Joint Replacement

FAQs and Documents

Answers to the most common questions about joint replacement surgery.

Ask Yourself Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us

What questions should you ask before deciding about joint surgery?

There are many different types of joint surgery. The following questions will help you decide which surgery may be right for you.

Will the surgery relieve pain, improve range of motion, and allow you to do your daily activities?
Are medications no longer helping to ease the pain?
What do you want from this surgery? Less pain? Better movement? Improved appearance of the joint? What are the chances that this surgery will bring about that outcome?
What are the chances of reaching your desired outcome with a different kind of treatment?
What kinds of things can go wrong with this surgery? How often do these problems occur?
How long will the results of this surgery last? How long will this type of joint replacement last before another surgery may be needed? What type of surgery might be needed if this surgery doesn't work?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then your next step should be to arrange for an appointment with one of our experienced orthopaedic surgeons. This is your opportunity to learn more about your options to relieve your pain and get you back to the life you want to live. You won’t be pressured to opt for surgery. Instead, you will be given a personal evaluation and the advice of an experienced doctor that will empower you to make an informed decision. Your surgeon may recommend non-surgical options as well, such as medically supervised weight management or physical therapy.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Here is a list of questions that you might consider asking your orthaopaedic doctor at your appointment:

Am I a good candidate for joint replacement surgery? What makes a good candidate?
What alternatives to surgery should I consider? How effective might they be?
How will surgery help my particular problem?
What are the risks involved? How likely are they?
What can I expect if I delay or choose not to have surgery?
What types of physical activity would I be able to engage in after the surgery?
How long is the recovery process?
What is involved in the recovery process?
Will more surgery be necessary? If so, when?
Can you give me the name of someone else who has undergone this surgery who would be willing to discuss it with me?
Are you board-certified?
How many times have you performed this operation?