4 Questions To Ask Your Orthopedic Surgeon Before a Joint Replacement

When you are looking for an orthopedic doctor to perform either a hip or knee replacement, it is very important to have an open conversation where you can debate and learn about the pros and cons associated with the procedure you are about to receive.

An experienced orthopedic surgeon of the knee or hip will guide you in the right direction and help you achieve the best results you can have. Here are five questions you can ask after scheduling the first appointment:

1- How many surgeries of this kind do you perform a year?

An orthopedic surgeon performing a high yearly volume of the surgery you require, have already established a system and team of people that suits their needs in an effective way. Basically, the more experience the better. Experience brings smoother and less traumatic surgeries performed in a shorter period of time. Less contamination probabilities will derive from this factor. On the other hand, a faster surgery implies less time of leg malposition. Therefore, a lower risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where a clog forms in a deep vein of the body and can cause pulmonary embolism, stroke or even a heart attack. Now, a faster surgery does not mean surgery in a hurry. The most important aspect is to evaluate the ability of your orthopedic surgeon to react to unexpected circumstances  and minimize any risk that may arise during surgery.

2- What is your post-operatory infection rate?

Infections after a knee or hip replacement are very dangerous and must be prevented at all cause. If the infection is deep or under fascia then the prosthesis is also infected. A second procedure must be performed right away and most likely the prosthesis will be remove. Infection will be treated then with antibiotics. Afterwards, an evaluation will determine if a second prosthesis can be implanted.

All surgeries have risks. However, proven experience and indicators are a great way to measure the probabilities of success. In our practice, Doctor Mead has a 0.1% infection rate and over 20 years of experience. A great indicator that support the satisfaction experience over and over by his patients. If your destiny is not bringing you to Naples for surgery, be sure to look for this kind of numbers.

3- What is your short-term complication rate?

Less traumatic conditions than infections can happen in the short term after a joint replacement. Problems like dislocations, wound problems, blood clogs and others may occur after the surgery. While selecting and addressing your orthopedic surgeon be sure to ask this question and examples of specific cases if possible.

4- How long have you been using your actual prosthesis and what are your reasons behind?

Best and constant results come from the proper evaluation and use of a system for a long period of time. Prosthesis manufactures present a wide variety of options for orthopedic doctors. In order to establish a proper success rate, your doctor must study the behavior and results of his patients. It is very important for you to understand why your surgeon choses prothesis ABC for his surgeries and what it will represent for you.

Further investigations from your part can be made by visiting the website of the brand your doctor mentioned during consultation. Look for reviews, testimonials and all the information you consider necessary to make a decision and feel confident.

We hope this information is useful. Remember you can always make a consultation if you need further assistance.

Surgeon’s Advice | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119