What to Expect From an Orthopaedic Surgeon

Posted by Brisbane Hip & Knee on May 11th, 2021

You may think that you know everything you need to know about an orthopaedic surgeon, but it is better to know more in advance. In most cases, a surgeon has been performing the same type of procedure for years, which means they have developed a good level of expertise in this field. When you have pain, you will go to your regular doctor, who may recommend a doctor or a specialist. However, if you are interested in having orthopaedic surgery performed, there are some questions you should ask your physician.

Why did you choose an orthopaedic surgeon in the first place? Were you aware that you could have several procedures done at the same time? What are your options now? What would you be paying for these treatments?

Ask these questions. First, if you have an existing condition that is causing pain, it is important to find a solution immediately. Do not wait until your condition gets worse. If you are able to fix the problem right away, you can prevent further problems down the road. In this case, orthopaedic treatments may be recommended for you.

How do you know if you will benefit from orthopaedic surgery? Only your doctor can answer this question. While most people may experience minor discomfort after an operation or treatment, others may have more serious problems. For example, someone who undergoes orthopaedic surgery may suffer from post-operative pain, weakness, swelling, and difficulty walking. Therefore, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor.

How long do you have to live after orthopaedic surgery? Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be able to go back to work soon after your procedure. However, it is important to remember that orthopaedic procedures cannot restore strength and function to your bones, only provide relief from pain. This means that you will need to continue to move and practice your physical abilities for several years.

Can an orthopaedic surgeon perform other treatments besides immobilization? Orthopaedic surgeons do not often provide reconstructive surgeries unless their patient is suffering from a life-threatening condition. Sometimes this can include hand surgery, but usually only in cases where complete paralysis is present.

What are the benefits of using an orthopaedic surgeon versus a regular doctor? During surgery, your doctor will likely recommend treatment to correct the physical problem causing your pain. However, an orthopaedic surgeon has additional training and experience in treating patients with orthopedic conditions. He may also be able to perform a variety of physical therapy exercises to help alleviate pain.

Can an orthopaedic surgeon perform more than just physical therapy? An orthopaedic surgeon can perform more complex surgeries, including joint replacement and hip surgery. Joint replacement surgery can fix a physical joint that has become damaged due to an accident or disease. Hip surgery can repair a torn hip joint. Your surgeon can even perform hip replacement if the damaged hip joint cannot be fixed with physical therapy alone.

How is an orthopaedic surgeon trained? Like all medical professionals, orthopaedic surgeons must have a certain amount of education and experience. They must obtain at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited university in orthopedics or physiology before they can legally practice surgery. Some states may require more education and training, so it's a good idea to check with your state's regulatory agency.

Who should expect after receiving an orthopaedic surgeon's surgical procedure? Usually, patients are released from the hospital the same day as their surgery. You can drive yourself home, but most doctors suggest resting for seven to ten days. While resting, you will need to avoid strenuous activities and apply ice packs to the injured area to reduce swelling.

After recovery, an orthopaedic surgeon will discuss your treatment with you. It's important that you understand what will happen during the procedure, including any recovery steps. During the treatment, your doctor will likely give you a list of medications you are required to take while you are recuperating. It's a good idea to ask for a list of these medications when you make your first visit because the staff may not be aware of what medications are okay during your procedure.

After your treatment is complete, you will be given a form of immobilization to help relieve pain while you are recovering. Your orthopaedic surgeon will probably recommend this for you or another patient who has been recommended for this kind of treatment. This form of immobilization is usually recommended for you for one to three weeks. You can expect your feet to feel normal and improve over time, although you may experience some discomfort during this time.