If you're choosing a surgeon, you need good answers. Once you've eliminated other treatment options — such as physical therapy, medication or lifestyle changes — here are the questions to ask to make sure you're in good hands:

• How often do you perform this surgery? (The surgeon should do the procedure multiple times weekly.)

• What's your success rate, and what complications occur most frequently? How do you deal with them?

• Are you board certified? Are you a member of the American College of Surgeons? (No? Look elsewhere.)

• What's your infection rate? What's the rate of infections at the institution where you will perform the surgery?

• What anesthesia is usually employed for this? If the answer is "general" or "regional" (spinal or nerve block), follow up with, "Will I meet the anesthesiologist?" (No? Go elsewhere. Yes? Ask the same questions about his or her training.)

• If it applies: "Do you usually work with a particular physical therapist or rehabilitation center?"

• How can I contact you if I have more questions?

If you're satisfied with the answers, get it done, and look forward to getting better soon.