Choosing a hip or knee replacement surgeon is an important decision. With so many surgeons performing joint replacements, how do you know what to look for?
Dr. William G. Hamilton of Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic shares four factors to consider when choosing a surgeon, plus one thing to be cautious of.
1. Start with specialized training
Not all training is the same. One question worth asking is whether your surgeon is fellowship trained in hip and knee replacement, also known as adult reconstruction.
As Dr. Hamilton explains, this training focuses on hip and knee replacement procedures and the techniques used to perform them.
2. Ask how many procedures they perform each year
Experience is another factor to consider. Ask how many hip and knee replacements your surgeon has performed throughout their career – and, perhaps more importantly, how many they perform annually.
Dr. Hamilton recommends looking for a surgeon who performs approximately 50–100 procedures per year as a rule of thumb, with the goal of maintaining excellence in outcomes.
Annual procedure volume is one useful consideration when evaluating a surgeon, although it does not guarantee an individual patient’s outcome.
3. Look at the facility and the team
Your surgeon is an important part of your care, but the facility and the team supporting your procedure deserve attention, too.
Consider asking how many hip and knee replacements the facility performs each year, what the care team looks like, and whether the facility holds specialized certifications that indicate a focus on joint replacement.
These questions can help you better understand the environment in which your procedure will take place.
4. Choose a surgeon who makes time for you
Of the factors Dr. Hamilton discusses, this may be the most important: Does your surgeon sit down with you, listen and answer your questions honestly?
Your surgeon should discuss the potential pros and cons, risks and benefits of the procedure. They should also practice shared decision-making, taking your opinions and preferences into account when determining the care that’s right for you.
You should feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification. Understanding your options is an important part of making an informed decision about your care.
One thing to be cautious of: The latest and greatest technology
New surgical techniques and technologies can be exciting. But Dr. Hamilton cautions against choosing a surgeon simply because they market the newest innovations.
His message? Don’t lose sight of the fundamentals.
He emphasizes the importance of proper implant positioning, appropriate leg length and width, and correct soft-tissue tension in knee replacement. These are the technical considerations he highlights when discussing long-term outcomes.
New technologies may have a role in the future of joint replacement, but patients should understand how their surgeon approaches the fundamentals of the procedure rather than focusing on technology alone.
Your hip or knee replacement surgeon checklist
Before your next consultation, keep these questions handy:
- Training: Is the surgeon fellowship trained in adult reconstruction?
- Annual volume: How many hip and knee replacements do they perform each year?
- Facility: What can you learn about the facility, its team and its relevant certifications?
- Communication: Does the surgeon answer your questions honestly and explain the risks and benefits?
- Surgical approach: Can the surgeon explain the fundamentals of the procedure and the role of any technology they use?
Choosing a surgeon isn’t just about credentials or technology. It’s also about understanding their experience, asking thoughtful questions and finding a surgeon who includes you in decisions about your care.
Meet the Specialist
William G. Hamilton, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee reconstruction at Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic. Fellowship trained in hip and knee reconstruction, Dr. Hamilton has performed more than 10,000 hip and knee replacements and has published extensively on joint replacement.
Dr. Hamilton sees patients at Anderson’s Lorton and Mount Vernon offices in Northern Virginia.
Meet Dr. Hamilton | Explore Hip and Knee Replacement
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