Undergoing knee surgery is a significant decision that should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. While surgery can be an effective treatment option for certain knee conditions, it’s not the only course of action for everyone, as each case is different. Knee replacement, or arthroplasty, is a common procedure to replace parts of an injured or worn-out knee. It can ease joint pain and help one live a more active life.

Ask for referrals
To find the best orthopedic surgeon for knee replacement procedures, one can begin by making a list of all the surgeons in the area.

Current clinicians: Primary care physicians may be able to provide a list of surgeons they can recommend. They may also offer more insights into why these knee surgeons stand out.

Friends and acquaintances: If one knows people who may have undergone knee replacement surgery, then asking for information about the doctor and overall experience can be a good move.

Insurance provider: Getting a list of surgeons from the insurance provider can help one find in-network doctors, limiting out-of-pocket costs.

Local Orthopedic Centers of Excellence: Certain hospitals and clinics have been given the title of Centers of Excellence (COE), indicating their commitment to meeting quality standards.

Online tools: Several online databases also collate reliable information on board-certified knee surgeons. Medical associations such as the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and the American Medical Association can offer more information regarding the same.

Verify the surgeon’s credentials
After curating a list of doctors, it is important to review their credentials and experience. So, one can spend some time verifying their education, degrees, credentials, and training. One can also find out if they are board-certified and affiliated with a doctors’ association. Next, one can ask the doctor about the number of surgeries they perform annually, as an experienced surgeon can make one feel reassured about undergoing a specific procedure. In addition to formal training, surgeons must also continue learning with ongoing education, which involves learning about new technologies, surgical approaches, and medical devices. So, if one believes a particular surgical approach may work better for their condition, they can discuss it with their surgeon and ensure that they have the expertise to perform it. 

Read patient testimonials
After shortlisting the best knee surgeons, one should look up patient reviews online. These can be found on hospital or clinic websites or even the facility’s social media profiles and pages.

Book an appointment
Upon shortlisting suitable surgeons, it is time to visit each one for a consultation. This will help one discuss the situation with the doctors, get answers to all questions about the next steps, get expert opinions, and see if they found the right surgeon. There are two phases to this step:

Before the appointment: Before making an appointment, one should have a clear idea about their symptoms and knee history. One can also take an online knee evaluation test and bring those results to the clinic. Additionally, preparing a set of questions one would like to ask the surgeon can help.

During the consultation: In the doctor’s office, one can ask the knee surgeon about:

• Their success rate
• Their experience with similar cases
• Their rates of revision surgery
• Pre-procedure surgical plan and what it involves
• Computer-assisted technology they use
• Other minimally invasive procedures that may help
• Benefits and risks involved
• Where the surgery will be performed

At this time, it is also important to consider the cost of surgery. To do so, one can call the billing office of the hospital directly. One can also ask about the hospital’s track record with the procedure, physical therapy options following the surgery, and the cost of the procedure as well as any follow-up appointments that may be necessary.

During these appointments, one should see how comfortable they feel. Does the doctor take enough time to explain the treatment and outcomes and address all queries? Knee replacement surgery also requires a team of highly skilled and experienced healthcare providers. So, are the nurses and staff effectively handling the appointments, showing a genuine concern for patient well-being, and addressing all medical needs? One should consider the overall quality of knee replacement care at the hospital, as these factors can make or break the surgery experience.

Consider the location
Persistent health issues can make it difficult for one to travel longer distances. So, for a knee replacement surgery, it is ideal to look for a top-rated local healthcare center. Close proximity may also be a criterion for many insurance providers, so one should check the insurance coverage before finalizing a doctor.

Seek a second opinion
Lastly, one should seek a second opinion. Even if one feels entirely at peace with their current doctor, a second opinion can help validate those feelings or provide more insight.

When it comes to knee replacement surgery, one should not be afraid to ask questions. One should also feel comfortable with the hospital, surgeon, medical equipment, and procedure that is being performed. Additionally, working with the surgeon to understand the choices they are making and get all the necessary answers to their queries can help one ensure the best possible outcome.