Factors to Consider While Finalising a Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery
What should patients and families think about before deciding on a knee or hip replacement?
This is a question I hear almost every day in my practice. When people walk into my clinic with severe joint pain, their first thought is, “Do I really need surgery? How do I know I’m making the right decision?”
Finalising a hip or knee replacement is not a small choice — but it can be a life-changing one. The good news is that with the right planning, the right doctor, and the right facilities, the results are excellent.
Why the Decision Needs Careful Thought
Joint replacement is about much more than just getting rid of pain. It’s about:
- Restoring independence.
- Improving mobility.
- Preventing further complications.
- Enhancing overall quality of life.
But before you decide, here are the key factors you must consider.
1. Severity of Joint Damage
The first and most important question is: How bad is the damage?
- If your pain limits daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sleeping, surgery may be necessary.
- If conservative treatments like medicines, physiotherapy, or injections are no longer working, replacement surgery becomes the best option.
2. Age and Overall Health
Many people think age is a barrier, but as I often tell my patients — it is not. I have successfully operated on patients in their late 70s. What matters more is:
- General health status (heart, lungs, kidneys).
- Control of conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, or obesity.
- Willingness and ability to commit to rehabilitation.
3. Type of Surgery Required
Not every patient needs a full replacement.
- Total Replacement: When the entire joint is worn out.
- Partial Replacement: When only one portion is damaged.
- Robotic-Assisted Replacement: Advanced technology ensures precision, faster recovery, and better implant life.
This choice depends on the extent of arthritis, joint damage, and lifestyle needs.
4. Choice of Implant
Implants today are highly advanced. When finalising, I guide patients based on:
- Material: Ceramic, metal, or polyethylene.
- Design: Cruciate retaining or substituting, cemented or cementless.
- Longevity: Most implants last 15–20 years, with robotic precision often increasing durability.
A good implant, placed with accuracy, is the foundation of long-term success.
5. Surgeon’s Experience and Expertise
This is, in my view, the most important factor. Even the best implant will fail in the wrong hands.
- Look for a fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon.
- Check their experience with robotic surgery and complex cases.
- Always feel comfortable to ask your surgeon about success rates and outcomes.
6. Hospital Facilities
The hospital environment plays a huge role in outcomes. Key points to check:
- Is robotic technology available?
- Does the hospital have infection control protocols?
- Is there an in-house physiotherapy team for post-op rehab?
A well-equipped centre ensures both safety and comfort.
7. Recovery and Rehabilitation Commitment
Surgery is only the first step. Recovery depends on the patient’s commitment to physiotherapy and lifestyle adjustments.
- Early mobilisation (walking within 24–48 hours) speeds up recovery.
- Home exercises and supervised physiotherapy ensure long-term success.
- A positive mindset plays a bigger role than most patients realise.
A Patient’s Story
I recently treated a 62-year-old lady who delayed her knee replacement for years. By the time she came, her mobility was severely restricted. After robotic-assisted replacement and a dedicated rehab plan, she now walks without support and says, “I wish I had done this earlier.”
Her story reminds me — the right decision at the right time makes all the difference.
Conclusion
Finalising a knee or hip replacement should never be a rushed decision. Consider the severity of damage, your health, the type of surgery, implant choice, surgeon’s expertise, hospital facilities, and your own readiness for rehab.
As a surgeon, I tell all my patients — replacement is not just about surgery, it’s about a new life. With proper planning and expert care, you can look forward to years of pain-free mobility.
If joint pain has been limiting your life, don’t ignore it. Explore your options, ask the right questions, and take the step towards freedom from pain.