Questions to Ask Your Knee Surgeon Before a Replacement

The best questions to ask your knee surgeon cover four things: the operation itself, their results, the risks and how common they are, and what a realistic recovery and outcome look like for you. Going in with a written list turns a rushed appointment into a genuine conversation, and it is the simplest way to make a confident, informed decision¹.

I went to my first appointment with a head full of worries and walked out realising I had asked almost none of them. So I went back with a list. This article is that list, refined and checked by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, and written to be neutral: these are questions to ask whichever surgeon or hospital you see. For background on the operation, read our guide to knee replacement surgery first.

Why bring a written list?

A written list is worth more than you would think, because it is genuinely easy to forget your questions once you are in the room. Appointments are short, the information comes quickly, and anxiety crowds out memory. Bringing someone with you to take notes helps too. National guidance such as NICE NG226 frames knee surgery as a shared decision, so coming prepared is exactly what a good consultation expects².

Questions about the operation

Start with the procedure itself so you understand what is being proposed:

• Do I need a total or partial knee replacement, and why? A total replacement resurfaces all three compartments; a partial resurfaces only the one damaged compartment and keeps healthy bone and ligaments.
• What type of implant will you use, and how long does it typically last? A useful anchor is that knee replacements typically last 15 to 20 years or more³.
• How long will the operation take? Most take about 1 to 2 hours.
• What anaesthetic will I have?

If the total-versus-partial choice is live for you, our comparison of partial versus total knee replacement explains who suits each.

Questions about the surgeon’s and hospital’s results

It is reasonable, not rude, to ask about outcomes:

• How many knee replacements do you do each year?
• What are your infection and revision rates? Infection affects about 1 to 2 in 100 overall, so you can compare against that⁴.
• Are your results submitted to a registry such as the National Joint Registry?

When I finally asked my surgeon these, he answered without hesitation, which itself reassured me. Surgeons who track their results are used to the question.

Questions about risks and complications

Ask for the specific numbers, not vague reassurance:

• How common is infection for an operation like mine? (about 1 to 2 in 100)
• What do you do to prevent blood clots? (usually blood thinners, compression, and early movement)
• What happens if my knee will not bend far enough afterwards? (a manipulation under anaesthetic is a recognised option)
• How often do your patients have ongoing pain? (about 1 in 5 have some residual pain or stiffness)

Our deep-dive on knee replacement risks and complications lists each one and how likely it is, so you can follow up.

Questions about recovery

Recovery is where realistic expectations matter most:

• How long will I be in hospital? (usually 1 to 3 days)
• How long will I need walking aids? (typically 2 to 6 weeks)
• When can I drive again? (usually around 6 weeks)
• When can I return to work and normal activities? (most normal activities within about 3 months, full recovery 6 to 12 months)

These are the timelines that let you arrange help and time off. Our knee replacement recovery timeline goes week by week.

Questions about the honest outcome

Finally, ask what a good result actually looks like. Around 80 to 90% of patients are satisfied, but about 1 in 5 feel the knee is never quite “normal”, with some stiffness, kneeling difficulty, or clicking. Asking your surgeon to be candid about your likely result is the single most useful thing I did. Our article on knee replacement success rates covers this honestly so you can frame the conversation.