Tips for Choosing the Right Orthopedic Surgeon for Your Knee Surgery

The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery, or any type of orthopedic surgery, is a big decision. Often, the key to having a successful procedure is finding an orthopedic surgeon you feel comfortable with.

If you need knee surgery, but don’t know where to start, here are a few important factors you should consider before choosing an orthopedic surgeon.

Referrals: Your friends, family members, or even a primary care physician at a doctor’s office or immediate care center, can be a great asset for gathering a list of experienced orthopedic surgeons in your area. You should ask what the surgeons specialize in and how your friends or family liked working with them. Another great referral source is online reviews, but be sure to check reputable sites for reviews.

Experience: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a surgeon is experience. You should research things like their education, credentials, and any additional training. Additionally, it can be a good to find out how many procedures they do every year and if they specialize in one type of procedure.

In-Person Meeting: Once you find a potential physician, it’s important to meet with them in-person. During this meeting, you should be as direct and as honest as possible. Surgery is not something to be taken lightly. Therefore, you should use this meeting as an opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns about the surgery.

Availability: Considering when the surgeon can perform your surgery. You need to make sure your procedure is done at a time that will cause minimal disruption to your personal and professional life. Also, it’s important to find out how the surgeon handles aftercare once the procedure is done. With that in mind, it’s important to find an orthopedic doctor who is dedicated to seeing to your well-being even after the procedure.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide which orthopedic surgeon you feel most comfortable with. There are many factors that can play a role in choosing an orthopedic surgeon for knee replacement surgery and it is important to factor each of them into your decision.