15 Questions to Ask Your Knee Replacement Surgeon
The 15 questions every UK patient should ask before a knee replacement — surgeon volume, accreditation, implant, risks, flying home, complications, and total cost in writing.
By Gaf Healthcare Editorial Team
2026-06-21
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<div class="trust-bar"> <span>✅ <strong>Medically Reviewed</strong> — GAF Healthcare Orthopaedic Team</span> <div class="t-div"></div> <span>📅 <strong>Updated:</strong> June 2026</span> <div class="t-div"></div> <span>🕐 <strong>9 min</strong> read</span> <div class="t-div"></div> <span>🇬🇧 Written for UK patients</span> </div>
<span class="article-label">Orthopedics · Decision Guide</span> <h1>15 Questions to Ask Your Knee Replacement Surgeon</h1> <p class="deck">An informed patient is an empowered one. Whether you're seeing a surgeon in the UK or considering treatment in India, these 15 questions help you judge the quality of your care — and a good clinic will welcome every single one. We've grouped them, added why each matters, and flagged the answers that should give you confidence (and the silences that shouldn't).</p>
<div class="qa-box"> <div class="qa-head">⚡ How to Use This</div> <p class="qa-note">Print this list or save it to your phone, and write the answers down. The goal isn't to catch anyone out — it's to make sure you understand your care and feel confident in it. If a provider grows evasive on accreditation, surgeon volume, costs in writing, or who handles a complication, treat that as useful information. To see the operation in context first, read our <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/uk/orthopedics/knee-replacement-india">knee replacement in India</a> guide.</p> </div>
<div class="wa-center"> <a href="https://wa.me/919044346292?text=Hello%2C%20I%20have%20some%20questions%20about%20a%20knee%20replacement%20and%20would%20like%20honest%20answers" class="wa-btn" target="_blank"> <svg width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="#fff"><path d="M17.472 14.382c-.297-.149-1.758-.867-2.03-.967-.273-.099-.471-.148-.67.15-.197.297-.767.966-.94 1.164-.173.199-.347.223-.644.075-.297-.15-1.255-.463-2.39-1.475-.883-.788-1.48-1.761-1.653-2.059-.173-.297-.018-.458.13-.606.134-.133.298-.347.446-.52.149-.174.198-.298.298-.497.099-.198.05-.371-.025-.52-.075-.149-.669-1.612-.916-2.207-.242-.579-.487-.5-.669-.51-.173-.008-.371-.01-.57-.01-.198 0-.52.074-.792.372-.272.297-1.04 1.016-1.04 2.479 0 1.462 1.065 2.875 1.213 3.074.149.198 2.096 3.2 5.077 4.487.709.306 1.262.489 1.694.625.712.227 1.36.195 1.871.118.571-.085 1.758-.719 2.006-1.413.248-.694.248-1.289.173-1.413-.074-.124-.272-.198-.57-.347m-5.421 7.403h-.004a9.87 9.87 0 01-5.031-1.378l-.361-.214-3.741.982.998-3.648-.235-.374a9.86 9.86 0 01-1.51-5.26c.001-5.45 4.436-9.884 9.888-9.884 2.64 0 5.122 1.03 6.988 2.898a9.825 9.825 0 012.893 6.994c-.003 5.45-4.437 9.884-9.885 9.884m8.413-18.297A11.815 11.815 0 0012.05 0C5.495 0 .16 5.335.157 11.892c0 2.096.547 4.142 1.588 5.945L.057 24l6.305-1.654a11.882 11.882 0 005.683 1.448h.005c6.554 0 11.89-5.335 11.893-11.893a11.821 11.821 0 00-3.48-8.413z"/></svg> WhatsApp — Talk to a UK Patient Coordinator </a> <div class="wa-sub">English · Arabic · +91 90443 46292</div> </div>
<div class="prose"> <h2>First: Do I Really Need This?</h2> </div> <div class="sign-list"> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">1</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">Do I definitely need surgery — or are there options I haven't tried?</div><p>A trustworthy surgeon will confirm that conservative treatments are exhausted before recommending an operation, and explain the risks of waiting.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">2</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">Why a total replacement, rather than a partial or other option?</div><p>If only one part of your knee is worn, a partial replacement may suit you. Ask why the recommended procedure is right for your specific knee.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">3</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">What can this surgery realistically achieve — and what won't it fix?</div><p>Studies find patient and surgeon expectations often don't match. Pin this down: it's the difference between satisfaction and disappointment.</p></div></div>
</div> <div class="prose"> <h2>Your Surgeon and the Hospital</h2> </div> <div class="sign-list"> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">4</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">How many knee replacements do you perform each year, and how long have you specialised?</div><p>Volume matters: research suggests higher-volume surgeons (often cited as more than around 70 a year) tend to have lower revision and infection rates.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">5</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">How many does the hospital perform a year, and is it internationally accredited?</div><p>Look for JCI accreditation — the same international standard top UK and global hospitals meet. A confident clinic states this plainly.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">6</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">What are your and the hospital's infection and revision rates?</div><p>A good centre audits its outcomes and will share them. Vague reassurance instead of figures is worth noting.</p></div></div>
</div> <div class="prose"> <h2>The Implant, Technique and Risks</h2> </div> <div class="sign-list"> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">7</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">Which implant will you use, and why that one for me?</div><p>The leading hospitals use the same global brands as UK private care. Ask why the chosen design suits your knee — see our <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/blogs/knee-implants-india">implant guide</a>.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">8</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">Will it be done manually or robot-assisted — and does it matter for me?</div><p>Both can give excellent results. Ask the surgeon's honest view for your case rather than assuming newer is automatically better.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">9</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">What are the realistic risks for someone with my health profile?</div><p>Conditions such as diabetes or heart disease affect risk and recovery. A careful surgeon tailors the conversation to you, not a generic leaflet.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">10</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">How long is the hospital stay and the overall recovery?</div><p>You want a clear, honest timeline — including the tougher early weeks — so you can plan properly. See our <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/blogs/knee-replacement-recovery-week-by-week">recovery guide</a>.</p></div></div>
</div> <div class="prose"> <h2>Recovery, Flying Home and Aftercare</h2> </div> <div class="sign-list"> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">11</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">What will the physiotherapy plan be, and how do I continue it at home in the UK?</div><p>Rehab is the biggest single factor in your result. A good provider plans for it to carry on after you fly home.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">12</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">When will it be safe for me to fly home?</div><p>Flying too soon raises the risk of blood clots. The answer should be a surgeon-led decision based on your recovery — never a fixed sales date.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">13</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">What happens if I have a complication once I'm back in the UK?</div><p>This is the question that separates serious providers from the rest. Ask exactly who you contact, what's covered, and how follow-up works from home.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">14</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">What is the total, all-inclusive cost in writing — and what could add to it?</div><p>Insist on a written quote covering surgery, hospital, implant and stay, with any possible extras spelled out. Decline vague estimates.</p></div></div> <div class="sign-item"><div class="sign-num">15</div><div class="sign-body"><div class="sign-title">Who is my dedicated coordinator, and what follow-up is in place?</div><p>You should have one named point of contact from enquiry to recovery — not be passed around or left to chase answers.</p></div></div> </div>
<div class="callout tip"> <div class="callout-icon">📝</div> <p><strong>Tip:</strong> bring someone with you (or onto the call) and take notes — it's easy to forget answers in the moment. A confident, experienced team is glad you asked; transparency is a sign of quality, not an inconvenience.</p> </div>
<div class="callout warn"> <div class="callout-icon">🚩</div> <p><strong>Treat these as warning signs:</strong> a provider who won't give you costs in writing, dodges questions about accreditation or surgeon volume, quotes a suspiciously perfect "success rate," or can't tell you clearly who handles a complication after you return home. Good answers build confidence — evasive ones tell you something too.</p> </div>
<div class="prose"> <h2>How We Answer All 15 — Before You Commit</h2> <p>We built our service around exactly these questions. Before you decide anything, we give you the surgeon's experience and volume, the hospital's accreditation, the implant and why it suits you, a clear recovery and travel plan, a written all-inclusive quote in GBP, and a named coordinator who stays with you from first message to physiotherapy back home.</p> <p>For the wider picture, see whether <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/blogs/is-knee-replacement-india-safe">it's safe</a>, the honest <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/blogs/knee-replacement-success-rate-india">success rate</a>, and how we vet the <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/uk/orthopedics/best-hospitals-knee-replacement-india">best hospitals</a>.</p> </div>
<div class="cta"> <h3>Put These Questions to Us Directly</h3> <p>Send your X-rays and ask us anything on this list. We'll come back with straight answers and a written, all-inclusive quote in GBP — within <strong>24 hours</strong>, no obligation.</p> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/treatments/total-knee-replacement" class="cta-btn">Get My Free Assessment →</a><br> <a href="https://wa.me/919044346292?text=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20ask%20these%20questions%20about%20my%20knee%20replacement" class="wa-btn" style="margin-top:12px;display:inline-flex;" target="_blank"> <svg width="16" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="#fff"><path d="M17.472 14.382c-.297-.149-1.758-.867-2.03-.967-.273-.099-.471-.148-.67.15-.197.297-.767.966-.94 1.164-.173.199-.347.223-.644.075-.297-.15-1.255-.463-2.39-1.475-.883-.788-1.48-1.761-1.653-2.059-.173-.297-.018-.458.13-.606.134-.133.298-.347.446-.52.149-.174.198-.298.298-.497.099-.198.05-.371-.025-.52-.075-.149-.669-1.612-.916-2.207-.242-.579-.487-.5-.669-.51-.173-.008-.371-.01-.57-.01-.198 0-.52.074-.792.372-.272.297-1.04 1.016-1.04 2.479 0 1.462 1.065 2.875 1.213 3.074.149.198 2.096 3.2 5.077 4.487.709.306 1.262.489 1.694.625.712.227 1.36.195 1.871.118.571-.085 1.758-.719 2.006-1.413.248-.694.248-1.289.173-1.413-.074-.124-.272-.198-.57-.347m-5.421 7.403h-.004a9.87 9.87 0 01-5.031-1.378l-.361-.214-3.741.982.998-3.648-.235-.374a9.86 9.86 0 01-1.51-5.26c.001-5.45 4.436-9.884 9.888-9.884 2.64 0 5.122 1.03 6.988 2.898a9.825 9.825 0 012.893 6.994c-.003 5.45-4.437 9.884-9.885 9.884m8.413-18.297A11.815 11.815 0 0012.05 0C5.495 0 .16 5.335.157 11.892c0 2.096.547 4.142 1.588 5.945L.057 24l6.305-1.654a11.882 11.882 0 005.683 1.448h.005c6.554 0 11.89-5.335 11.893-11.893a11.821 11.821 0 00-3.48-8.413z"/></svg> WhatsApp — Ask Us </a> </div>
<div class="prose"> <h2>FAQs</h2> <div class="faq"> <div class="fq"> <div class="fq-q">What is the most important question to ask a knee replacement surgeon?</div> <div class="fq-a">Two stand out: how many of these operations they perform each year (volume is linked to better outcomes), and what the surgery can realistically achieve for you. Together they set both quality and expectations.</div> </div> <div class="fq"> <div class="fq-q">How many knee replacements should a surgeon do per year?</div> <div class="fq-a">There's no single threshold, but research suggests higher-volume surgeons — often cited as more than around 70 a year — tend to have lower revision and infection rates. Ask the number and judge it alongside their experience.</div> </div> <div class="fq"> <div class="fq-q">What should I ask specifically about having surgery abroad?</div> <div class="fq-a">When it's safe to fly home, who handles a complication once you're back in the UK, the total all-inclusive cost in writing, and who your dedicated coordinator is. Clear answers to these mark out a serious provider.</div> </div> <div class="fq"> <div class="fq-q">Is it rude to ask a surgeon about their complication rates?</div> <div class="fq-a">Not at all — it's expected, and good surgeons welcome it. A centre that audits its outcomes will share infection and revision figures. Vague reassurance instead of numbers is worth noting.</div> </div> <div class="fq"> <div class="fq-q">What are the red flags when choosing a provider?</div> <div class="fq-a">No costs in writing, evasiveness on accreditation or surgeon volume, a suspiciously perfect "success rate," or no clear answer on who manages a complication after you return home.</div> </div> </div>
<h2>Related Guides</h2>
<div class="related-section-head">Judge the Quality</div> <div class="related-grid"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/uk/orthopedics/best-hospitals-knee-replacement-india" class="rel-card"> <div class="rel-label">Hospital Guide</div> <div class="rel-title">Best Hospitals for Knee Replacement in India</div> </a> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/blogs/is-knee-replacement-india-safe" class="rel-card"> <div class="rel-label">Safety</div> <div class="rel-title">Is a Knee Replacement in India Safe?</div> </a> </div>
<div class="related-section-head">Outcomes, Implants and Cost</div> <div class="related-grid"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/blogs/knee-replacement-success-rate-india" class="rel-card"> <div class="rel-label">Outcomes</div> <div class="rel-title">Knee Replacement Success Rate — Honest Outcomes</div> </a> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/blogs/knee-implants-india" class="rel-card"> <div class="rel-label">Implants</div> <div class="rel-title">Knee Implants in India — Same as UK Private?</div> </a> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/uk/orthopedics/knee-replacement-cost-india" class="rel-card"> <div class="rel-label">Cost Guide</div> <div class="rel-title">TKR Cost in India 2026 — Full Breakdown in GBP</div> </a> </div>
<div class="related-section-head">Plan Ahead</div> <div class="related-grid"> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/blogs/knee-replacement-recovery-week-by-week" class="rel-card"> <div class="rel-label">Recovery</div> <div class="rel-title">Recovery Week by Week — Day 1 to Month 12</div> </a> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/uk/orthopedics/knee-replacement-india" class="rel-card"> <div class="rel-label">Main Guide</div> <div class="rel-title">Knee Replacement in India for UK Patients</div> </a> </div>
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<div class="cta"> <h3>The Right Provider Welcomes Every Question</h3> <p>Ask us all 15 and judge us by the answers. Send your X-rays for straight answers and a written, all-inclusive quote in GBP within <strong>24 hours</strong>, with no obligation.</p> <a href="https://gafhealthcare.in/treatments/total-knee-replacement" class="cta-btn">Get My Free UK Patient Assessment →</a> </div>
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