Patient guide
Who Should Consider Knee Surgery?
Candidacy is a clinical decision based on your symptoms, examination, imaging, health, and goals. A website cannot determine which procedure is right for you.
When might surgery help?
Knee replacement may be considered when pain has a substantial effect on daily life and other treatments have not helped enough. Osteoarthritis is a common reason. Discuss which nonsurgical options remain appropriate for you.
What does the consultation assess?
A typical assessment includes your history, knee movement and stability, and X-rays. Further testing depends on the situation. Bring prior treatment records and explain the activities that matter most to you.
From a diagnosis to your plan
Being a candidate for knee replacement does not establish candidacy for a particular reconstruction approach. Ask how your surgeon connects the diagnosis to the recommended operation, alternatives, and expected limitations.
Ask at your consultation
- What is the main cause of my symptoms?
- What are the benefits and disadvantages of waiting?
- How does my health change the proposed plan or preparation?
Keep exploring
All patient guidesYour consultation checklistFind a surgeonGeneral education with source links. These references describe knee replacement broadly; they do not establish results for the specific technique presented on this site. Individual advice comes from your care team.