Key Takeaways
- Asking the right questions before knee replacement surgery helps you make an informed decision and set realistic expectations.
- Understanding your surgeon's experience, the specific implant they'll use, and what recovery will look like are crucial elements of your consultation.
- Questions about alternatives, risks, and expected outcomes ensure you're fully prepared for the journey ahead.
- A quality orthopedic surgeon welcomes your questions and takes time to address your concerns thoroughly.
- Dr. Kyle Stoops provides comprehensive consultations for patients in the Indianapolis area, answering all your questions about knee replacement surgery and helping you make confident, informed decisions. Schedule your consultation today to get the answers you need.
Your Consultation Is a Conversation, Not a Lecture
Here's something that might surprise you: your orthopedic surgeon actually wants you to ask questions. Seriously! A good surgeon knows that informed, engaged patients tend to have better outcomes and higher satisfaction. So if you've been worried about 'bothering' your doctor with too many questions, let that concern go right now.
Think of your consultation as a two-way conversation where you're interviewing a potential partner for one of the most important projects of your life: getting you back to pain-free mobility. You wouldn't hire a contractor to renovate your house without asking about their experience, timeline, and what materials they use, right? The same principle applies here, except the stakes are considerably higher (and the project is your knee, not your kitchen).
Coming prepared with thoughtful questions shows you're taking this seriously and want to be an active participant in your care. That's exactly the attitude that leads to successful outcomes. So grab a pen, take some notes, and let's talk about the questions that will help you move forward with confidence.
Question 1: How Many Knee Replacements Do You Perform Each Year?
This might feel like an awkward question (nobody wants to sound like they're doubting their surgeon's credentials), but surgical volume matters. A lot.
Why This Question Matters
Studies consistently show that surgeons who perform knee replacements regularly have lower complication rates and better patient outcomes. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, experience correlates strongly with success.
What to Listen For
While there's no magic number, surgeons who perform at least 25-50 knee replacements annually are generally considered to have sufficient volume to maintain and refine their skills. Surgeons who perform 100+ per year are typically considered high-volume specialists.
Follow-Up Questions
- How long have you been performing knee replacements?
- What is your complication rate compared to national averages?
Question 2: Am I a Good Candidate for Knee Replacement?
Not everyone with knee pain needs a knee replacement (shocker, we know). A quality surgeon will honestly assess whether you're a good candidate or if other options might work better for your situation.
Why This Question Matters
The best orthopedic knee specialists don't push everyone toward surgery. They consider your age, activity level, overall health, severity of arthritis, and treatment goals. If conservative treatments might still help, a good surgeon will tell you.
What to Listen For
Your surgeon should explain specifically why knee replacement is (or isn't) recommended for your situation, referencing your X-rays, physical exam findings, and symptom history. Beware of anyone who seems to recommend surgery for everyone who walks through the door.
Follow-Up Questions
- Have I exhausted all conservative treatment options?
- Would waiting make my condition worse or the surgery more difficult?
- Are there any medical conditions I should address before surgery?
Question 3: What Type of Implant Will You Use and Why?
Not all knee implants are created equal, and your surgeon's choice of implant should be based on your specific anatomy, activity level, and needs.
Why This Question Matters
Different implant designs offer different advantages. Some are better for younger, more active patients. Others are optimized for specific anatomical considerations. Understanding what's going into your body and why helps you feel confident about the choice.
What to Listen For
Your surgeon should explain the implant system they prefer and why it's appropriate for you. Dr. Stoops utilizes advanced Enovis implant systems, including the EMPOWR 3D Knee, which replicates the natural dual-pivot motion of a healthy knee and incorporates Vitamin E-stabilized polyethylene that reduces wear.
Follow-Up Questions
- How long do these implants typically last?
- What materials are used (metal types, plastic components)?
- Are there different size options to match my anatomy?
- What makes this implant better than alternatives?
Question 4: What Will My Recovery Look Like?
Understanding the total knee replacement rehabilitation protocol timeline helps you plan for time off work, arrange help at home, and set realistic expectations.
Why This Question Matters
Recovery varies from person to person, but knowing the general trajectory helps you prepare mentally, physically, and practically. Surprises are great for birthdays, not so much for post-surgical recovery.
What to Listen For
A detailed timeline covering hospital stay (typically 1-3 days), initial mobility expectations, physical therapy schedule, when you can drive, when you can return to work, and when you'll reach various recovery milestones.
Follow-Up Questions
- When will I be able to walk without assistance?
- How much pain should I expect and for how long?
- What restrictions will I have on activities?
- When can I return to specific activities I enjoy (golf, gardening, etc.)?
- What kind of help will I need at home?
Question 5: What Are the Risks and How Do You Minimize Them?
Every surgery carries risks, but understanding them and knowing your surgeon's prevention strategies provides important context for your decision.
Why This Question Matters
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, being informed about potential complications helps you recognize warning signs early and understand what's being done to prevent them.
What to Listen For
An honest discussion of risks including infection (1-2%), blood clots, implant issues, stiffness, and continued pain. Your surgeon should explain specific protocols they use to minimize each risk.
Follow-Up Questions
- What is your personal infection rate?
- What blood clot prevention protocol do you use?
- What signs should I watch for that would indicate a complication?
- How quickly should I contact you if I have concerns?
Question 6: What Are My Alternatives to Total Knee Replacement?
Even if you're leaning toward surgery, understanding all your options ensures you're making the best choice.
Why This Question Matters
Depending on your specific condition, alternatives might include partial knee replacement, continued conservative treatment, or other interventions. A comprehensive orthopedic specialist will discuss all reasonable options.
What to Listen For
A balanced discussion of alternatives including their pros, cons, and why your surgeon does or doesn't recommend them for your situation. This might include partial knee replacement, arthroscopy, or joint preservation techniques.
Follow-Up Questions
- Why is total knee replacement better than these alternatives for me?
- Could I try any other treatments first?
- What would happen if I delay surgery?
Question 7: What Results Can I Realistically Expect?
Managing expectations is crucial for satisfaction. Understanding what knee replacement can and can't do helps you evaluate if it's right for you.
Why This Question Matters
Knee replacement success rates are high (over 90% of patients get significant pain relief), but knowing specifically what improvement you can expect in your situation is important.
What to Listen For
Realistic discussion of pain relief expectations, range of motion you'll likely achieve, activities you'll be able to resume, and any limitations you should anticipate. Your surgeon should be honest about what's achievable.
Follow-Up Questions
- Will I regain full range of motion?
- What activities will I be able to do after recovery?
- What activities should I avoid long-term?
- How long until I feel 'back to normal'?
Question 8: What Is Your Revision Rate?
While nobody goes into surgery planning for revision, understanding your surgeon's revision rate provides insight into their outcomes.
Why This Question Matters
Revision surgery (replacing a knee replacement) is sometimes necessary due to implant wear, loosening, infection, or other issues. Lower revision rates generally indicate better surgical technique and patient selection.
What to Listen For
Experienced surgeons should be able to discuss their revision rate compared to national averages. According to Cleveland Clinic, most patients don't need revision surgery within the first 15-20 years.
Follow-Up Questions
- What are the most common reasons you perform revisions?
- How do you handle complications if they arise?
Question 9: What Will My Follow-Up Care Look Like?
Your relationship with your surgeon doesn't end when you leave the hospital. Understanding long-term follow-up helps ensure your knee replacement lasts.
Why This Question Matters
Regular monitoring helps catch potential issues early and ensures your knee replacement continues functioning well. Knee replacement longevity depends partly on appropriate follow-up care.
What to Listen For
A clear schedule of follow-up appointments (typically at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, then annually) and explanation of what's monitored at each visit.
Follow-Up Questions
- How often will I need to see you after the first year?
- Will I need regular X-rays?
- What should I do if I have concerns between appointments?
- Who should I contact if I have issues when you're not available?
Question 10: What Should I Do to Prepare for Surgery?
Optimizing your health before surgery can significantly improve outcomes and reduce complications.
Why This Question Matters
Pre-operative preparation including weight loss, smoking cessation, physical conditioning, and addressing other health issues can make a substantial difference in your recovery and results.
What to Listen For
Specific recommendations tailored to your situation, which might include losing weight, strengthening exercises, smoking cessation, better diabetes control, or addressing other medical conditions.
Follow-Up Questions
- Should I lose weight before the procedure?
- Do I need medical clearance from my primary care doctor?
- What medications should I stop or start before surgery?
- How can I prepare my home for recovery?
The Bonus Question: Why Should I Choose You as My Surgeon?
This one might feel a bit bold, but here's the thing: this is your body and your health. You deserve to work with someone you trust and who has the expertise to give you the best possible outcome.
What to Listen For
Rather than a rehearsed sales pitch, listen for genuine passion about their work, specific examples of their approach and philosophy, and evidence of staying current with latest techniques and technology. An excellent orthopedic surgeon will welcome this question and answer it thoughtfully.
Making Your Decision With Confidence
Armed with answers to these questions, you'll be in a strong position to make an informed decision about knee replacement surgery. Remember, if you don't feel completely comfortable with the answers you receive, it's absolutely okay to seek a second opinion. This is your knee and your life, after all.
The right surgeon will welcome your questions, provide clear and honest answers, take time to address your concerns, explain things in language you understand, and make you feel like a partner in your care rather than just another patient.
When you find that surgeon (hint: Dr. Stoops checks all these boxes), you'll know you're in good hands.
Ready to get your questions answered? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kyle Stoops, a trusted orthopedic knee specialist serving the Indianapolis area. Dr. Stoops welcomes your questions and provides comprehensive consultations to help you make confident, informed decisions about knee replacement surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should I look for in a knee specialist?
Your knee specialist should be board-certified in orthopedic surgery, have completed fellowship training in joint replacement or sports medicine, and regularly perform knee replacements. Additional qualifications to consider include hospital affiliations with respected medical centers, involvement in continuing education, participation in professional organizations like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and positive patient reviews. Experience with modern implant systems and minimally invasive techniques is also valuable. Dr. Stoops meets all these qualifications and brings extensive experience with advanced Enovis implant technology.
Should I get a second opinion before knee replacement?
Getting a second opinion is often a smart decision for major surgery like knee replacement. Many insurance plans actually encourage second opinions and will cover the consultation. A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis, verify that surgery is your best option, provide alternative perspectives on treatment approaches, and give you additional confidence in your decision. If both surgeons reach similar conclusions, you'll feel more confident moving forward. If they differ significantly, it gives you important information to consider. There's no downside to seeking additional expert input for such an important decision.
What should I bring to my knee replacement consultation?
Bring all relevant medical records including recent X-rays or MRI images (on disc if possible), list of current medications and supplements, your insurance card and photo ID, list of questions you want to ask, description of your symptoms and how they impact daily life, and information about previous treatments you've tried. Consider bringing a family member or friend to help remember information discussed. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy examination of your knee. Having all this information helps your surgeon provide the most accurate assessment and recommendations for your specific situation
