When you need to undergo hip surgery, choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make. No matter the issue that you’re facing, whether it’s from arthritis, another chronic condition, or a sports injury, the surgeon that you choose will have a huge impact on your journey. So finding a specialist that is knowledgeable, experienced and trustworthy is essential.
How do you know what to look for in a surgeon?
If you are wondering what factors to consider when selecting the right professional for your hip surgery, you are not alone. When it comes to choosing the right surgeon, we have you covered. Here’s everything you need to know.
Defining Your Needs and Understanding Your Condition
The best place to start is by working out your needs and understanding your condition. This will help you to determine whether a hip surgeon is able to deliver what you need. Firstly, you should ensure that you identify the type of surgery that you require, whether a hip replacement, hip resurfacing, hip realignment, arthroscopy or other. Then, you should list what you are looking to achieve from your surgery. Are you undergoing treatment for a chronic condition? Are you recovering from a sports injury and hoping to return following recovery? Your desired rehabilitation journey will also have an impact on your decision.
Qualifications and Subspecialty Experience
It’s important to check for the credentials, qualifications and subspecialty knowledge of the surgeon themselves. Finding a surgeon that has the experience in the type of surgery that you need will increase the chances of success.
Consider the years of training that they have, the board certifications and the amount of time that they have been performing your type of surgery. During your investigative period, don’t be afraid to reach out to the professional themselves. In general, they will be happy to answer your questions, provide examples of how they deal with certain complications, signpost you to testimonials from existing patients and more.
Surgical Outcomes and Quality of Care
Looking at the outcomes of your doctor’s surgeries and quality of care of previous patients can aid your search for the right hip surgeon. If the surgeon has a strong success rate in a variety of hip surgeries, this could indicate that they are a better candidate for yours.
Quality of care should also be a major consideration in your decision making. What are previous patients saying about the clinic? If the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, it is likely that your quality of care will mirror. It’s important to look at the surgeon’s bedside manner, their level of communication and their compassion. This will have an impact on both the outcome of your surgery and your recovery.
Communication Style and Patient Centred Approach
Communication is important when it comes to hip surgery. From preparation through to aftercare, it’s essential that you always remain informed. When investigating the right surgeon for your treatment, consider their communication style and whether their approach is patient centred. Question whether you will have in-clinic appointments such as scans and consultations prior to surgery and if you will get a comprehensive rehabilitation plan following your surgery. Openness and honesty are what you should be looking for as this will build a trusting relationship moving forwards. Remember that each surgeon has their own way of working and the key is finding someone who aligns with your own communication style.
Hospital Affiliation and Support Staff
The quality of the hospital or clinic and support staff is just as crucial as the surgeon’s skill. Look for facilities that are highly regarded, well equipped and renowned for providing quality of care to their patients. Consider the following:
- The staff to patient ratio
- The post-operative care programme that they offer
- Their reputation within orthopaedic care
- Their range of services such as imaging and radiology
More often than not, your care will be passed to a recovery or rehabilitation team following surgery. So it’s equally as important to ensure that the rehabilitation clinic and staff provide top quality care.
Logistics and Practical Considerations
In your search for the right surgeon, logistics and practicality should be taken into consideration. Following any hip procedure, your mobility and movement will be limited, and you will likely be feeling pain and discomfort in the area. So ensuring that your journey home from the hospital or clinic is quick and easy will be beneficial. You will also need a family member or friend to assist you in your journey home which you should be mindful of when considering logistics.
As part of your recovery, clinics will often offer rehabilitation plans that could include follow up scans, consultations and physiotherapy. So it’s important to consider the numerous times that you will need to visit the hospital in the weeks following your procedure. Consider whether it’s easily accessible for vehicles, has good transport links and if the facility itself is easy to navigate around.
The Value of a Second Opinion
Before making your decision on the right hip surgeon for you, it can be beneficial to seek a second opinion. Not only will this solidify the decision for surgery as being the right option, but you will enjoy peace of mind that you are truly doing what is best for you.
Remember that each healthcare provider will have their own specialities and one professional may be able to offer an additional option for treatment. This could be a non-surgical alternative to try, or a different type of hip surgery such as robotic-assisted.
Speak to an Expert Today
For a highly decorated, knowledgeable and experienced hip surgeon, get in touch with Dr David Slattery. He has over a decade of expertise and specialises in hip-related orthopaedic treatment.
Enquire online today or call 03 5752 5020 for more information. From diagnosis to treatment, surgery to physical rehabilitation, you are in safe hands under his care.
