If you need to have surgery to treat or replace a joint that is damaged by arthritis, chances are you'll have lots of questions for your doctor.
According to the <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=ortho" target="_blank">American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons</a>&nbsp;and other experts, a few questions you may want to ask include: 
<ul>
 <li>Are there any other treatments I should try before surgery?</li>
 <li>What are the benefits I can expect in terms of pain relief and mobility? </li>
 <li>What are the risks? What will happen if I don't have the surgery now?</li>
 <li>What will the operation involve and how long will it last? </li>
 <li>Can the surgery be done on an outpatient basis or will it require a hospital stay? </li>
 <li>What type of anesthesia will be used, and what risks are associated with it?</li>
 <li>What kind of pain is normal to expect and how long will it likely last? Will I receive medication for the pain? </li>
 <li>What is your experience doing this type of operation? </li>
 <li>Should I stop taking any of my medications before surgery? </li>
 <li>Do you recommend an exercise program before and after the surgery? </li>
 <li>What limits might I have while I recover? For example, will my ability to drive, eat, use the toilet or climb stairs be affected? </li>
 <li>Will I need to make any modifications to my home&mdash;or purchase any special equipment&mdash;to help with my daily activities after surgery?</li>
 <li>How long will recovery take? </li>
 <li>What are the chances that I will need additional surgery? </li>
</ul>
If you have any other questions, be sure to bring them up with your doctor. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared.
Reviewed 3/11/2024
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Sources
<ul>
 <li>American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Surgery." <a target="_blank" href="https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-before-surgery">https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-before-surgery</a>.</li>
</ul>
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Questions to ask about arthritis surgery 

Before you have surgery, you may want to ask your doctor a few questions about the procedure.