If you have been experiencing chronic pain in your joints, or if you have a sports injury or exercise injury that has not been getting better, it may be time to consider consulting an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgery is a branch of medicine that deals with repairing problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic surgeons are medically trained in both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. They treat patients with musculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, tumors, trauma, chronic pain, and infections.
An orthopedic surgeon’s main goal is to restore mobility and reduce pain in issues involving the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and ancillary tissues. Let’s talk about some of the things you may want to ask the orthopedic doctor during your appointment.
What Should I Ask My Orthopedic Surgeon?
If your orthopedist offers minimally invasive or noninvasive treatments for your pain, such as pain-relief injections or physical therapy, there may not be very many questions you have to ask. However, if you are considering orthopedic surgery, you should be prepared to ask several questions first:
Why is orthopedic surgery your recommended procedure?
As a patient, you should ask the doctor why you should undergo an invasive surgical procedure to fix your condition. Your surgeon can explain the severity of your medical condition, and why surgery is the best solution for you.
How successful is this procedure for my condition?
Your bone and joint specialist should be able to provide you with statistics that prove that you are a good candidate for this procedure, and why you should expect a successful outcome. The doctor should also be able to provide you with a clear and concise explanation of how orthopedic surgery can best relieve your symptoms.
How much improvement should I expect after surgery?
The orthopedist should be able to set your expectations for post-surgery. You should have an idea as to how much you will be able to do once you fully recover.
How long will I be in the hospital, and how long will it take to recover?
As a patient, you have the right to know how long you can expect to be hospitalized and how long your downtime will likely be after the surgery. You should be prepared for what to do and what to expect after your surgery. This can help you to arrange help and assistance beforehand for your recovery. If you work, you will also need to know approximately how long you will need to be out.
Orthopedic Surgeons in San Antonio
If you are looking for excellent orthopedic care in South Texas, trust our experienced team at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. We are committed to providing the best orthopedic techniques combined with high-quality personalized care to help our patients restore their optimum health and wellness.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment by calling us at (210) 692-7400 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to answering all of your questions and providing medical solutions that work for you!
