If you’ve been told you might need knee surgery – or you’re considering booking a consultation – it’s natural to have a lot of questions. Knowing what to ask can make a real difference to how prepared and confident you feel going into the process.
These are some of the questions Mr Shah is asked most often, and the ones that tend to lead to the most useful conversations in clinic.
Do I definitely need surgery?
This is often the first thing patients want to know – and it’s exactly the right place to start. Surgery is rarely the only option, particularly in the earlier stages of knee arthritis or injury. Mr Shah will always explore conservative treatments first, including physiotherapy, BMI management and cortisone injections, before recommending surgery. If these haven’t provided adequate relief and your symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life, surgery may well be the most effective solution – but the decision will always be based on your individual circumstances, not a blanket recommendation.
What type of surgery do I need?
Not all knee surgery is the same. Depending on the nature and extent of your condition, Mr Shah may recommend a partial knee replacement – which targets only the damaged area of the joint – or a total knee replacement, which addresses the whole joint. In some cases, arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) may be appropriate. Understanding which procedure is being recommended and why is an important part of making an informed decision.
What are the risks?
Every surgical procedure carries some risk, and it’s important to understand what those risks are before agreeing to go ahead. Mr Shah will discuss the potential complications associated with your specific procedure – these may include infection, blood clots, stiffness or, in rare cases, the need for further surgery. Knowing the risks doesn’t mean focusing on worst-case scenarios; it means going into surgery with a realistic and complete picture.
How many procedures have you performed?
Experience matters in surgery, and it’s worth asking. Mr Shah has performed more than 15,000 procedures, including complex revision surgery, and his outcomes are independently recorded through the National Joint Registry – allowing patients to see how his results compare to the national average. You can view his full NJR profile here.
What results can I expect?
Understanding what surgery can and can’t achieve is just as important as understanding the procedure itself. Most patients who undergo knee replacement experience a significant reduction in pain and a meaningful improvement in mobility – but it’s worth discussing what a realistic outcome looks like for you specifically, based on your age, activity level and the condition of your joint.
How long will recovery take?
Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual patient, but it’s worth having a clear picture before you commit. Most patients are mobile and managing daily activities within a few weeks of knee replacement surgery, with a more complete recovery over the following months. Mr Shah will give you a realistic timeline and explain what the recovery process involves, including physiotherapy, activity restrictions and follow-up appointments.
When can I drive again?
This is one of the most practical questions patients ask – and understandably so, particularly for those who live alone or in rural areas. The answer depends on which knee has been operated on, the type of surgery and how quickly you recover. After around six weeks – once you’ve regained sufficient control and strength in your leg – most people are able to return to driving. It’s also worth checking with your insurance provider before you get back behind the wheel.
Will I need time off work?
Again, this depends on the type of surgery and the nature of your job. Patients with desk-based roles often return to work sooner than those in more physically demanding jobs. It’s worth raising this early so you can plan accordingly and ensure you have adequate support during your recovery.
How long will the results last?
For patients considering knee replacement, this is often one of the most important questions. Modern knee implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting – most patients can expect their replacement to last for many years, and in some cases considerably longer. The longevity of the implant depends on factors including the type of prosthesis used, the surgical technique and how well the joint is looked after during recovery and beyond.
What happens if I don’t have surgery?
It’s entirely reasonable to want to understand the consequences of not going ahead. For some patients, particularly those in the earlier stages of arthritis, delaying surgery is a perfectly valid choice – provided symptoms are manageable and conservative treatment is still helping. For others, continuing without surgery may mean progressive joint deterioration, increasing pain and a more complex procedure further down the line. Mr Shah will give you an honest picture of what to expect either way.
How do I prepare?
There’s a great deal patients can do before surgery to improve their chances of a smooth recovery. Maintaining a healthy weight, keeping the surrounding muscles strong through physiotherapy and being as physically active as possible before the operation can all make a meaningful difference to outcomes. Mr Shah will advise on the specific steps most relevant to your situation, and you will receive detailed guidance at your pre-operative assessment.
Making the most of your consultation
A consultation is an opportunity to get clear, honest answers to all of these questions – and any others you have. It can help to write them down beforehand so that nothing gets forgotten in the moment.
With more than 30 years’ experience and over 15,000 orthopaedic procedures performed, Mr Shah will take the time to make sure you fully understand your options before making any decisions.
