
Total knee replacement surgery is performed by orthopedic surgeons. Although board-certified orthopedic surgeons must complete years of specialized training, there is no special certification or licensing for knee replacement surgery.
A patient can increase the likelihood of a successful total knee replacement surgery (total knee arthroplasty) while decreasing the likelihood of complications by choosing a surgeon and a hospital with dedicated resources and performing a high volume of knee replacements each year.
When selecting the best orthopedic surgeon for knee replacement surgery, keep the following factors in mind:
- Work Experience: How long has the surgeon been working? What are the disciplines? How many knee replacement surgeries have they done? How many concerts does he perform each year?
- Speak with your family doctor: Request a referral to a reputable local surgeon from your primary care physician or general practitioner based on his or her previous experience referring patients.
- Communicate with your colleagues: Inquire with people you know who have seen orthopedic surgeons. Arthritis and joint replacement surgeries are very common nowadays; you almost certainly know someone who has had them. (However, don't rely solely on this data. Even inexperienced surgeons will have happy patients!)
- Education: Look into the surgeon's credentials, which should include degrees, training, and fellowships. Consider his or her areas of study and the board certifications he or she has or is eligible for.
- Make a list of your questions and make sure to ask them: Do not be afraid to inquire about your doctor's experience and credentials. Make sure to ask your doctor any questions you have about your condition and surgical options. Any good surgeon will listen to your concerns and answer your questions so that you fully understand the procedures and risks.
- Consider getting a second opinion: Getting a second opinion may put you at ease. Most good surgeons will welcome your request for a second opinion and, if necessary, will review and discuss it with you. This should ideally come from a doctor in a different practice or hospital than the first surgeon.
- Trust your instincts: If you leave the initial consultation/meeting with a surgeon and do not feel confident in that surgeon, trust yourself and continue your search.
What to Expect After a Knee Replacement Surgery
Ninety percent of knee replacement surgeries performed each year are deemed successful, implying that the patient's pain is reduced and function is enhanced.
According to studies, overall patient satisfaction with the surgery is slightly lower, at around 85%.
7 Some of the disparity may be attributed to patients who had unrealistic expectations for surgery or did not anticipate the amount of hard work and time required for rehabilitation. 8-10 As a result, a patient and surgeon should discuss the following topics openly and honestly:
- Potential outcomes and complications in the short and long term
- Options for postoperative pain management
- The amount of time and effort required for post-operative rehabilitation
- How the new knee feels, and what the patient can and cannot do with it.
A Second Opinion for Knee Replacement Surgery
- A patient has the right to seek a second or even third opinion from another physician. A prospective knee replacement patient, for example, may want to look for another orthopedic surgeon who has lower complication rates or can better address the patient's concerns. Patients should keep in mind that a second opinion might or might not be more accurate than the first.
- Getting a second opinion or switching surgeons is common, and patients should not be concerned about offending a doctor.
Dr. Vikas Mehra's pain management clinic provides the best Knee Replacement Surgery in Chandigarh. Consult the best doctor for knee pain in Chandigarh for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Dr. Mehra is the Best Knee Replacement Surgeon in Chandigarh, India, offering the most advanced treatment options.