QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HIP DOCTOR
BEFORE YOUR THR SURGERY

Consider asking your doctor these types of questions before your surgery:

• Do you have written materials or videotapes about this surgery that I can review?
• How much improvement can I expect from the surgery?
• What is your experience doing this type of surgery, and how many have you done?
• Are you Board Certified?
• Approximately how many of these surgeries are done each year at this hospital? Is there outcomes data available?
• What risks are involved? How likely are they?
• What type of anesthesia will be used? What are the risks?
• What type of implant will be used? What is the track record for this type of prosthesis?
• Will I have to stop taking any of my medications before surgery?
• What options are available to avoid blood transfusion?
• When may I leave the hospital?
• How much pain in normal to expect and how long will it last? Will I receive medication for it?
• When will I start physical therapy/ Will I need home or outpatient therapy?
• Will I need to arrange for some assistance at home? If so, for how long?
• What medications will I need to take at home and for how long?
• What limits will there be on my activities - such as driving, bathing, climbing stairs, eating, sex?
• How long will I need to be out of work?
• How often will I have follow-up visits?
• What complications can arise after surgery? What are the signs of complications?
• Are you fellowship trained?
  Most often, surgeons that are board certified may "so-called" specialize in a variety orthopaedic sub categories, but have not completed any formal training in these sub-specialties. These will include the 60% of orthopaedic joint replacement surgeons that perform 10 procedures or less per year. It has also been well documented that the surgeons that perform many cases per year (200 or more) have better outcomes that those that are the "casual joint replacement surgeon".