Questions to ask surgeon at appointment re upcoming knee replacement

[uktanny]

Morning! Can you h elp me with some questions that I should be asking or thinking about when I see my surgeon… Hopefully about a fourth coming total knee replacement.

I’m feeling overwhelmed, have a brain tumour and can’t think straight

My appt is 8.50 am today!

Thanks

 

[Axx72]

Hi @uktanny The whole TKR process is, indeed, overwhelming and just like you, kept me up nights with a full brain trying to come to terms with what the process is and things that need to be considered before and after the actual procedure.

Here are some links to some great pre-op information:

Helpful Pre-Op Information (knees)

KNEE If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help: Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic knee? Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint...

bonesmart.org

Pre-Surgery Information

Things you want to know to prepare (No posting)

bonesmart.org

Knees - TKR

Scientific articles on Total Knee Replacement (TKR) (No Posting)

bonesmart.org

The TKR journey is long but can be extremely fulfilling and life changing. There are many of us on here that love to hear and share information about our experiences. I hope your appointment is successful and informative. Please let us know if you have more specific questions

 

[Layla]

General pre-op questions, both hips and knees​

Questions that could be directed at potential surgeons.

• How many THRs/TKRs do you perform per year?
• Surgical approach?
• What type of prosthesis?
• Cement or non-cement?
• How long does the procedure take?
• Can I have anti-nausea meds?
• Will I have any weight bearing restrictions (if yes for how long)?
• Anaesthesia (spinal or GA)?
• Will I have a catheter post-op?
• What other restrictions will I have and for how long?
• What is your post-op pain management plan?
• Stitches, staples or glue wound closure?
• Bathing/shower how soon?
• Can I function on my own at home from day 1?
• PT how soon (home or outpatient)?
• When can I drive?
• Who can I contact with any post-op problems

Sorry this was posted after your visit. I hope it went well. Hopefully if any of these questions interest you, you'll find an opportunity for some feedback from your OS.

Best Wishes and thanks for joining us!