Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning surgery abroad. The surgeon’s skill, experience, and the care team around them directly affect outcomes, recovery time, and long-term mobility. Whether you’re considering a hip, knee, shoulder, or spine procedure, asking the right questions helps you make an informed choice and gives you confidence during every step of your medical journey.
✅ 1. Are they board-certified and what is their surgical experience?
Ask about formal qualifications (MBBS, MS Orthopaedics), fellowship training (national or international), and board certifications. Ask how many times the surgeon has performed your specific procedure (e.g., total knee replacement, Robotic TKR, ACL reconstruction) and about complication rates. Experience with thousands of procedures or many years focused on joint surgery is a strong indicator of skill.
What to request:
- CV or short profile listing training and fellowships
- Number of similar surgeries performed annually
- Special areas of expertise (robotic surgery, revision arthroplasty, pediatric orthopedics)
✅ 2. Which hospitals and teams do they operate with, and are those hospitals accredited?
High-quality outcomes depend on more than the surgeon — they depend on the whole team and the facility. Ask which hospital(s) the surgeon uses and check for accreditation (NABH, JCI). Enquire about the operating team: anesthesiologists, nursing staff, ICU availability, infection-control protocols, and on-site rehabilitation services.
What to request:
- Hospital accreditation details (NABH/JCI)
- Typical surgical team members and their roles
- Availability of dedicated orthopedic ICU and physiotherapy unit
✅ 3. What implant types/brands do they use and why?
Implant choice matters for longevity and performance. Ask which implant brands and materials the surgeon prefers (ceramic, polyethylene, titanium, cemented vs uncemented) and why those are suitable for your age and activity level. Also check whether the implants are FDA/CE-approved and what warranties or tracking exist.
What to request:
- Names of implant brands and their approvals (FDA/CE)
- Expected implant lifespan and revision statistics
- Rationale for choosing a specific implant for your case
✅ 4. What is the expected recovery timeline, rehabilitation plan, and outcomes?
A skilled surgeon will give you a realistic recovery roadmap. Ask about hospital stay length, when you’ll start physiotherapy, timelines for walking unassisted, returning to work, and returning to sports. Also ask about expected pain levels, common complications, and how they manage them.
What to request:
- Personalized recovery timeline and physiotherapy schedule
- Pain management protocol and follow-up plan
- Typical functional outcomes and return-to-activity benchmarks
- 💡 Need help choosing the right surgeon and rehab plan? Orthotourism connects you with experienced orthopedic specialists in India, helps compare implants and hospitals, and arranges personalized recovery programs. Contact us to get a tailored recommendation.
✅ 5. How are outcomes tracked, and what follow-up & emergency care is provided for international patients?
Long-term success depends on follow-up care. Ask how the surgeon tracks outcomes (patient registries, PROMs), their infection and revision rates, and how they handle complications. For international patients, confirm post-discharge follow-up options (telemedicine, local clinic coordination), and emergency contact arrangements.
What to request:
- Evidence of outcome tracking or published results
- Post-op telemedicine or local follow-up arrangements
- Emergency contact procedure and local point-of-care options
Bonus: Practical Questions about Logistics & Costs
- What’s included in the estimate (implant, hospital stay, meds, physiotherapy)?
- How are payments handled and what is the cancellation/refund policy?
- Do they provide medical visa letters, airport pickup, and language support?
- Will you get digital medical records and discharge summaries for your local doctor?
FAQs: Quick Answers Patients Often Want
Q1: How do I verify a surgeon’s credentials from overseas?
Ask for scanned certificates, fellowships, peer-reviewed publications, and hospital verification. Orthotourism can vet and provide verified surgeon profiles.
Q2: What if I need a second opinion?
A reputable surgeon will welcome second opinions. Orthotourism can help arrange remote second opinions with other specialists.
Q3: How long should I plan to stay in India after surgery?
Typical initial stay is 10–21 days depending on procedure and rehab; final clearance and telemedicine follow-up are arranged before you travel home.
Q4: Are online consultations reliable before surgery?
Yes — video consultations allow surgeons to review imaging, discuss options, and plan surgery. They’re widely used for international patients.
Why Choose Orthotourism?
At Orthotourism, we help you evaluate surgeons and hospitals based on credentials, outcomes, and patient fit — not just cost. Our services include verified surgeon profiles, hospital comparisons, visa and travel assistance, accommodation, local language help, and structured post-op follow-up (including telemedicine). We guide you to the right decision with transparency and patient-first care.
👉 If you’re researching surgeons in India, let Orthotourism be your partner. We’ll match you with verified orthopedic experts, explain implant choices, arrange consultations, and manage your entire medical journey from arrival to recovery. Contact Orthotourism today to get a personalized surgeon shortlist and a clear cost estimate.