Being booked for knee replacement surgery is a big moment. The best outcomes happen when patients are informed and involved in their own care. In this short video, Mr Kumar, a consultant knee surgeon in Manchester, shares the three questions he believes every patient should ask before going ahead with knee replacement surgery.
What are my non-surgical options?
Surgery should be a last resort, not a first one. Before any knee replacement, options such as
- physiotherapy
- joint injections
- and sometimes bracing
should be explored to support the knee. A good surgeon will be able to explain which of these have been considered in your case, and why knee replacement surgery is now the right step.
What are the risks of delaying surgery?
This question works in two directions. Sometimes waiting is the sensible choice, for example when other health conditions such as weight, blood pressure, or diabetes should be optimised before knee surgery. Other times, delay allows the knee to deteriorate further, with changes to the bone that can lead to bone loss and a more complex operation later. Ask your surgeon which applies to you.
What does recovery really look like?
Ask what to expect at two weeks, six weeks, and six months after your knee replacement. Managing expectations matters, both what you will be able to do at each stage and, just as importantly, what you will not. Realistic expectations are one of the strongest predictors of a satisfied patient.
Ask the surgeon who does this every week
Mr Kumar is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip and knee replacement, operating across Manchester and Cheshire. With 22 years of experience and more than 1,500 robotic procedures, he specialises in robotic hip and knee replacement, and sees patients at hospitals including Spire Manchester, HCA Wilmslow, and Circle Alexandra Cheadle.
Be an active part of your own care
Patients who ask questions and understand their options tend to make better decisions and recover with more confidence. If you are considering knee replacement surgery in Manchester, or have been booked for surgery and want a second opinion, a consultation is the right place to have these questions answered properly.