Hipster Club — Putting the HIP Back in Hip Replacement
Patient Empowerment

How to Talk to Your Orthopedic Surgeon

The questions that matter most — and how to make every appointment count.

Appointments with orthopedic surgeons are often short. You may have 15 minutes to cover everything that matters to you. That's not enough time to wing it.

The patients who get the most from their surgical consultations are the ones who come prepared — with written questions, realistic expectations, and the confidence to ask follow-ups.

Before You Decide on Surgery

  1. 1Am I a good candidate for hip replacement, and why?
  2. 2What non-surgical options have I not yet tried?
  3. 3What happens if I wait 6–12 more months?
  4. 4What is your experience with patients my age and activity level?
  5. 5How many hip replacements do you perform per year?

About the Surgery Itself

  1. 1What surgical approach will you use — anterior, posterior, or lateral — and why?
  2. 2What implant materials and design will you use for me?
  3. 3Will you use robotic assistance or computer navigation?
  4. 4What type of anesthesia is recommended for me?
  5. 5How long will the surgery take?

About Recovery

  1. 1What is the expected recovery timeline at 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year?
  2. 2When can I drive, return to work, and resume normal activities?
  3. 3What movement restrictions will I have, and for how long?
  4. 4What does physical therapy look like, and how long will I need it?
  5. 5What pain management plan will be in place after surgery?

About Risks and Complications

  1. 1What are the most common complications for a patient like me?
  2. 2What is your personal complication rate?
  3. 3What are the warning signs I should watch for after surgery?
  4. 4What is the revision rate for the implant you're recommending?
  5. 5What happens if I need a revision surgery down the road?

Practical Preparation

  1. 1What should I do to prepare my home before surgery?
  2. 2What medications should I stop or start before surgery?
  3. 3Is there prehab (pre-surgery physical therapy) I should do?
  4. 4What will I need in terms of equipment at home?
  5. 5Who do I call if I have questions or concerns after I go home?

Tips for a Better Appointment

›Write your questions down before you go — don't rely on memory
›Bring a trusted person who can take notes and ask follow-ups
›Ask for written materials, diagrams, or videos to take home
›Repeat back what you heard to confirm you understood correctly
›It's okay to ask for a second opinion — good surgeons expect it
›Patients retain only 20–30% of verbal instructions — always ask for written resources

You Are the Expert on Your Own Body

Your surgeon knows the medical side. You know the lived experience. The best outcomes happen when those two truths work together. Never leave an appointment with unanswered questions.