What to Ask Your Orthopaedic Doctor Before Surgery

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Orthopaedic surgery may be considered for conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, or nerves. These may include knee arthritis, hip arthritis, ligament tears, meniscus injuries, shoulder conditions, foot and ankle problems, fractures, and sports injuries.

Before agreeing to surgery, patients should understand why the procedure is being recommended, what alternatives may be available, what risks are involved, and what recovery may require. Asking the right questions can help patients prepare for surgery, plan time away from work, arrange support at home, and understand what to expect after the procedure.

Why Asking Questions Before Surgery Matters

Surgery is a medical decision that should be based on a clear diagnosis, suitable treatment planning, and informed consent. A patient should understand the purpose of the procedure, the expected recovery process, and the possible risks before proceeding.

Asking questions may help clarify:

• The diagnosis
• Why surgery is being considered
• Whether non-surgical options are available
• What the procedure involves
• What type of anaesthesia may be used
• What recovery may look like
• What complications may occur
• What costs and insurance matters need to be checked
• What follow-up care may be needed

Patients may wish to write their questions down before the consultation. Bringing a family member or caregiver may also be useful, especially when the procedure involves hospitalisation or support after discharge.

1. Questions About the Diagnosis

Before discussing surgery, patients should first understand the condition being treated. A clear diagnosis helps explain why surgery may or may not be appropriate.

Questions to ask include:

• What is my diagnosis?
• Which part of the bone, joint, ligament, tendon, muscle, or nerve is affected?
• What may have caused this condition?
• Is this condition related to injury, degeneration, inflammation, overuse, or another cause?
• What do my X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound results show?
• Is the condition likely to worsen if left untreated?
• Are there signs of joint damage, instability, compression, tear, fracture, or deformity?
• Is this condition affecting nearby structures?

Patients should ask the doctor to explain scan findings in relation to their symptoms. Imaging findings and symptoms do not always match exactly, so clinical examination remains part of the assessment.

2. Questions About Why Surgery Is Being Recommended

Not every orthopaedic condition requires surgery. In some cases, surgery may be discussed because symptoms remain despite non-surgical treatment. In other cases, surgery may be considered earlier due to fracture displacement, tendon rupture, nerve compression, joint instability, or severe structural damage.

Questions to ask include:

• Why is surgery being recommended in my case?
• What problem is the surgery intended to address?
• Is surgery urgent, time-sensitive, or elective?
• What may happen if I delay surgery?
• What may happen if I choose not to have surgery?
• What symptoms may surgery help address?
• What symptoms may remain after surgery?
• What outcome is realistic for my condition?

This discussion can help patients understand whether surgery is being recommended to reduce pain, restore stability, correct alignment, repair a tear, decompress a nerve, treat a fracture, or replace a damaged joint.

3. Questions About Non-Surgical Options

Before surgery, patients may wish to ask whether non-surgical treatment is suitable. Non-surgical care may not apply to every condition, but it is often discussed before elective procedures.

Questions to ask include:

• Are there non-surgical options for my condition?
• Have I already tried the relevant non-surgical options?
• Could physiotherapy help my condition?
• Would medication, bracing, injections, or activity modification be suitable?
• How long should non-surgical treatment be tried before reviewing surgery?
• Are there risks if I continue with non-surgical care?
• What symptoms would suggest that non-surgical care is not working?

Non-surgical treatment may include physiotherapy, rest from aggravating activity, medication, splints, braces, injections, weight management advice, or rehabilitation planning. The right option depends on the condition and severity.

4. Questions About the Procedure

Patients should understand what will happen during the surgery. The level of detail may vary, but the doctor should be able to explain the procedure in patient-friendly terms.

Questions to ask include:

• What is the name of the procedure?
• What happens during the surgery?
• How long does the procedure usually take?
• Will it be done as day surgery or inpatient surgery?
• What type of incision may be used?
• Will implants, screws, plates, anchors, grafts, or prosthetic components be used?
• Will any tissue be repaired, removed, reconstructed, released, or replaced?
• Are there different surgical approaches for this condition?
• Why is this approach suitable for my case?

Patients may also ask whether the procedure is commonly performed for their condition and what factors may affect the surgical plan.

5. Questions About Anaesthesia and Medical Fitness

Anaesthesia is part of many orthopaedic procedures. Patients should understand what type of anaesthesia may be used and whether their medical conditions affect surgical planning.

Questions to ask include:

• What type of anaesthesia may be used?
• Will I need a pre-anaesthesia assessment?
• Do my medical conditions affect surgery or anaesthesia?
• Should I stop or adjust any medications before surgery?
• What should I do if I take blood thinners?
• Should I inform the doctor about supplements or traditional medicines?
• Do I need blood tests, heart tests, or other checks before surgery?
• What fasting instructions should I follow?

Patients should inform the healthcare team about allergies, previous anaesthesia issues, current medication, supplements, smoking history, and medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, or blood clotting disorders.

6. Questions About Risks and Possible Complications

All surgery carries risks. The risk level depends on the procedure, patient health, injury or condition severity, and other factors.

Questions to ask include:

• What are the possible risks of this surgery?
• What complications are uncommon but serious?
• What risks apply to my age, medical history, and condition?
• What signs of infection should I watch for?
• Is there a risk of blood clots?
• Could stiffness, persistent pain, numbness, weakness, or swelling occur?
• Could further surgery be needed in the future?
• What steps are taken to reduce risk?
• What should I do if symptoms worsen after surgery?

Patients should ask for clear instructions on when to contact an orthopaedic centre or seek urgent medical attention after surgery.

7. Questions About Hospital Stay and Discharge

The expected hospital stay depends on the type of surgery, anaesthesia, pain control, walking ability, and medical condition.

Questions to ask include:

• Will I go home on the same day or stay overnight?
• How long might I need to stay in hospital?
• What needs to happen before I can be discharged?
• Will I need someone to bring me home?
• Will I need help at home during the first few days?
• Will I need walking aids, a sling, brace, splint, or cast?
• What should I prepare at home before surgery?
• Are there wound care instructions after discharge?

For procedures involving the hip, knee, foot, ankle, shoulder, or spine, patients may need to plan transport, home support, and safe movement after discharge.

8. Questions About Pain Control and Medication

Pain control is part of recovery after orthopaedic surgery. Patients should understand what medication may be used and what side effects to watch for.

Questions to ask include:

• How much pain may I expect after surgery?
• What medication may be given for pain control?
• How should I take the medication?
• What side effects should I look out for?
• Can I take my usual medication after surgery?
• Should I avoid certain medication before or after surgery?
• Will antibiotics or blood clot prevention medication be needed?
• What should I do if pain is not controlled?

Patients should avoid adjusting medication without medical advice, especially if they take blood thinners, diabetes medication, heart medication, or medication for chronic illness.

9. Questions About Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery varies depending on the procedure and the patient’s health. Some procedures require a short recovery period, while others may involve months of rehabilitation.

Questions to ask include:

• What is the expected recovery timeline?
• When can I walk after surgery?
• When can I return to work?
• When can I drive again?
• When can I climb stairs?
• When can I exercise?
• Will I need physiotherapy?
• How often will rehabilitation sessions be needed?
• What movements or activities should I avoid?
• What milestones should I aim for during recovery?

Patients should ask for written post-surgery instructions where available. This can help them follow wound care, medication, exercise, and activity guidance.

10. Questions About Work, Sport, and Daily Activities

Orthopaedic surgery may affect work, caregiving duties, exercise, and daily routines. Patients should plan ahead, especially if their job involves standing, driving, lifting, typing, or physical activity.

Questions to ask include:

• How much medical leave may be needed?
• Will I need modified work duties?
• When can I return to desk work?
• When can I return to manual work?
• When can I carry groceries, climb stairs, or do household tasks?
• When can I return to running, gym training, or sport?
• Are there activities I should avoid long term?
• Will I need assistive devices during recovery?

The answers may depend on wound healing, pain control, strength, balance, joint movement, and the physical demands of the patient’s work or sport.

11. Questions About Costs, Insurance, and Financial Planning

In Singapore, surgery costs may vary depending on hospital setting, procedure type, implant use, length of stay, anaesthesia, medication, imaging, and rehabilitation needs.

Questions to ask include:

• What is the estimated cost of surgery?
• What does the estimate include?
• Are surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, implant, medication, and follow-up fees billed separately?
• Are there fee benchmarks for this procedure?
• Can MediSave, MediShield Life, or Integrated Shield Plan coverage apply?
• Is insurer pre-authorisation needed?
• Is the doctor or hospital on my insurer’s panel?
• What amount may I need to pay out of pocket?
• Are physiotherapy and follow-up visits included in the estimate?

Patients should check directly with the clinic, hospital, and insurer before surgery. Coverage depends on policy terms, procedure type, panel arrangements, and claim requirements.

12. Questions About Follow-Up Care

Follow-up care helps monitor wound healing, symptoms, movement, and recovery progress. It also allows the doctor to review any concerns after surgery.

Questions to ask include:

• When is my first follow-up appointment?
• How many follow-up visits may be needed?
• When will stitches, staples, or dressings be removed?
• Will follow-up X-rays or scans be needed?
• Who should I contact if I have concerns after surgery?
• What symptoms require urgent attention?
• What should I do if I develop fever, wound discharge, calf pain, chest pain, or sudden swelling?
• When will I be reviewed for return to work or sport?

Patients should keep follow-up appointments even if symptoms appear manageable, unless their doctor advises otherwise.

Preparing for the Consultation

Patients may make the appointment useful by preparing key information beforehand.

Items to bring may include:

• Previous X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or ultrasound reports
• Referral letters
• Medication list
• Allergy information
• Insurance documents
• Past surgical or anaesthesia history
• Details of symptoms and how long they have been present
• List of work, sport, or daily activities affected by the condition
• Written questions for the doctor

Patients who feel anxious may ask a family member or caregiver to attend the consultation with them.

Before orthopaedic surgery, patients should understand their diagnosis, why surgery is being considered, what non-surgical options may apply, what the procedure involves, and what recovery may require. It is also important to ask about anaesthesia, risks, rehabilitation, follow-up care, costs, and insurance matters.

A clear discussion with the orthopaedic doctor can help patients prepare for surgery and make decisions based on their condition, health needs, and personal circumstances.

This article is for general information only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.