What Should You Look for in an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Sustaining an injury—whether it’s a sudden traumatic event or a chronic issue that has built up over time—can feel overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with pain, limitations in your daily activities, and possibly the idea of surgery, but you also have to navigate the healthcare system while making important decisions about your care.
To make matters more confusing, everyone around you suddenly has an opinion. Friends, family members, coworkers, and even acquaintances often have strong recommendations about who you should see or who you should avoid for orthopedic care.
While those suggestions can be helpful, it’s important that you have a foundation of knowledge to help guide your own decision. Choosing the right orthopedic or sports medicine surgeon can significantly impact both your surgical outcome and your overall experience during recovery.
Here are four important things you should look for when selecting an orthopedic surgeon.
1. Proper Surgical Training
One of the most important things to look for in an orthopedic surgeon is fellowship training.
After completing medical school, surgeons go through a residency, where they receive broad training in orthopedic surgery. However, many surgeons choose to go a step further and complete a fellowship, which is an additional year of specialized training focused on a specific area of orthopedics.
For example, a surgeon who completes a sports medicine fellowship spends an additional year working almost exclusively with joint and tendon injuries, often focusing on athletes and complex ligament injuries. This allows them to gain deeper expertise in procedures like ACL reconstruction, shoulder stabilization, and tendon repairs.
Fellowships exist across many orthopedic specialties, including:
- Sports medicine
- Spine surgery
- Foot and ankle surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Joint replacement
While many orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled, fellowship training represents the highest level of focused training within a specialty. When possible, it’s a good idea to choose a surgeon whose fellowship training matches the condition you are being treated for.
2. A Surgeon Who Follows Best Practices
Medicine is constantly evolving. As new research emerges, surgical techniques and treatment recommendations continue to improve.
The concept of best practices refers to treatment approaches that are supported by current research and evidence. Surgeons who follow best practices adapt their techniques as our understanding of injuries and recovery evolves.
A good example of this can be seen in ACL reconstruction surgery. Over time, research has shown that the ACL does not run straight up and down in the knee joint. Instead, it sits at a slight angle, which is critical for maintaining rotational stability in the knee.
Modern surgical techniques reconstruct the ligament in a way that mimics this natural angle. Surgeons who continue using outdated techniques may not restore stability as effectively.
This is why it’s important to find a surgeon who continues learning, adapting, and staying current with research. The best surgeons are not stuck in “the way things used to be done.” Instead, they constantly refine their approach to provide the best outcomes for patients.
3. Personalized Care
There’s a common stereotype that surgeons have poor bedside manners and are only interested in performing surgery. While that reputation exists, it certainly isn’t true for all surgeons.
In fact, some of the best surgeons are also excellent communicators and compassionate people.
When you meet with an orthopedic surgeon, the conversation shouldn’t start and end with imaging results and surgical plans. A good surgeon will take the time to learn about you as a person, not just your injury.
Your lifestyle, work demands, hobbies, and personal goals all matter when deciding on treatment.
For example, imagine two patients who both need shoulder replacement surgery.
- Patient #1 is retired and mainly needs their shoulder to function for everyday activities like dressing, cooking, and light household tasks.
- Patient #2 is younger and has a daughter getting married in six months. Their goal is to be able to participate in that important life event.
Both patients need the same procedure, but their timing and treatment planning may look very different. One patient may choose to proceed with surgery immediately, while the other may delay surgery until after the wedding.
A surgeon who doesn’t take time to understand the patient’s story might miss these important considerations. The best surgeons recognize that every patient has a unique situation and personal priorities.
4. Clear Communication and a Strong Team
Finally, great surgeons don’t work alone. They rely on a strong team to support patients throughout the surgical process.
When you leave your appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, you should have a clear understanding of your condition, your treatment options, and what comes next. Medical jargon and rushed conversations can leave patients confused and uncertain.
A good surgeon takes the time to explain things in a way that patients can understand, including:
- What the injury is
- Whether surgery is necessary
- What the procedure involves
- What recovery will look like
- What the next steps are
Just as important is the surgeons office staff and care team. Athletic Trainers, medical assistants and administrative staff should be knowledgeable and able to answer questions when you call the office.
When a staff is well-informed and communicates effectively, it’s often a reflection of the surgeon’s leadership and commitment to patient care.
A strong surgical team helps ensure that patients feel supported, informed, and confident throughout their recovery journey.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an orthopedic surgeon is an important decision, and it’s one that shouldn’t be rushed.
While recommendations from friends or family can be helpful, it’s equally important to consider key factors such as:
- Fellowship training and surgical expertise
- Commitment to modern best practices
- Personalized, patient-centered care
- Clear communication and a knowledgeable team
When these elements come together, patients are far more likely to feel confident in their care and satisfied with their recovery experience.
Ultimately, the right surgeon isn’t just someone who can perform the procedure well—it’s someone who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and supports you throughout the entire healing process.
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