Written & Reviewed By
Dr Tarandeep Singh Gill
MS (Orthopaedics) | Senior Consultant — Joint Replacement & Reconstructive Surgery
Pioneer of RoboLens FT3D knee resurfacing in North India. Over 5,000 joint replacement surgeries performed. Specialist in robotic knee replacement, hip replacement, revision surgery and complex joint conditions. Practising in Chandigarh since 2004.
Clinic: Chandigarh | Book a Consultation | Full Profile →
Deciding to have knee replacement surgery is a big step. The more you understand about it, the less scary it feels — and the better your outcome will be.
Here are 10 questions that every patient — and their family — should ask before going ahead with surgery.
1. Do I Really Need Surgery Right Now?
Surgery is not always the first answer. Ask your doctor what other options have been tried — physiotherapy, weight loss, medicines, injections. Surgery should be considered when these options are no longer giving you a good quality of life.
2. Do I Need Full Replacement or Partial Replacement?
Not every damaged knee needs a full (total) knee replacement. If only one part of the knee is damaged, a partial replacement may be enough. It is a smaller surgery with faster recovery and often feels more natural. Ask if you are a candidate for this.
3. Will You Use Robotic Surgery? Which System?
Robotic-assisted surgery like RoboLens FT3D gives much more accurate implant placement than traditional surgery. This means the knee feels more natural and lasts longer. Ask specifically whether robotic guidance will be used and what experience the surgeon has with that system.
4. How Many Knee Replacements Have You Done?
Experience matters a lot in joint replacement surgery. A surgeon who has done thousands of procedures has seen many different situations and knows how to handle complications. Do not be shy to ask this.
5. What Are the Risks?
Every surgery has risks. For knee replacement, these include infection, blood clots, stiffness, implant loosening, and nerve injury. The risk is low with an experienced surgeon, but you should understand what could go wrong and what would be done about it.
6. What Brand of Implant Will Be Used and How Long Will It Last?
Implants are not all the same. Some brands have better long-term data than others. For younger patients who need the implant to last 20+ years, this question is especially important. Ask about the brand and what studies say about its durability.
7. How Long Will the Recovery Take?
Get a clear, stage-by-stage answer. When will you walk without support? When can you drive? When can you go back to work? When can you travel? Having realistic expectations avoids disappointment and helps the family plan support properly.
8. How Much Help Will I Need at Home?
After surgery, you will need someone to help you for at least 2 to 4 weeks — with cooking, bathing, medicines, and physiotherapy exercises. Plan for this in advance. Ask if any changes at home are needed, like removing rugs, getting a raised toilet seat, or arranging a bed on the ground floor.
9. What Warning Signs Should I Look Out For After Surgery?
You and your family should know when to call the doctor urgently. Fever, increasing pain, redness, calf swelling, or wound discharge are all signs that something needs immediate attention. Make sure you have a number to call after hours as well.
10. What Can I Do Before Surgery to Get a Better Result?
You can actually prepare your body for surgery. Exercises to strengthen the thigh muscles before the operation make recovery faster. Losing weight if you are overweight reduces surgical risk. Quitting smoking before surgery helps healing. Ask your doctor for specific advice.
Going into surgery with good questions and clear answers makes a big difference — not just to how you feel, but to how well the outcome turns out.
Dr. Tarandeep Singh Gill is Director of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement in Chandigarh, with over 6,000 joint replacement surgeries. He is one of the few surgeons in India trained in RoboLens FT3D robotic knee surgery, with fellowship training from Germany.
If you are experiencing knee or hip pain, book a consultation with Dr TS Gill at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Phase 6 (Sector 56), Mohali. Early assessment leads to better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What questions should I ask my orthopaedic surgeon before knee replacement?
Key questions include: Am I a suitable candidate? What type of implant will be used? Will robotic assistance be used? What is the expected recovery timeline? What are the risks? What physiotherapy is included? How many knee replacements have you performed? Dr TS Gill encourages patients to ask all of these at their consultation.
How do I know if I need knee replacement surgery?
You may need knee replacement if you have severe knee pain that limits daily activities, pain that persists at rest or at night, significant joint deformity, and if non-surgical treatments have failed. An X-ray and clinical assessment by Dr TS Gill will confirm whether surgery is indicated.
What happens if I delay knee replacement surgery?
Delaying necessary knee replacement can lead to worsening deformity, progressive muscle weakness, and increased difficulty with the surgery itself. Some patients also develop chronic pain pathways that affect recovery outcomes.
Is age a factor in knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement can be performed across a wide age range. Younger patients may face the possibility of revision surgery in later decades; older patients generally tolerate the procedure well. Dr TS Gill evaluates each patient’s overall health, activity goals, and bone quality rather than age alone.
