Getting a Second Opinion for Joint Replacement: Questions to Ask

Joint replacement surgery is a major life decision, and you deserve to make it with confidence. Second opinions help you know that your diagnosis is accurate and that the surgical plan is best for you. They can also lead to more positive treatment outcomes.

Before seeking a second opinion, take some time to prepare. Gather your documentation and explore valuable questions to ask about joint replacement. This information will help you get the most out of your consultation and move forward with greater peace of mind.

When to Get a Second Opinion

There are four main reasons to get a second opinion on orthopedic surgery:

1. The diagnosis is unclear: If your first doctor cannot explain the source of your discomfort or offers a vague treatment plan, consider seeking a second opinion. This consultation can help identify the issue and develop a more precise plan.
2. The first consultation was rushed: If your first doctor spent limited time answering your questions or dismissed any concerns you had about recovery, you may want to meet with a new provider. You deserve a provider that takes your concerns seriously and keeps you informed.
3. Only one treatment option was presented: It is extremely rare for a medical condition to have only one treatment approach. If your first doctor offers only one option, seek a second opinion to see if other options exist. For example, robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery or minimally invasive approaches may be available. These can lead to better health outcomes and reduce risk.
4. You feel uneasy: Sometimes, it is important to trust your gut. If you feel uncomfortable with your current doctor, it cannot hurt to ask for a second opinion. They can help ease your concerns and build your confidence going forward.

The Value of Subspecialized Orthopedic Care

Once you have decided to get a second opinion on your joint replacement, you have two main options. 

The first is a general orthopedist. They can handle a wide range of orthopedic issues, including joint replacements. They tend to have a broad knowledge base and the tools required for many different tests and treatments. Their generalized focus can limit their ability to assess certain issues and reduce the range of treatment options available to them.

The second is a joint replacement specialist. These subspecialists focus exclusively on hip and knee reconstruction. This experience gives them a unique perspective on joint replacement and the conditions warranting it, making them an excellent option for a second opinion. More experience leads directly to better long-term outcomes for patients. Joint replacement specialists can also offer additional treatment options, like robotic-assisted surgery or custom implants. 

Neither choice is wrong, but for many folks, the sub-specialist gives them the confidence they are looking for.

How to Prepare for Your Orthopedic Consultation

Make the most of your second opinion by coming to your appointment with the following documentation:

• Relevant imaging: To diagnose the issue as accurately as possible, the doctor needs to see your X-rays and any MRI or CT scans that were conducted. A written report alone will not be enough.
• Your medical history: To recommend viable treatment options, the doctor needs to know what procedures have been done in the past, how you react to anesthesia and what medications you are on, if any. Otherwise, they may misdiagnose the problem or suggest treatments that are not viable.
• A pain diary: In some cases, it can be helpful to bring a log of specific pain triggers, like raising your knee above a certain level. These functional limitations can help the doctor diagnose the issue more accurately.

Questions to Ask the Doctor During Your Consultation

We suggest writing down your questions in advance of your consultation. This helps you cover all your bases to ensure you don’t forget anything. 

Here are some of the best questions to ask your doctor about joint replacement surgery.

Diagnosis Questions

There are four main questions you should ask about your diagnosis:

1. Is the joint damage severe enough to warrant a total joint replacement?
2. Can any nonsurgical treatments, such as bracing and joint injections, address the problem?
3. Is the joint pain caused solely by the joint, or does the spine play a role?
4. How will the condition progress if surgery is delayed?

The answers to these questions will give you a deeper understanding of the problem and your options, if any. You can then decide which treatment is best for you alongside your doctors.

Surgical Approach Questions

If you want a firmer grasp on a proposed surgery, ask these seven questions:

1. What specific surgical procedure, such as anterior or posterior hip replacement, does your doctor want to use?
2. Why do they prefer the procedure they have chosen?
3. Do they intend to use a custom or off-the-shelf implant?
4. Why do they prefer the implant they have chosen?
5. Does the procedure use robotic assistance or computer navigation to enhance the surgeon’s precision?
6. Does the procedure require general anesthesia or a spinal block?
7. If they use anesthesia or a spinal block, will that affect your recovery, based on your medical history?

The answers will not just help you feel more confident about the procedure. They also give you a chance to advocate for your preferences and work with your doctor to find the best approach.

Surgical Outcomes and Recovery Questions

Before you leave your consultation, it is also important to ask your doctor about the recovery process. You will likely be spending a lot more time in recovery than you will in surgery, so you want to make sure you are prepared for that process. With that end in mind, ask these five questions:

1. What are the infection and readmission rates for the specific surgical procedure they will be conducting?
2. Is this particular surgery an outpatient procedure, or does it require an overnight hospital stay?
3. Are there any protocols for post-surgery pain management?
4. To what degree are narcotics involved in the recovery process, and are there any risks involved?
5. What does the average recovery timeline look like in terms of length, pain and mobility?

These are forward-thinking questions that will help you prepare for the aftermath of surgery. This way, you know what to expect and can communicate those expectations to your family, your workplace and other people in your life.

Schedule an Appointment With Fondren Orthopedic Group Today

If you are experiencing joint pain or other orthopedic issues, Fondren is here for you. Operating out of a dozen locations in the Houston area, our surgeons provide personalized care and treatment plans backed by the latest research and technology in the field. We are also the official orthopedic provider for Texas Southern University’s athletics programs. Whether you are looking for a complete joint replacement or a reliable second opinion, Fondren Orthopedic Group has you covered.

Schedule an appointment today or call 713-799-2300 to learn more.