When you're doing your due diligence homework before choosing an orthopedic surgery expert, check out the online resources of the American Medical Association and the American Society of Orthopedic Surgeons. They both have large databases you can access.

Orthopedic surgery isn't for the faint of heart. Those who've undergone this surgery suggest that you do plenty of research before you make your decision, and that you exhaust all other potential solutions before turning to surgery. Always get a second opinion, too.

Before you have orthopedic surgery, be sure to ask plenty of questions. You'll need to know exactly what the surgery does and how it's done, the potential side effects, how much time you'll be laid up, and any pain medications required to treat it.