Questions to consider about joint surgery

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There are many different types of joint surgery. The following questions will help you evaluate which surgery may be right for you.

Ask your doctor if surgery will relieve pain, improve range of motion, and allow you to resume daily activities.
What do you want from this surgery? Less pain? Better movement? Improved appearance of the joint? What are the chances that this surgery will bring about that outcome?
What are the chances of achieving your desired outcome with a different kind of surgery?
How often is another surgery needed because the first surgery didn't work?
What kinds of things can go wrong with this surgery? How often do these problems occur?
How long will the results of this procedure last? How long will this type of joint replacement last before another surgery may be needed? What type of surgery might be needed if this surgery fails?

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Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Updated	August 18, 2008

Last updated:	August 18, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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