The simple answer
Print this list. Bring it to your pre-op appointment. The surgeon expects questions; in fact, prepared patients have better outcomes. The 25 questions below cover surgical approach, anesthesia, recovery timeline, PT, FMLA, complications, and second-opinion considerations. You don’t need all 25 — pick the 8-10 most relevant to YOUR procedure and YOUR life.
About the surgery itself
- What surgical approach are you using and why?
- How many of these procedures do you perform per year?
- What complication rate do you see specifically?
- What’s the typical procedure length, and what determines if it goes longer?
- Will I get the actual implant or hardware? Can I have its details for my records?
- Are there alternatives I should consider before scheduling?
About anesthesia
- General anesthesia, regional, or both?
- Will I have a nerve block? How long does it last?
- Has my anesthesiologist seen my full medical history including [your conditions]?
- What if I’ve had bad reactions to anesthesia before?
About recovery timeline
- What does the first 24 hours look like? First week?
- When can I shower? Drive? Return to work?
- How long will I be in a sling/walker/brace?
- When does PT start, and how often will I go?
About complications
- What complications would warrant calling your office vs going to the ER?
- What does normal recovery pain feel like vs concerning pain?
- What signs of infection should I watch for?
- What’s the risk of blood clots and what should I do to prevent them?
About long-term outcomes
- What’s the success rate at 1 year? 5 years? 10 years?
- What activities will I be able to return to?
- What activities should I avoid permanently?
- How will I know if revision surgery is needed in the future?
About logistics
- What FMLA paperwork can your office complete? On what timeline?
- Will you be reachable post-op? Through what channel?
- Who covers your patients when you’re on vacation?
- What’s your office’s policy on after-hours questions?
About second opinions
- Do you support patients seeking second opinions?
- Can you recommend other surgeons who specialize in this procedure?
- Are there clinical trials I should consider?
How to use this list
Don’t bring all 25. Star the 8-10 most important to you. Practice asking them so you don’t run out of time. Bring a notebook (or have a partner take notes). The surgeon’s answers are the basis for every other decision in your recovery — write them down.
Surgeon answers patients should be cautious about
Frequently Asked Questions
Won’t the surgeon be annoyed if I bring a list?
Most surgeons report preferring prepared patients — outcomes are better and visits run smoother. If your surgeon is annoyed by questions, get a second opinion.
When should I bring this list?
At your pre-op consultation, NOT the day of surgery. Most pre-ops are 1-3 weeks before surgery; that’s when there’s time for questions.
Should I record the conversation?
Ask first. Most surgeons are fine with audio recording. It helps you review answers later when anesthesia and stress aren’t the problem.
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Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons — orthoinfo.aaos.org
- American College of Surgeons — Preparing for Surgery
A note on what this is. This article is general information drawn from the sources cited above and from real-patient experience patterns. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not a substitute for the guidance of your care team. Your situation is specific to you. Always discuss decisions about your treatment, medications, and care with your physician, surgeon, oncologist, nephrologist, OB, or relevant specialist. If you are experiencing symptoms that worry you, contact your medical team. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
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