If you are suffering from hip arthritis, choosing the right surgeon – a hip replacement surgeon – for your treatment is essential. Hip replacement surgery has become increasingly popular as a way to reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with this disabling and very painful condition.
A hip replacement surgeon is specially trained to perform such a complex procedure safely and effectively. Below, we discuss what makes a hip surgeon the best hip replacement surgeon in San Antonio.
Board Certification
Patients considering a hip replacement should always make sure their chosen orthopedic surgeon is board-certified before proceeding with any type of surgical treatment plan – especially when it comes to something as delicate and complicated as replacing a joint like the hip. Board certification indicates that the orthopedic surgeon has met rigorous educational requirements established by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
A History of Excellence
Excellence is a habit, which is why when searching for a hip replacement surgeon in San Antonio, research the doctor’s history, including their performance in school and beyond. A hip replacement surgeon who has completed school at top of their class and medical school with distinction has a habit of perfectionism and excellence, which translates as a success for the patients they serve. You can also ask about how many procedures they perform every year to get an understanding of how experienced they are.
A Great Hip Replacement Surgery Success Rate
The best hip replacement surgeons have a high surgery success rate and low complication or failure rate. Ask potential surgeons about their success rate, so that you can be sure they know what they’re doing before making any decisions about your treatment. Ask about the complications they most often face and how they tackle them.
The Use of Cutting-Edge Technology
Advances in medical technology are continually being made, and when it comes to hip replacement techniques, you want an orthopedic surgeon who is trained in utilizing the latest and most cutting-edge techniques. For instance, Makoplasty has the primary benefit of less tissue damage during hip replacement surgery, resulting in reduced blood loss, shorter recovery time, decreased risk of infection, minimal scarring due to smaller incisions being made on the skin surface, as well as fewer postoperative complications.
With Makoplasty, doctors can preserve muscle tissue with the aid of robotic-arm technology. The use of robotics also allows for precise placement and alignment of implants, reducing chances for misalignment, which can lead to painful rubbing between components and cause faster wear and tear damage, requiring further revision surgeries in the future.
If you want a faster and more comfortable recovery from hip replacement, choose a hip replacement surgeon that uses Makoplasty for total hip replacement.
Excellent Patient Reviews
Patient reviews of a doctor can reveal a lot about their quality of care. Reviews may indicate how attentive the doctor is to patients’ needs, how well they communicate with patients and staff, and if they are up to date on the latest medical practices. Websites such as Healthgrades and Vitals are good starting points. You should also check the practice’s website for patient testimonials.
Top Hip Replacement Surgeon in San Antonio, TX
Raymond E. Skunda is our newest member of the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Dr. Skunda graduated magna cum laude, is board-certified and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Medical Association. He specializes in hip and knee replacements and uses the highly advanced Makoplasty for minimally invasive joint replacement.
Dr. Skunda genuinely cares about patients’ health and well-being and ensures they understand their diagnosis and treatment. He goes the extra mile to explain everything in easy-to-understand terms. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Skunda, call our office today at (210) 692-7400, or use our convenient online request form.
