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Medical Author:

B Sonny Bal, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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A person who is contemplating hip replacement surgery should become informed. Ask friends who have had a similar procedure about their experience. This may help in choosing a hospital and a surgeon. Then, spend some time exploring the World Wide Web. A wealth of information concerning minimally invasive hip replacement surgery is available on the Internet. Be a smart consumer and keep in mind that the Internet is largely unregulated in terms of the quality of information. Some of this information may amount to self-promotion by surgeons, implant companies, hospitals, and other parties. An intelligent health-care consumer must decide the quality of the information. See Web Links for some trusted sources.

After researching on the Internet, discuss the procedure with a physician and orthopedist. They will know who in the community offers the newer minimally invasive techniques. Every community is also served by teaching hospitals, where orthopedic surgeons who specialize in hip or knee replacement often receive inquiries from far away, including other countries, and enjoy exchanging their opinions and perspectives.

Procedures like minimally invasive joint replacement surgery are first developed and tested at academic medical centers. There are excellent private practice groups that are fully versed in new methods of surgery and testing their effectiveness as well.

Once prepared, make an appointment with a doctor. If the doctor has a Web site, review it before the office visit. Make a list of questions ahead of time, so that all concerns are addressed. Make sure to be comfortable with the doctor you choose. The doctor should encourage you to ask questions. Because many questions may arise after the office visit, the doctor should encourage communication regarding any additional questions or concerns. Keep in mind that privacy may be compromised if you are asking questions via email.

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