Choosing the Right Knee Replacement Surgeon: Important Factors to Consider

Finding the right surgeon for a knee replacement is one of the biggest decisions facing individuals that have to undergo knee replacement surgery. It is almost as important as the initial decision to undergo the knee replacement surgery itself. Knee replacement surgery is also a major step towards reclaiming an active lifestyle. A surgeon with a history of successful knee replacement surgeries will go a long way in ensuring that the procedure is a success and that the recovery goes without any complications. A patient must be very comfortable with their surgeon, and they feel that any subject can be discussed without any issues.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is an effective treatment for severe knee issues that cannot be successfully handled by other means. It is a generally safe procedure and is quite commonly performed. The surgery replaces parts of injured or worn knee joints. The surgery can help improve the condition of the knee, reduce pain, and improve functionality. During the procedure, plastic and metal components are used to repair the broken bone and cartilage. The surgeon will check the knee’s range of motion, stability, and strength before deciding the right surgery for the patient. X-rays also help highlight the extent of the damage. The right surgical technique and artificial component to be used are decided by various factors like age of the patient, weight, level of activity, knee size and shape, and the overall health. 

What are the risks associated with knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery comes with some risks. Infection, blood clots, nerve injury, and issues with the replacement joint itself are a few of these risks. Before opting to have the procedure, it is crucial to go over these risks with your doctor and make sure you are aware of any potential side effects. The chance of problems can also be decreased by according to your doctor’s post-operative instructions and attending all follow-up consultations.

How to pick the right surgeon for a knee replacement surgery?

Choosing the right surgeon is not an easy decision; it is something that requires careful consideration and not something to do on a whim. It is very necessary to put in time, work, and a lot of research to find the best knee surgeon in the given area and get the best possible outcome. Some of the tips to help an individual select the best surgeon include:

Draw up a list 

This is usually the first step in choosing the right surgeon. It is best to get a comprehensive list of all the possible surgeons whom the individual could have the surgery with. This is a good way to ensure that all possible options are explored before making the decision. A good way to do this is to consult trusted individuals like friends and family for them to give their recommendations, especially those who have undergone knee surgeries.

Another good way is enquiring from the patient’s primary healthcare provider. They may even have a surgeon in mind even before they are asked. These people can tell the patient from personal experience with the surgeon, and this will go a long way in influencing their choices. Another way of discovering good surgeons is through the web. The regulatory boards of medical specialists will also have a list of their members; this can also be a good way of finding surgeons.

Investigate patient testimonials 

After drawing up a list, it is also important to look at the reviews that were left by the previous patients. These can be seen on the hospital’s website and some of the clinics as well. The social media pages of these surgeons can also contain comments from their past patients. Another way of doing this is if the patient can find anyone with first-hand knowledge of the surgeon that is being considered.

Consider their certifications 

The certifications of the proposed surgeon are very important. It is crucial to ensure that the doctor that will be handling the knee surgery is board certified, especially with the risk involved in the surgery. It is important to find a specialist and a surgeon that is very experienced in knee replacement surgeries. Board-certified surgeons receive additional training after they have finished medical school. They also undergo further examinations and are involved in loads of surgeries, before they are certified. This certification confirms their expertise in a specialized field of medicine or surgery. The surgeon will usually put their certification on their websites, so it is helpful to look at the personal website of those doctors or the hospitals and clinics where they practice.

Consider their location 

This is another important consideration in looking for the best option for a knee replacement surgeon. This is because a knee problem can make long journeys difficult, so it would be very beneficial to find a surgeon that will be easily accessible. Some insurance plans even restrict the patient to the healthcare providers that are within their areas.

Look at the insurance plan details 

Surgery can be very expensive; this is why the insurance plan of the patient is a very key factor in the decision for a surgeon. Depending on the policy, they may have a list of surgeons that accept their particular insurance. The patient can also look at the surgeon’s site to find the insurance policies that they accept. It is also important to be sure of the particular details of an insurance policy due to the restrictions that may be present in a plan. It is always wise to call the insurance provider to be very sure.

Book a consultation 

Once a patient has narrowed down the list of potential surgeons, they will need to book a consultation with each of the selected surgeons. This consultation aims to have a personal discussion with them to assess how their patient reception is. A consultation will also enable the patient to ask important questions about the patient’s knee condition and surgery. It will also enable them the chance to verify the information they gathered from their friends and even online. The patient will also find out how the surgeon responds; can they explain the treatment and surgery in a way a layman can understand? Can they list the details of all the stages of the procedure and the recovery timeline as well? 

Contact us at Anavara to book a consultation with an expert.