Surgical Readiness Checklist

How to use this: Answer each question honestly. When you're done, enter your name and email to unlock your Readiness Score and see exactly where your gaps are.

Do you understand your diagnosis?

Don't just trust a label.

My surgeon showed me my imaging and explained specifically what they found — not just "bone-on-bone" or "severe arthritis." "Bone-on-bone" is an X-ray description, not a diagnosis. Which structures are affected shapes the entire recommendation.

My surgeon explained why my symptoms match what's visible on my imaging. Imaging findings and symptoms don't always align. Surgery that addresses an X-ray finding — not your actual pain source — is a real risk.

I understand what my joint will — and won't — be able to do after surgery, based on my age and goals. Joint replacement relieves pain and restores daily function — it isn't designed for high-impact activity. Misaligned expectations are the #1 driver of dissatisfied outcomes.

Is this the right timing?

Is now the right moment?

My surgeon explained why conservative treatment is no longer appropriate or sufficient for my specific case. For some patients, conservative treatment is genuinely no longer indicated. What matters is whether your surgeon explained why — not just that surgery is next.

I have asked what happens if I delay surgery by three to six months — and received a specific answer. For most elective joint replacement patients, a short delay doesn't worsen outcomes. Your surgeon should be able to tell you whether you're the exception.

I am moving toward surgery because of pain and functional limitation — not primarily unresolved uncertainty. Fear is normal. Unresolved doubt before surgery, however, tends to affect recovery. That's exactly what an independent review is designed to resolve.

Is this the right procedure for you?

Why this, for your anatomy?

My surgeon explained why total vs. partial replacement is recommended based on my anatomy and imaging. Partial replacement preserves more of the natural joint with faster recovery — but only fits certain cases. Most patients don't know it's an option.

I understand the implant being recommended — type, material, and why it fits my age and activity level. A 55-year-old active person and a 72-year-old with limited mobility may need different implant systems for the same procedure.

My surgeon has discussed the surgical approach and whether minimally invasive techniques are appropriate for my case. Surgical approach affects muscle disruption and recovery time. A surgeon's preferred technique doesn't always align with what's optimal for your anatomy.

Is this the right surgeon?

Volume is a quality metric.

I know approximately how many knee or hip replacements my surgeon performs each year. Surgeon volume is one of the strongest predictors of outcomes in joint replacement. High-volume specialists typically have lower complication and revision rates.

Joint replacement is a primary focus of my surgeon's practice — not one of many procedures they perform. A surgeon for whom joint replacement is a subspecialty focus has a fundamentally different depth of experience than one covering a broad orthopedic practice.

I know where my surgery will be performed and am comfortable with that facility's experience. High-volume joint replacement centers have dedicated protocols and lower infection rates — both directly affect your recovery.

Are you optimized for the best outcome?

Factors you can still change.

My surgeon has discussed how my current weight may affect my outcome, recovery, and implant longevity. Elevated BMI affects complication rates, implant positioning, and long-term durability. Many surgeons don't raise this directly — if yours hasn't, ask.

My blood sugar is well-controlled and my A1C has been checked before surgery. Elevated blood sugar significantly increases post-surgical infection risk. Ask your surgeon whether your hemoglobin A1C has been checked.

I have begun — or my surgeon has discussed — pre-surgical physical therapy ("prehab"). Prehab patients have faster recoveries and better outcomes at six months. It's underutilized — if your surgeon hasn't mentioned it, ask.

I am not currently a smoker — or I have a plan to stop before surgery. Smoking impairs bone healing and significantly increases infection risk. Most high-volume programs require cessation before surgery.

This checklist is an educational tool, not medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a licensed physician. Specialist reviews through XPRT2ND are for informational purposes only. xprt2nd.com · [email protected]

Before you schedule,
get the full picture.

Your gaps to address

Not sure where to start?

Before you schedule,get the full picture.

Your gaps to address

Not sure where to start?

Unlock your score

Before you schedule,
get the full picture.