure that the doctor lets you know a probable timeline for your surgery and ensure that you get yourself treated accordingly.

3. How common is this condition among the people of my age?
   Ans : Another question that can help you in the process of decision making is the knowledge of the rate of occurrence of such conditions among the people of your age. For instance: Osteoarthritis among sexagenarians and older.

4. Will you be able to tell me the root cause of the problem?
   Ans : Sometimes, your knee, hip or joint gets affected due to a fall, an abnormal pressure or a heavy physical activity. However, there are times when patients experience sudden severe pains and are unable to point a finger at the root cause. In situations like these, asking your doctor about your options can go a long way.

5. Is there any measure I can take from my end to make the procedure less risky?
   Ans : There is always something that you can do from your end. Basic diet, exercise and mental health practices can help you stay healthy and can help make the procedure less risky. Take tips from your surgeon before you go into surgery.

Here are a few other questions that may help you ease the process of surgery:

Are there any side effects of your prescription?

1. Will I have to change my current medication in order to follow the one prescribed?

2. Are my allergies going to cause any issue in the treatment?

3. Will I need post-surgical care?

4. How long till I recover absolutely?

6. Am I looking at a different lifestyle here on ahead?

7. Will my home need any changes to make it more comfortable for me?

8. Is there anything I will never be able to do once I have undergone surgery?

9. What can I do to avoid any possible further complications?

10. How frequent are the complications or side effects of this procedure among the patients of my age?

Bottom line: You are going to make a decision that may become a life-altering experience. Please do not hesitate to question anything and everything around you, it’s only normal.

Get all your doubts cleared and all your questions answered. Be sure of what you have decided and have faith in your doctor.

Expert Orthopaedic Surgeons from around the nation claim that a healthy conversation with the patient can go a long way and can help make the entire treatment process highly effective and efficient.