The goal of orthopaedic treatment is to relieve pain and restore function. In planning your treatment, your doctor will consider many things, including your age, activity level, and general health. If nonsurgical treatment methods, such as medication and physical therapy, do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend total joint replacement.
Your doctor and healthcare team will provide you with information to help you prepare for surgery. Never hesitate to ask questions. The following list of questions can help you in your discussions with your doctor before your surgery.
- What are the major and/or most frequent complications of surgery?
- Is the skill and experience of the orthopaedic surgeon more important than the device or procedure?
- Can you give me any information on outcomes and complication rates?
- If I do not have surgery, what is the risk?
- How much pain can I expect, and how will it be managed in the hospital and after I go home?
- How long will the device last, and what can I do to make it last as long as possible?
- What are the pros and cons of minimally invasive (mini-incision) surgery? Does it really make a meaningful difference in the result, or does it pose unnecessary risks?
- What will I be able to do/not do after my total joint replacement?
- Is therapy necessary after surgery?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- Will I be able to contact you after the surgery if I have a question or problem?
It will be a process deciding what is the best option for your body and your situation - keep an open mind when discussing possible treatment options. Most insurances require you to attempt physical therapy before a doctor can consent to performing a total joint replacement, and it is vital that the patient go into therapy as if that is their only option. No need to have surgery when your quality of life could possibly be improved by therapy, alone. Regardless of whether or not you choose to follow through with joint replacement surgery, the Champion Performance and Physical Therapy staff will ensure you understand all your precautions and are carefully guided through each step of the process, during both before and after stages of your joint replacement. Our new facility is sectioned in half, one side more suitable for a slower pace, and the other more suitable for our higher level patients. You'll feel safe and comfortable during your time here - we guarantee it!