How to Choose Your Orthopaedic Surgeon

When it’s time to have an orthopaedic procedure—whether it’s a repair, replacement, or reconstruction—choosing the right surgeon can feel overwhelming. From experience and specialisation to communication style and trustworthiness, there’s a lot to consider. In this article, we explore what really matters when selecting an orthopaedic surgeon, helping you make a confident and informed decision.

1. Define Your Needs First

Before anything else:

• Identify the specific condition or injury you need treated (e.g., knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear, ACL rupture).
• Consider your goals: Are you aiming for long-term pain relief, a fast recovery, returning to high-impact activities?

Pinpointing these will help focus your surgeon search on those with relevant experience and the right approach.

2. Experience & Subspecialty Interest

Orthopaedic surgery is broad. Surgeons typically develop subspecialty interests, such as:

• Joint replacements (hips, knees, shoulders)
• Sports injuries (ligament repairs, arthroscopies)
• Fracture care (including complex nails and plates)

Why it matters: A surgeon who regularly performs your type of surgery tends to have better technical skill and awareness of potential pitfalls. Ask:

• “How many of these operations do you do per year?”
• “What’s your usual approach—anterior hip replacement, posterior hip replacement, or both?”

3. Credentials, Training & Professional Standing

Look for:

• Fellowship training in the required subspecialty—this means additional specialised training after qualification.
• Professional memberships, such as the Australian Orthopaedic Association.
• AHPRA registration, ensuring they’re legally allowed to practice in Australia.

These provide reassurance of their skills and ethical standing.

4. Surgical Outcomes & Quality of Care

Reputable surgeons track their outcomes. While detailed clinical data may not always be publicly available, consider asking:

• What is your complication or revision rate?
• What does recovery typically look like for your patients?

A surgeon open about outcomes is likely committed to transparency and quality.

5. Communication Style & Shared Decision-Making

A good surgeon is more than a skilled operator—they’re also a communicator and collaborator. Ideal traits include:

• Listening: Do they understand your concerns and lifestyle?
• Clarity: Can they explain risks, options, and expected outcomes clearly?
• Flexibility: Are they open to discussing conservative (non-surgical) options first, if appropriate?

Look for a surgeon who encourages dialogue and ensures you’re active in decisions.

6. Building Trust

Trust evolves over time, but here are quick indicators:

• Comfort during consultations: Do you feel taken seriously?
• Respect for your choices: Even if you ask questions or express concerns.
• Consistency: Are top-level staff friendly and answers consistent across visits?

Trust also comes from seeing real patients speak highly of a surgeon’s care, though personal research always helps.

7. Hospital Facilities & Aftercare

Recovery and outcomes are affected by the setting and after-surgery support:

• Hospital reputation for orthopaedic care and low infection rates.
• Availability of rehab services—physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pain management.
• Access to emergency support—in case of complications after hours or outside working hours.

8. Logistics & Practical Considerations

Not to be underestimated:

• Location: Is the surgeon near you, or is travel manageable?
• Wait times: Urgent cases like fractures may need quick access; elective surgeries allow more planning.
• Costs & insurance: What’s covered under Medicare or your private health insurance? Are there large out-of-pocket expenses?

9. Get a Second Opinion

Never shy away from seeking another professional’s perspective—another surgeon may suggest a different surgical approach or reinforce your original choice. It adds confidence to your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to choose a surgeon who specialises in my exact issue?

A: Ideally, yes—but if subspecialists aren’t available, choose a general orthopaedic surgeon with strong outcomes and communication skills.

Q: How long should I expect to wait for elective surgery?

A: This varies. Public hospitals may have longer waitlists, while private patients can often schedule surgery sooner. Ask specifically about timelines once you’ve selected a surgeon.

Q: Can I start with non-surgical treatment?

A: Often, yes. Many orthopaedic surgeons support a trial of physiotherapy, medication, or injections before suggesting surgery. This shared decision-making approach is a positive sign of careful care.

Q: If complications arise, will my surgeon handle them personally?

A: Reputable surgeons prioritise continuity of care. Ideally, they’ll oversee your recovery but may involve colleagues or specialists for complex issues. It’s reasonable to ask who will manage follow-up and rehab.

Q: Should I choose a hospital with more frequent implant surveillance or tracking?

A: Yes—surgeons or hospitals that closely monitor implant performance help ensure early detection of issues with joint replacements, which benefits your long-term outcomes.