The Hipster's Questions for Your Surgeon
The Questions You'll Be Glad You Asked Before Surgery
A highly practical, printable guide to the questions every hip replacement patient should ask — organized by topic, with space to write your surgeon's answers and your own notes.
By Jodi Seidler, Founder, Hipster Club
Why These Questions Matter
Surgeon appointments can feel rushed. You've been waiting weeks for this appointment, you have a hundred questions in your head, and the moment you sit down, half of them disappear.
This guide is designed to help you walk into your appointment prepared — with the questions written down, space to capture your surgeon's answers, and room for your own notes. You don't have to ask every question on every list. Use what's relevant to your situation.
A good surgeon welcomes informed patients. These questions are not confrontational — they are the foundation of a good working relationship with your care team.
Before Deciding
Why are you recommending hip replacement for me at this time?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
What does my imaging show, and how does it relate to my symptoms?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
What conservative options have I not yet tried, and would you recommend them?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
What happens if I wait — what can I expect if I don't have surgery now?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
Is there a point at which waiting would make surgery more difficult or outcomes less predictable?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
About the Surgeon
How many total hip replacements do you perform each year?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
Which surgical approach do you use most commonly?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
Why do you recommend that approach for me specifically?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
Are there aspects of my anatomy or health that influence the approach you'd use?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
Will you personally be performing the entire surgery, or will residents or fellows be involved?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
About the Implant
What implant system do you plan to use?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
What materials will the components be made of?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
Will fixation be cemented, cementless, or hybrid — and why?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
How long has this implant system been in use, and what does the registry data show?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
Can I get a record of my implant information after surgery?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
About Surgery Day
Will this be performed at a hospital or an outpatient surgical center?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
What type of anesthesia will be used, and will I have a choice?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
How long will the surgery take?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
How long will I be in the hospital or recovery center?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
Who will be part of my care team, and who should I contact with questions after surgery?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
About Recovery
When will I be able to walk, and what assistive device will I use?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
How long will I need a walker or cane?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
When will physical therapy begin, and how often?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
What sleeping positions are safe, and are there any restrictions?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
When can I shower, and how do I care for the incision?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
When can I manage stairs?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
When can I drive?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
When can I return to work — and does that depend on what my job involves?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
When can I return to exercise, and are there activities I should avoid long-term?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
When can I travel, including flying?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
When can I resume sexual activity?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
Are there any restrictions I should follow, and for how long?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
When are my follow-up appointments, and what will you be checking?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
About Risks
What is the risk of infection with this procedure, and what precautions are taken?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
What is the risk of blood clots, and what will be done to prevent them?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
What is the risk of dislocation, and does the approach or implant affect that risk?
My surgeon's answer:
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What is the risk of fracture during or after surgery?
My surgeon's answer:
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What is the risk of nerve injury, and what would that look like?
My surgeon's answer:
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What is the risk of persistent pain after surgery?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
How do you manage leg-length differences, and what is the risk of a noticeable difference?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
What is the likelihood that I might need a revision surgery at some point, and what factors affect that?
My surgeon's answer:
My notes:
My Notes
Use this space to write down anything else you want to remember from your appointment — questions that came up, things your surgeon said, next steps, or anything you want to follow up on.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
Hipster Club is a community of real people who have been through hip replacement — and are here to help you through yours.