Are you seeing the orthopedic surgeon for the first time? Do you know what questions to ask? It’s best to be prepared and think through the questions you may have. This article will discuss important orthopedic questions and questions to ask your orthopedic surgeon. Many of the questions in this article are the same or quite similar depending on the circumstance.
Questions for Orthopedic Surgeon
You may have decided it’s time for surgery. However, you don’t want to just walk blindly into it. You should always ask questions and be informed.
- What do I need to do before my first appointment?
- When is surgery necessary?
- Will I possibly need a second surgery?
- How long will it take to recover from surgery?
- How will my post-op pain be managed?
- What kind of physical therapy do I need?
- What will happen after I go home?
- How many of these procedures have you performed?
- When can I resume my normal activities?
Preparing a Kid for Orthopedic Surgery
Surgery isn’t just for adults. Sometimes kids require orthopedic surgery like acl surgery as well. Elective surgeries can be scary, especially to children. The good news is that you will have time to prepare your child ahead of time. This will give them time to wrap their head around what’s going to happen. If you prepare well and talk openly, it will hopefully put the child more at ease with the upcoming surgery and they will be less anxious. Make sure that when you explain you’re able to do it at a level the child will understand. Oftentimes, having a nurse or doctor explain to your child the process step by step will put them more at ease than your discussion with them.
Listen to your child and give them a chance to express their fears and concerns. Let them know that it is ok to be scared. Help them understand why they need surgery. Ask if the hospital offers an in person preop evaluation and tour so your child will know what to expect. A great way to help them understand the length of the surgery is to compare it to the length of their favorite TV show or movie. Make sure your child understands that you’ll be there waiting for them after the surgery and will bring along their favorite toy. Give the child something to look forward to. Remind your child that the doctors and nurses are there to help and it is ok to ask them questions. Sometimes kids ask questions that you can’t always answer. Assure them that you will ask a nurse or doctor and find out the answer to their tough question. The doctors and nurses may be able to explain to your child in a way that makes sense to them. Children who are prepared for surgery are less likely to experience overwhelming anxiety and fear.
Orthopedic Questions
When it comes to any medical procedure or just wanting to be cautious and aware of possible complications, knowing what questions to ask is essential. Here are some basic questions and questions you may ask when you’re considering an elective surgery like a knee or hip replacement, foot or ankle surgery, or surgery due to a sports injury.
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Basic Orthopedic Questions
- When should I see an orthopedic doctor?
- What causes orthopedics problems?
- Is there a way to avoid orthopedic problems?
- What conditions do orthopedic doctors treat?
- Will orthopedic doctors always recommend surgery?
Questions to Ask When Considering a Hip or Knee Replacement
Here are some questions to ask when considering a hip or knee replacement.
Questions Prior to Surgery
- How do you determine whether or not I need hip surgery?
- Is it urgent or could I wait six months or a year before having surgery?
- Are there alternative treatments to try before surgery?
- What are the common complications of hip surgery and knee surgery and how are they treated?
Post Surgery Questions
- What will recovery be like and how long will it take?
- How long will I be away from work?
- Will I need physical therapy and for how long?
- Will I need at home care and, if so, for how long?
- Will I need crutches or a walker? How long?
- How long do I have to wait before I can shower after surgery?
Questions to Ask About Resuming Your Regular Activities
- When can I drive a car again?
- If you play a sport, when can I get back to playing sports?
- When can I get back to my regular daily activities? For example, housework, gardening, sports, walking.
- Will I have any permanent activity restrictions?
- Are there lifting limitations?
- Will I set off metal detectors in an airport or other security situations?
Questions to Ask When Considering Foot and Ankle Surgery
Many of these questions are similar or the same as when you’re considering knee or hip surgery.
Questions Prior to Surgery
- Is surgery necessary?
- Can I wait six months to a year?
- What are some possible complications from this surgery?
- How many foot and ankle surgeries have you done?
- How many days will I be in the hospital?
- What is the implant made of? Which bio materials will be used?
- How soon will I be able to walk after my surgery?
- Will I need physical therapy and for how long?
- Will I be on crutches or need a walker?
Post Surgery Questions
- When can I climb stairs again?
- When can I lie on my operative side?
Questions About Resuming Your Regular Activities
- Will I need antibiotics before dental care?
- What sports can I participate in?
Sports Injury Questions
Here are some questions to ask after a sports injury.
- Will I need surgery?
- Will I be in a cast and for how long?
- What activities should I avoid during recovery?
- How will this injury impact my future in sports?
- Will I be able to return to playing sports?
Preparing for appointments is essential. You don’t want to go home from an appointment thinking if only I had asked or I forgot to ask. Go into your appointment with confidence having written down all of your questions for the orthopedic surgeon.
Author: Katie Meyers is an SEO Specialist at SEO Design Chicago. Before joining the SEO Design Chicago team, she interned for them, as well as interned as a Content Writer at HZD Creates. Katie is from Washington State and has an AA and a Social Media Marketing Certificate.
