The right questions will depend on your condition and the treatment being considered. Asking about alternatives to surgery, the expected benefits and risks, recovery times and what to expect from treatment can help you make a more informed decision about your care.
Questions to Ask an Orthopaedic Surgeon About Your Diagnosis
Before discussing treatment, it is important to understand what is causing your symptoms and how your condition has been diagnosed.
You may want to ask:
- What is causing my symptoms?
- What does my examination or scan show?
- Do I need any further investigations?
- How severe is my condition?
- Are there other possible causes of my symptoms?
- What happens if I do not have treatment?
Understanding your diagnosis can help you understand why a particular treatment has been recommended and whether other options may be appropriate.
Questions About Your Treatment Options
Not every orthopaedic condition requires surgery. Depending on your symptoms, diagnosis and previous treatment, options may include physiotherapy, medication, injections, activity modification or other non-surgical treatments.
Questions you could ask include:
- What treatment options are available to me?
- Is non-surgical treatment appropriate?
- Why are you recommending this treatment?
- Are there alternatives to the recommended treatment?
- What are the potential benefits and risks?
- What could happen if I delay treatment?
Your surgeon should explain the available options and why a particular approach may be suitable for your condition.
Questions to Ask About Shoulder Surgery
If shoulder surgery has been recommended, there are several specific questions to ask about shoulder surgery before deciding whether to proceed.
You may want to ask:
- What type of shoulder surgery do I need?
- Why is surgery recommended in my case?
- What does the procedure involve?
- How will the surgery be performed?
- What are the potential risks and complications?
- What results can I expect?
- Are there alternatives to surgery?
- How long is the expected recovery?
The procedure recommended will depend on the underlying condition and its severity.
Prepare for Your Orthopaedic Consultation
Have questions about your diagnosis, treatment options or recovery? Discuss your concerns with Mr Ahsan Akhtar during a specialist orthopaedic consultation in London.
Questions About Your Orthopaedic Surgeon
You may also want to ask an orthopaedic surgeon about their experience with your condition and the procedure being considered.
Questions could include:
- What experience do you have treating my condition?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- Where would my surgery take place?
- What type of anaesthetic would I have?
- Who will be involved in my care?
- What follow-up care will I receive?
Mr Ahsan Akhtar is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist surgery. He assesses and treats a range of conditions affecting the upper limb.
Questions About Recovery After Surgery
Understanding recovery can help you plan for time away from work, exercise and other activities.
Questions to ask include:
- How long is recovery expected to take?
- When can I return to work?
- When can I drive?
- When can I return to exercise or sport?
- Will I need physiotherapy?
- What restrictions will I have after surgery?
- When will I have a follow-up appointment?
- What should I do if I have concerns during recovery?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure and your individual circumstances. Your surgeon should explain what to expect following treatment and whether rehabilitation will form part of your recovery.
Questions About Elbow Treatment
If you are being assessed for an elbow problem, your questions may depend on whether you have an injury, fracture or longer-term condition.
You could ask:
- What is causing my elbow symptoms?
- Do I need further imaging?
- Can my condition be treated without surgery?
- If surgery is recommended, what does it involve?
- How long will recovery take?
- When can I return to normal activities?
Mr Akhtar assesses and treats a range of elbow conditions, including elbow pain and injuries, elbow fractures, tennis elbow and olecranon bursitis.
Questions About Hand and Wrist Treatment
For hand and wrist problems, you may want to ask how your symptoms are affecting the nerves, tendons, joints or other structures in the affected area.
Useful questions include:
- What is causing my hand or wrist symptoms?
- Do I need further investigations?
- Are there non-surgical treatment options?
- Will I need surgery?
- What will the procedure involve?
- How long will recovery take?
- Will I need rehabilitation?
Mr Akhtar provides assessment and treatment for a range of hand and wrist conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, ganglion cysts, fractures and arthritis.
Questions About Private Orthopaedic Treatment
If you are considering private treatment, you may also want to ask about the practical aspects of your care.
For example:
- Is private treatment available for my condition?
- Which hospital or clinic would I attend?
- Do you accept private medical insurance?
- Does my insurer require prior authorisation?
- What costs will I need to pay?
- What follow-up care is included?
Private consultations and treatment are available through London Shoulder and Arm, with insured and self-referral patients welcome.
Preparing for Your Orthopaedic Consultation
Writing down your orthopaedic consultation questions before your appointment can help you remember the points you want to discuss.
It may also be useful to have information about:
- Your current medication
- Previous treatment
- Previous injuries or operations
- Relevant scans or investigation results
- When your symptoms started
- Activities that make your symptoms better or worse
If you have received treatment elsewhere, information about previous investigations or procedures may also be useful during your consultation.
When Should You Seek an Orthopaedic Consultation?
A specialist consultation may be appropriate when pain, stiffness, weakness or restricted movement persists despite initial treatment, or when symptoms begin to affect work, exercise or everyday activities.
Following a significant injury, urgent medical assessment may be required if you have severe pain, an obvious deformity, a suspected dislocation or a sudden inability to move the affected arm, hand or wrist.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms require specialist assessment, you can contact the practice to discuss your appointment.
Book an Orthopaedic Consultation
If you have a shoulder, elbow, hand or wrist problem and would like to discuss your symptoms and treatment options, you can arrange a consultation with Mr Ahsan Akhtar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for an orthopaedic consultation?
Before your appointment, make a note of your main symptoms, when they started, any previous treatment and any questions you want to discuss. It can also be helpful to bring details of your medication and any relevant scans or investigation results.
What questions should I ask about orthopaedic surgery?
You may want to ask why surgery has been recommended, what the procedure involves, what benefits and risks to expect, whether there are alternatives and how long recovery is likely to take. You can also ask about restrictions after surgery and when you may return to normal activities.
Should I ask about alternatives to surgery?
Yes. It is reasonable to ask whether non-surgical treatment is appropriate for your condition and what other options are available. You can also ask what may happen if you decide to delay or not proceed with surgery.
What should I ask about recovery after orthopaedic surgery?
Ask how long recovery is expected to take, whether you will need physiotherapy, when you can return to work or exercise and what restrictions you should expect. Your surgeon can explain how recovery may vary depending on the procedure and your individual circumstances.
Is it worth writing down my questions before an orthopaedic appointment?
Yes. Preparing your questions in advance can help you remember the points you want to discuss during your consultation. You may also find it useful to take notes during the appointment.
Can I ask an orthopaedic surgeon for a second opinion?
Yes. If you are uncertain about your diagnosis or recommended treatment, you can seek another specialist opinion. This may help you understand your options before deciding whether to proceed with treatment.