People are often confused about deciding which orthopaedic surgeon they should choose. They contact previous patients, check reviews, and even ask their relatives for any referrals, but still feel dubious. It’s common and very important, and it happens to everyone because it’s a matter of your body, so it’s better to proceed carefully.
Dr Kishore Kumar Panda, Orthopaedic consultant & surgeon, reveals the questions to ask knee replacement surgeons before finalising your decision. After all, choosing the best orthopaedic surgeon is not a piece of cake, and these questions are really gonna help you.
Don’t forget these questions to ask a knee replacement surgeon
You can easily find an orthopaedic doctor near you, but you can’t say whether they understand your knee condition or not. And it also does not guarantee that if a doctor is famous enough, they will be a good fit for you. Maybe they won’t be able to understand your knee problem, and that’s why you should ask these questions to doctors before starting your knee treatment, as it will help you to navigate how to pick orthopedic surgeon:
#1 Is knee replacement necessary for my condition, or should I go with non-surgical options?
That’s the most common doubt people have, and by asking this question, you will get some idea about the doctor’s expertise. Because a good orthopaedic surgeon suggests knee replacement surgery only when non-surgical options show no effect on pain or in cases where a patient is experiencing extreme pain and finds it difficult to even stand or walk.
#2 What type of knee surgery treatment is best suited for my condition?
Various knee treatments are available, such as:
- Knee arthroscopy
- Total knee replacement
- Bilateral knee replacement
- Knee osteotomy surgery
- Cartilage repair and restoration
- Partial knee replacement
But which one suits the patient completely depends on the patient’s knee condition, and the best orthopaedic surgeons, like Dr Kishore Kumar Panda, always examine before recommending any type of knee surgery. That’s also one sign of a good doctor.
#3 What should I expect in the first few days after a knee replacement?
According to Dr Kishore Kumar Panda, during the first few days after knee replacement, you may feel surgical pain and swelling. You will also be encouraged to start walking within just 1 to 3 days after the surgery. You may need to stay at the hospital for around 2 to 3 days under your doctor’s supervision. During this time, you will learn to walk with the help of a walker or personal help and attend physiotherapy sessions to strengthen your muscles and improve mobility.
#4 Am I a candidate for a total or partial knee replacement?
You should ask this question to the doctor you’re considering for your knee treatment because a good orthopaedic doctor will first examine your knee condition through X-ray, MRI, and a physical examination. Based on those findings, they recommend the treatment that cures your knee pain. A right doctor always follows standard medical protocols to help ensure you receive appropriate treatment.
#5 How many knee replacement surgeries do you do per year?
This question is mainly about the doctor’s experience and expertise. Because if the doctor has performed more orthopaedic surgeries per year, it means he has strong surgical skills and specialises in knee replacement surgeries. But if the doctor has performed fewer knee replacement procedures annually, it means there is a high risk of complications. Knee replacement surgery is a complex procedure; the more experienced the orthopaedic surgeon is, the more skilled they are..
#6 What should I do before knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery isn’t only about one-way responsibility, as patients also need to strictly follow their doctor’s instructions. An experienced doctor knows the importance of the pre-operative stage and therefore recommends a few things individuals need to do before knee replacement surgery, such as:
- Do all the medical checkups instructed by your orthopaedic surgeon
- A good surgeon knows that recovery needs strength, so they may tell their patients to start doing some light exercises to strengthen their muscles. This will further help patients during the post-operative stage.
You can read more about what to expect before, during, and after knee replacement surgery, as this can help you clear your doubts regarding the treatment process.
#7 Which knee implant is best suited for my knee condition, and why are you recommending it?
Asking this question to an orthopaedic surgeon gives you an idea about their knowledge. Orthopaedic implants play a vital role in knee replacement surgery, as they are used to replace injured or worn knee joints. That’s why your concern regarding the material the surgeon inserts is appropriate, and you should not hesitate to ask about your concerns.
Conclusion
Finding the right orthopaedic surgeon is always an unsolved quest, but with these questions to ask knee replacement surgeons, you can easily identify orthopaedic surgeons for your knee pain treatment.
According to Dr Kishore Kumar Panda, best orthopaedic surgeon in Bhubaneswar, asking doubts before starting treatment is important, as it highlights the patient’s concerns regarding surgery.
If you are also facing the same situation, you can contact Dr Kishore Kumar Panda as he assiduously treats his patients.
