If non-surgical pain management treatments have not provided relief, knee replacement surgery may be the right option for you. This guide was created to save you time and help facilitate open discussion between you and your doctor.
Be sure to bring it with you to your appointment to help your doctor assess your lifestyle, determine if you are a candidate for joint replacement and choose which type of implant will best fit your needs.
Questions your doctor may ask you:
- When did you first notice your pain?
- Do you have joint stiffness after sitting for long periods of time or after sleeping?
- Do you have tenderness and swelling in your joint after periods of activity such as walking or exercising?
- Do you avoid putting full weight on your joint? If so, during what activities?
- What is your daily activity level?
- Do you use any assistive devices for walking?
Questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will I have lifetime activity limitations?
- How soon after surgery can I go home?
- What is the implant made of?
- Is the implant MRI and X-ray compatible?
- Will I set off metal detectors?
- Will I need antibiotics for dental care, and will this be a lifelong consideration?
