Questions to Ask When Choosing a Hip Replacement Surgeon
An orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged components of the hip joint and replace them with new, artificial components during hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty. These artificial components replicate how the hip joint works naturally. Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis MD offers effective hip replacement surgery to help patients relieve pain. If you are unsure of which questions to ask when it comes to your hip replacement, read our page below. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5840 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758.
Table of Contents:
What questions about hip replacement should I ask my surgeon?
Where will the surgical incision be?
How much experience do you have with this specific approach?
What results should I expect after this surgery?
What type of implant would be best suited for me?
What are the possible complications of this procedure? What are your complication rates for someone in my situation?
How do I choose a hip replacement surgeon?
What questions should I ask an orthopedic surgeon?
Hip replacement surgery is a big decision that will have a massive impact on your quality of life. However, the entire process can sometimes be a bit unnerving. We are here to make it easier for you, and will guide you in the right direction. At the start of your decision and throughout the entire process, knowing which questions to ask will not only make your job a lot easier, it will also help you to be more comfortable.
When preparing for a hip replacement surgery, there are many things you should consider. Preparing for surgery can be stressful, and figuring out what to ask your orthopedic surgeon can be confusing. Thankfully, we have compiled a list of questions to ask your orthopedic surgeon about your surgery:
Most commonly, traditional hip replacements use the posterior approach, which involves a surgical incision at the back of the hip. Other possible incisions include the lateral approach (the side of the hip) and the anterior approach (front of the hip).
Do not be nervous to ask your surgeon for specific information about their experience, including what their success and complication rates are and how many times they perform the approach in a year.
Discuss any specific expectations and goals you have with your surgeon. You may want to know if surgery will:
• Eliminate a limp
• Eliminate the need for pain medications
• Enable you to cut your toenails and put on socks
• Allow you to participate in certain sports
• Make sex more comfortable
Depending on anatomy and overall health, expected results can vary from person to person. Discussing and understanding these expectations early on can lead to much higher patient satisfaction post-surgery.
Each type of prosthetic comes with certain pros and cons. There is no definitive evidence showing that one type of hip prosthetic is better than another when taking into consideration the needs of all patients. A surgeon will make a recommendation based on your unique situation and their experience.
Hip replacement is major surgery, and just like any other surgical procedure, it carries potential risks, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and infection. While serious complications are rare, they can be life-threatening. Understand your risks, and ask if any preexisting conditions, such as heart disease, may raise your risk for certain complications.
There are many things to consider when choosing an orthopedic surgery for hip replacement. To find a good hip replacement surgeon in your area:
• Talk to your family doctor: Your doctor may know some respectable orthopedic surgeons in the area.
• Talk to your friends: Ask people that you know have received orthopedic surgery and if they would suggest a surgeon.
• Education: Is the doctor board certified? Review the surgeon’s degrees, education, training and fellowship.
• Check online: A simple online search will reveal a lot of information about the surgeon and their practice. How many positive reviews do they have? Do they greatly outweigh the negative?
When meeting with an orthopedic surgeon, it is important to ask the right questions, such as:
• Why is orthopedic surgery your recommended procedure?
• How successful is this procedure for my condition?
• How much improvement should I expect after surgery?
• How long will the procedure take, and how long is the recovery period?
If you or someone you know has a damaged hip that needs replacement, come to Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis today! Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in hip replacements and can help restore your quality of life! For more information on our hip replacement procedures, call our office and get in touch with a member of our specialist team. To book an appointment for a hip replacement, visit our website or speak with us over the phone today.
