How to Select a Hip Replacement Surgeon

The most crucial part of having a successful hip replacement is your ability to select the best surgeon for you. This is important for all types of hip surgery, but is especially true in terms of deciding whether the minimally invasive hip surgery should be considered as an option. A surgeon should be judged on many qualities, including ability and a good track record with hip replacement surgery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Find the Best Surgeon For You

1. Set up several appointments with at least two different surgeons. Talk with a surgeon that does the traditional hip replacement surgery and one who is a specialist in the newer, less-invasive procedure. Be sure to ask how many surgeries each has performed and how many have been successful.
2. Do a surgical background check on potential surgeons with the American Medical Association (see Resources below). Here, you will be able to find detailed information on particular surgeons, including their specialties, locations and medical community status.
3. Make sure that your doctor can answer any questions you have in a way that you can understand. If your doctor can't, he may not be right for you.
4. Ask friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances who have undergone hip replacement surgery to help you select your surgeon through recommendations. In general, getting leads from people you trust is the best way to find a good surgeon.
5. Understand your exact needs for hip replacement surgery and consult your local hospital for specialists who normally deal with your condition. This can be a great place to find your physical therapist as well, who will be needed after surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and helps you go into this surgery with a positive attitude. This is extremely important for the overall success of the surgery. A surgeon who gives you personal attention, makes you feel at ease, inspires confidence, and can answer your questions clearly will make you feel much more confident in undergoing this surgery and you will have a more positive experience overall.
• Traditional hip surgery may be your only option if your condition warrants a more invasive approach, but you should always ask if minimally invasive options are available for your procedure.
• Since the minimally invasive hip replacement surgery hasn't been around that long, it is vitally important to ask a potential surgeon how many surgeries they have performed and how successful they have been.