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Adapted from information available on the following web sites:
This list of questions will provide a good starting point for a discussion with your doctor. However, it is not a comprehensive list.
General questions about joint replacement
- What are the most common causes of severe joint problems that can lead to the need for joint replacement?
- What conditions or symptoms must exist before a doctor will recommend such a procedure?
- Arthroplasty is a major invasive procedure. How disruptive is it to a person?
- What does joint replacement surgery involve? Describe the process.
- What is an artificial joint made of? How does it work?
- How does an artificial joint "interface" with a person's flesh and bone?
- How long do artificial joints last? Will I need another arthroplasty at some point?
- What are the success rates for arthroplasty?
- What are the possible complications, and how common are they?
- Are there reasonable, effective alternatives to arthroplasty?
- What about new research and findings? Are there any less invasive but equally effective remedies "right around the corner" that I might want to hold out for?
- What can a person do to put off severe joint problems or relieve their symptoms?
If joint replacement becomes a likely course of treatment for you
- Specifically, why is this procedure being recommended? What alternatives were considered and why were they rejected?
- What benefits should I anticipate in terms of pain relief, improvements in mobility, etc., and to what degree?
- What percentage of arthroplasty patients have seen these improvements, and for how long?
- What are the risks associated with arthroplasty? Do my circumstances suggest I face any particular issues or risks?
- Is there a long-term "down side" to this procedure? Will I lose certain abilities?
- What type of joint "hardware" is being recommended for me, and why?
- What can I expect immediately after surgery?
- How long will it take for me to recover, and what will I have to do?
- What role will medication play in my recovery, and what kinds will I have to take?
- What's your view of these anti-inflammatory medications that have been shown to cause cardiovascular problems?
- What kinds of exercise and physical therapy will I have to do "post-implant"?
- Should I make any changes around my home to accommodate my recovery?
- What specific roles do my personal doctor and my orthopaedist play?
- What should I expect if I decide not to have the surgery at this time?
- If I want a second opinion, who can I consult?
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