Choosing a Surgeon for Total Knee Replacement

Orthopedic surgeons perform total knee replacement surgery. Orthopedic surgeons who want to be board-certified must go through years of special training, but knee replacement surgery does not require any special certification or licensing.

A patient can increase the chances of a successful total knee replacement surgery (total knee arthroplasty) and decrease the chances of complications by selecting a surgeon and hospital that specialize in knee replacements and perform a large number of them each year.

Consider the following when selecting the best orthopaedic surgeon for knee replacement surgery:

• Experience: How long has the doctor been doing what they do? How many knee replacements have they done? How many shows does he do in a year?
• Consult your family doctor: Ask your primary care doctor or general practitioner for a referral to a reputable local surgeon based on their experience referring other patients.
• Discuss with your friends: Ask people you know who they have seen for orthopaedic surgery. Arthritis and joint replacement surgeries are common today. You've probably known someone who has had one or the other. (However, do not rely solely on this information. Even inexperienced surgeons will have some satisfied patients!)
• Education: Examine the surgeon's credentials, such as degrees, training, and fellowships. Consider what they studied and what board certifications they have or can obtain.
• Make a list of your questions and make sure you ask them:

Do not be afraid to inquire about your doctor's experience and credentials. Make sure to ask any questions you have about your condition and possible surgeries. Any good surgeon will listen to your worries and answer your questions to make sure you know what will happen and what the risks are.

• Consider seeking a second opinion. Getting a second opinion may make you feel better. Most good surgeons will gladly provide you with a second opinion if you request one, and they will be happy to examine it and discuss it with you if necessary. This should come from a different doctor or hospital than the first.
• Trust your instincts. If you leave your first meeting or consultation with a surgeon feeling unconvinced, trust yourself and keep looking for the right surgeon.

What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery

Ninety percent of knee replacement surgeries done each year are considered successful, meaning that the patient's pain is reduced and their function is improved.

However, studies show that only about 85 percent of patients are satisfied with the surgery.

7 Some of the differences may be due to patients not knowing what to expect from surgery or how difficult and time-consuming recovery would be. 8-10 So, a patient and a surgeon should talk openly and honestly about the following:

• Potential short- and long-term effects and problems
• Options for dealing with pain after surgery
• The time and work required for recovery after surgery
• How the new knee will feel and what the patient will or will not be able to do with it

Obtaining a Second Opinion for Knee Replacement Surgery

• A patient may seek a second or even third opinion from another doctor. For example, a person seeking a knee replacement may want to find a different orthopaedic surgeon with a lower rate of complications or who can better address the patient's concerns. Patients should keep in mind that a second opinion may or may not be more accurate than the first. Patients often get a second opinion or switch surgeons. They shouldn't worry about upsetting their doctor if they do this.
• It's not unusual to get a second opinion or switch surgeons; patients shouldn't worry about hurting their doctor's feelings.

Dr. Vikas Mehra is the best knee replacement surgeon in Chandigarh and Mohali; you can get Knee Replacement Surgery that works. Talk to the best doctor in Chandigarh for knee pain for a better treatment.