When you’re looking for medical treatment, you need a health care team you can trust. And that starts with finding a doctor you’re comfortable with and confident in. Knee replacement surgery is generally performed by an orthopedic surgeon, but what exactly should you be looking for in your surgeon?
Referrals are a good way to get started in the choosing process; your family doctor (or another medical professional you feel comfortable asking) can provide you with accessible surgeons with a history of successful surgeries. Departments of excellence can be found in some hospitals, which can be another great indicator of a good surgeon.
You also want your knee replacement doctor to have all the appropriate certifications your particular case requires. This can be checked through various medical associations. Once you think you might have found a surgeon that works for you, do your homework. Check their credentials: have they kept up with their training over time? What degrees do they hold? What board-certifications do they hold? If you have specific desires regarding technological aspects of the surgery or want a particular type of implant, make sure your surgeon is familiar with these.
Ultimately, your knee replacement doctor should be well-versed in all specifications of your surgery. Their background should be free of suspicion and easily checked through medical boards and certifications. Try to find a surgeon who performs at least twelve of those procedures each year. Additionally, they should be familiar with any special aspects you bring to the table—like underlying conditions or high risk factors. Experience, education, and instinct are your biggest allies in choosing an orthopedic surgeon.
Have more questions? See more answers from Alot.
