You have a bone, joint, or muscle problem. You tried home remedies, but those didn’t relieve the pain or resolve the issue. You then met with an orthopedic surgeon who provided a diagnosis and recommended conservative and non-invasive treatments. Unfortunately, those too failed to fix your condition. Finally, after these disappointing efforts, your doctor tells you that surgery is the only remaining option to treat your issue effectively.
No one wants to undergo surgery. Even minimally invasive orthopedic surgery, with its many benefits and lower risks than traditional surgery, can be an intimidating proposition for some patients. The prospect of surgery is also one that will raise questions about the why’s, when’s, how’s, what-ifs, and what’s next of your operation. And given that you are putting your health in the hands of your orthopedic surgeon, you will also want to be comfortable that they have the skills, training, and education to do things right.
The best way to get the answers you need is by asking questions. You should not hesitate to ask your surgeon any questions you have. In turn, a responsible surgeon should welcome your questions and provide you with clear, understandable, and candid answers that address your concerns or worries.
If orthopedic surgery may be on the horizon for you, consider asking your surgeon some or all of the following questions:
Questions About Your Foot Surgery
- Other than what we’ve tried already, are there any more non-surgical or minimally invasive options that could resolve my issue?
- What are the potential consequences if I don’t have surgery or wait a while before having the operation?
- Is this an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
- Will you be using anesthesia, and, if so, will it be general or local?
- What do I need to do to prepare for my surgery?
- How long does the surgery typically last?
- What complications are possible with this kind of surgery?
- Do any pre-existing medical conditions I have present a problem?
- What kind of scarring will result?
- Will you insert and implant any metal devices or parts during the procedure?
- Will I need to arrange for a ride home?
- How long will it take to recover fully?
- Will I be prescribed painkillers or other post-operative medications?
- How soon can I stand or walk after surgery?
- When can I go back to work?
- When can I start exercising again?
- Will I require a brace, crutches, or a walker?
- Will I need physical therapy?
Questions To Ask Your Orthopedic Surgeon About Themselves
In addition to understanding your upcoming procedure, you’ll want to know more about the person performing it. Ask some of these questions to learn about your surgeon’s background, experience, and approach:
- How many years of orthopedic surgery experience do you have?
- How many surgeries like mine have you performed?
- Where did you receive your surgical training?
- Are you board-certified, and, if so, with what board?
- Do you regularly publish or give presentations about orthopedic surgery?
- Do you participate in ongoing professional education and training?
- Do you offer and perform minimally invasive orthopedic surgery as an option for treating my condition?
- Are there former patients I can speak with to learn about their experience?
Schedule an Appointment at OrthoMiami Today.
At OrthoMiami, we are committed to using the most advanced and effective methods to relieve pain, repair joints, and restore mobility to our patients. When surgery is needed, our skilled and experienced surgeons use the utmost care and precision to produce optimal results with minimal downtime.
The OrthoMiami team always welcomes new patients and can generally schedule new patient appointments within a couple of days. Please contact us today at 305-596-2828 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting you.
