If you are thinking about ankle replacement surgery, you undoubtedly want the best physician you can find. However, with so many surgeons around, finding the best one could be a daunting task.
Here’s an ultimate guide to choosing the right surgeon for your ankle arthroplasty in Fall River, MA.
What Ankle Replacement Surgery Entails
You cannot say yes to a surgical procedure unless you know what it entails. So, ask your primary about it, how it may impact your overall health and well-being, and what preparation and recovery may involve. Be sure your doctor is honest about how well you may fare and how long it may take you to recover full function in your ankle.
If you have long-standing osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis in your ankle, or if an acute injury from sports or a fall is sidelining you, this open surgery may be right for you. Ankle arthroplasty removes the damaged bone ends of the fibula and tibia (lower leg bones) and of one of the seven ankle bones–typically the talus. It replaces them with plastic and high-tech metal parts to create natural, smooth motion and flexibility and to eliminate the pain and poor ambulation and balance which usually accompanies compromised ankle joints.
Choose a Highly Qualified Doctor
There are a few ways to do this: ask for a referral from your primary care physician, or consult a friend or loved one who also has needed extensive podiatric or orthopedic treatments or surgeries. After making a short list of possible candidates, investigate their education, credentials, and experience online.
You may look at Healthgrades.com for online patient reviews. See how the doctor fares with his patients in terms of results, bedside manner, and even office atmosphere and staff friendliness.
Verify The Surgeon’s Education and Advanced Credentials
Check with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery online to verify board certification in foot and ankle surgery and reconstructive/rear foot and ankle surgery (RRA). Board certification ensures you this healthcare provider has extensive experience in the medical specialty, continuing education in the latest research and treatment techniques are priorities, and peer view and accountability are must-haves in professional development as a foot and ankle surgeon.
Board-certified foot and ankle doctors have to pass rigorous examinations which demonstrate excellent cognitive knowledge, diagnostic capabilities, and surgical skills. So, when you select a foot and ankle doctor who is board-certified, you know they adhere to the highest professional standards.
Read the Doctor’s Practice Website
A professional website gives you, the patient, information on important topics, such as health insurance, on-site services, conditions treated, location, and more. You also can read the doctor’s biography, which tells you about areas of expertise, number of years in practice, and more.
You’ll also find contact information and ways to make an appointment. The website should tell you about hospital affiliations and give you the necessary new patient forms to complete.
See the Ankle Replacement Surgeon in Person
Whatever the surgical procedure, you literally place life and limb in the hands of your physician. As such, you need to be comfortable with this foot and ankle doctor in terms of personality, communication style, explanations of your condition, the anesthesia, the prosthetic components to be used in your “new” ankle, and more.
So, make a consultation appointment. Bring any imaging and test results from other healthcare providers with you, along with a list of your medications and past surgeries and treatments, particularly if they involve the feet and ankles. Be prepared with a list of specific questions:
- Exactly what does the surgery entail, and what are the anticipated results?
- Do you need imaging tests besides the ones I have had elsewhere?
- How long will I need to recover and rehab?
- What assistive devices will I need?
- What anesthesia will I have and what pain medications afterward?
- When can I return to work, sports, and other important activities?
- How many ankle replacements do you do on an annual basis, and how many have you done in total?
- What are the risks or possible complications of ankle replacement?
- How big will my incision be, and will I have a noticeable scar?
- Can my ankle prosthesis shift or wear out?
- Will my ankle always be stiff, or will I regain normal strength and movement?
- Will I need another ankle replacement surgery in my lifetime?
- What may happen if I do not choose to have ankle replacement surgery soon?
Additionally, going to the podiatric office for an in-person consultation will tell you if the staff is friendly and helpful and if the treatment rooms are clean and orderly. You also can learn how to contact the surgeon if you have a serious concern during your time of recovery and what your schedule of follow-up appointments will be. Does the practice offer urgent care appointments? Small details such as these help you judge whether the podiatrist is the right doctor for your ankle replacement surgery and follow-up care.
The Best Ankle Replacement Surgeon in Fall River, MA
At Foot & Ankle Institute of New England, our premier ankle replacement surgeon is Dr. Stephen Rogers. You can count on his years of expertise in the podiatric field and on his many accomplishments as an ankle arthroplasty pioneer.
For an in-depth surgical consultation with Dr. Rogers and his caring team, call one of our three locations today. We have offices in Fall River, MA, and two in Warwick and Middletown, RI. We will be happy to meet you and be of service for all your podiatric health needs.
