Posted by Tiger01 (248 days ago)
Ok then,
Firsty how do you know you need it? There are several reasons why one would require joint replacement surgery. The diagnosis for joint replacement is always done by a surgeon, even though referred from a general practitioner. As such, I'd have thought you'd by now seen a surgeon, but perhaps it is different in China.
Furthermore, opinion as to whether surgery is ultimately necessary, what type of surgery and what type of prosthese is to be used, is patient/practitioner dependent.
As this type of surgery is usually elective (as you appear to be doing research beforehand), you should really get yourself well informed, and take your time.
When considering orthopaedic surgeons (or any surgery), there are many things you should consider. For example, you should be obtaining an opinion from at least two skilled and reputable surgeons.
Fortunately, in most western countries, the requirements to finnaly qualify as an orthopaedic surgeon are quite high, and much experience is gaining whilst a registrar. As such, most in a partnership practice would generally be very competent. However, in China, I do not know the requirements.
When selecting a surgeon, it is really a personal thing and how comfortable you feel. However, as a guide, the following would indicate competency:
- held public appointment for some time
- private practice as well as public (well establsihed private practice)
- teaching appointment at public hospital
- well published in scientific circles
For major joint arthropasty (hip, knee, shoulder) I'd suggest not using a generalist, but see some lower extremity guys who put in at least 80 per year, and have done so for some time.
As said above, it is how comfortable you feel. Shop around, check out the head of dept. at the local hospitals, and get a few opinions. Pesonally I'd only let someone I knew of well near a major joint. Again, a comfort and confidence issue.
So to help you, well the above I hope can get you started looking where I'd have begun.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
