Patient Education

WHEN TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Have your years of sports given you more than great memories and an attic full of trophies? Did they leave you with increasingly sore, stiff joints as well?

If you suffer from nagging joint pain, from sports or any other cause, you may want to talk to your doctor about joint replacement surgery. “Many adults don’t know when it’s time to approach their doctor about joint replacement. The basic rule is that if joint pain is interfering with your life – it’s time,” offers Vidalia-based orthopedic surgeon Cullen Scott, MD. To find out if you are a candidate for joint replacement take our quick quiz.

“You could discover that you don’t need joint replacement surgery at all,” says Dr. Scott. “In fact, surgery is generally not the first option. Patients are frequently surprised by the pain relief they can get with some of our non-surgical options.”

If you do learn that surgery can help, ask your doctor about your surgical options. There are many out there.

“For some people with pain in both knees, it may be possible to have both knees repaired simultaneously,” explains Dr. Scott. “When joints have significant damage that doesn’t require a total replacement, a partial joint replacement may be the best choice.”

Techniques, such as resurfacing procedures, are available as are a wide variety of different implant devices. Your doctor can explain the pros and cons of each. Together, you can choose which course of action is best for you.

You’ll also want to discuss your expectations. “Talk to your doctor about what you’d like to do after your surgery that you can’t do now. Also discuss your role in recovery and how much therapy and rehabilitation you can expect,” offers Dr. Scott. “While the success rate for knee and hip replacement is 90-95 percent, the work you put in after your surgery can make an enormous impact on your results.”

And if you have any fears or concerns regarding joint replacement surgery, this is the time to let your doctor know. Together, you can address these issues so you can begin the surgical process with confidence.
Contact
Orthopedic Services
912-538-0040
Patient Education
Total joint replacement classes are offered on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. For more information, call Sharon Proctor at 912.277.2058

Are you a candidate for joint replacement? Find out here.

When to talk to your doctor about joint replacement.