An athlete’s success is directly linked to their ability to compete at a high level. If you’ve injured your ACL and are trying to get back to the top of your game, you’re probably anxious to get back on the court or start training ASAP.
Choosing an ACL surgeon is critical to your success and can determine if you’re able to get back on the court or field right away.
With that, let’s cover tips for choosing the right surgeon. That way, you’ll have the chance of being out there really soon!
Research and Gather Information
It is extremely important to take the time to carefully and accurately research the credentials of potential surgeons and the hospital where the procedure will occur. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons website is a great resource to ensure a surgeon is legitimate and properly certified.
Additionally, be sure to look for reviews and ratings by previous patients and contact these people if possible. Researching various competitive specialties and the cost of service is also wise. Make sure to ask your primary care doctor for referrals, and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Evaluate Credentials and Experience
It is important to research important credentials for an ACL Surgeon such as:
- board certifications
- references from hospitals
- years of experience
Many prospective patients opt to research surgeons by looking into their:
- credentials
- education
- certifications
It is important to pay attention to the quality of the doctors education and experience when selecting an ACL Surgeon. When looking for a surgeon, it is important to ask questions about their medical education, their experience in the field, and the number of ACL surgeries they have performed.
Assess Surgical Outcomes
When assessing the surgical outcomes of an ACL surgeon, it’s important to consider what type of surgeon you’re choosing. While orthopedic surgeons do specialize in ACL repair, some may have more ACL surgery experience than others. You can request testimonials from former patients as well.
Not only will this information help you assess the skill level of the surgeon. It will also provide insight into their approach to patient care. The surgeon should be able to provide a detailed breakdown of their in-depth knowledge regarding the post-operative conditions and the timeline associated with the entire process.
You can also review patient guides and feedback on post-operative care to give you insight into the overall satisfaction of the surgical outcome from a patients perspective.
Schedule Consultations
When it comes to researching and selecting an ACL surgeon, scheduling consultations is a crucial step. If you need knee surgery at Elanic Medical, make sure to keep in touch ahead of time for an appointment.
During these visits, potential patients can meet and speak with surgeons and get a better sense of them as a medical professionals. Depending on the clinic, consultations may vary in duration and what is included.
Follow this Guide to Choosing an ACL Surgeon
Overall, when choosing an ACL surgeon, it is important to research the surgeon. Ask questions, visit the office, and understand insurance.
Finding the best surgeon for your individual case can be the difference between a successful surgery and enduring long and successful physical therapy or a negative outcome. Take the steps necessary now to have the ACL surgery you need for a successful recovery.