Choosing the right foot surgeon impacts your outcome more than any other factor. Ask these 7 questions before scheduling surgery with a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon.
Study after study shows that surgeon experience and volume is the single biggest predictor of surgical outcomes — for bunion surgery, ankle replacement, Achilles repair, and virtually every foot and ankle procedure.
A high-volume surgeon performing 100+ bunion surgeries per year will statistically have better outcomes, fewer complications, and lower revision rates than a surgeon performing 10 per year.
1. Are you board-certified? Look for ABFAS (podiatrists) or ABOS (orthopedic surgeons). Board certification means they passed rigorous exams proving competence.
2. How many of this procedure do you perform per year? The most important question. Higher volume = better outcomes. For bunion surgery, look for 50+. For ankle replacement, look for 20+.
3. What is your complication rate? A good surgeon will know their numbers and share them. Infection rates, revision rates, and nerve injury rates should all be tracked.
4. What technique do you recommend and why? A skilled surgeon should explain options (traditional vs MIS for bunions, open vs percutaneous for Achilles) and why they recommend one for YOUR case.
5. What does recovery look like? Get specific timelines: when can you drive, walk in regular shoes, return to work, exercise?
6. What are the risks specific to my case? Every patient has unique risk factors. Your surgeon should address your specific anatomy, medical history, and goals.
7. Can I see before and after photos or patient outcomes? Experienced surgeons often have portfolios of results. This is especially important for bunion surgery where cosmetic outcome matters.
Many insurance plans cover second opinions at no extra cost.
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