Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Knee # Knee replacement: what matters when choosing a physician? Look for a recommendation that explains the likely benefit, acknowledges the limits and makes recovery workable for your life. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 20, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Make the consultation about your daily function](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#guide-section-1) 2. [Review the options before focusing on an implant](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#guide-section-2) 3. [Talk about expectations before choosing a date](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#guide-section-3) 4. [Ask useful questions about technique](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#guide-section-4) 5. [Build a recovery plan you can carry out](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#guide-section-5) 6. [Explore our joint replacement physicians](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#guide-section-6) 7. [Clarify the purpose of preoperative health work](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#guide-section-7) 8. [Plan for the work of getting home safely](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/#consultation-questions) ## Make the consultation about your daily function Describe the activities knee pain has changed: getting out of a chair, sleeping, climbing stairs, walking the neighborhood or standing at work. Tell the clinician what you can still do comfortably too. The decision should weigh the benefit you hope to gain against the burden and risk of surgery. An evaluation usually includes your history, examination and X-rays. Ask which findings explain the symptoms and whether pain could be coming from another source. A severe-looking image alone does not describe how you are living with the knee. Sources: [AAOS OrthoInfo: Total Knee Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-knee-replacement/) · [AAHKS: How to Get the Most out of Your Knee Replacement](https://hipkneeinfo.org/knee-care/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-knee-replacement/) ## Review the options before focusing on an implant Bring a record of therapy, activity changes, medications, injections or walking aids you have tried. Describe the amount and duration of relief. Ask whether another nonsurgical option is likely to offer enough benefit for your goals, and what would make surgery a reasonable next step. A knee replacement resurfaces damaged joint surfaces. It can improve pain and function, but it does not recreate an untouched natural knee. Ask about likely changes in stiffness, kneeling, endurance and preferred activities, especially if those are central to your decision. Sources: [AAOS OrthoInfo: Total Knee Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-knee-replacement/) ## Talk about expectations before choosing a date Ask the surgeon what a satisfactory result would look like in your situation. Comfortable daily walking, a return to work and participation in demanding recreation are different goals. Discuss the one that matters most to you, including any outcome you would find disappointing. AAHKS highlights expectations and everyday limitations as important parts of preparation. Recovery can require effort and support without being fully under a patient’s control. If progress is slower than expected, ask how the team will investigate the reason and adapt care. Sources: [AAHKS: How to Get the Most out of Your Knee Replacement](https://hipkneeinfo.org/knee-care/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-knee-replacement/) ## Ask useful questions about technique If partial replacement, robotics or a particular alignment approach is proposed, ask why it suits your knee. What decision does the technology help the surgeon make? What benefit is expected for you, and what remains uncertain? Avoid letting the name of a tool substitute for the explanation. Ask how the surgeon evaluates results and handles complications. Discuss infection, blood clots, persistent pain, stiffness and later revision in relation to your health. If you want another opinion, ask what images and records would make that visit useful. ## Build a recovery plan you can carry out Map out the first stage before scheduling: transport, stairs, sleeping arrangements, help with meals and access to therapy. Ask who coordinates medical preparation, anesthesia planning and medication instructions. Bring your complete list, including supplements and medicines prescribed elsewhere. Get separate estimates for driving, desk work, standing work and recreation. Confirm what determines progression and who to call when symptoms change. If your main support person works during the day or therapy visits are limited, tell the team early. These details can change how preparation and follow-up should be organized. ## Explore our joint replacement physicians At Commons Clinic, Dr. Andrew Wassef, Dr. Prem Ramkumar, Dr. Christopher Combs and Dr. Eric Millstein include knee replacement in their practices. Their profiles offer more about their training and clinical interests. You can use the reviews below to learn about patients’ experiences of communication and coordination, then discuss the options and expected recovery for your own knee. ## Clarify the purpose of preoperative health work The ACR/AAHKS timing guideline distinguishes repeating ineffective arthritis treatment from addressing health issues before an operation. Its conditional recommendations include improving diabetes control and reducing nicotine use. Ask which risks your team is working to reduce, what support is available and how they will assess readiness. The guideline concerns people who have already chosen replacement after ineffective nonsurgical care; it does not establish that every painful knee needs surgery. Bring your medication history and previous treatment details so the discussion reflects what you have actually tried. Sources: [2023 ACR/AAHKS Guideline for Optimal Timing of Elective Hip or Knee Arthroplasty](https://www.aahks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Timing-Guideline.pdf) ## Plan for the work of getting home safely HSS describes early rehabilitation as more than exercising the operated knee: patients practice getting out of bed, transferring, walking with a device and negotiating stairs. These practical abilities help explain why discharge planning starts before the operation. Tell your team about the height of your bed, steps at the entrance, bathroom access and who can help during the day. Ask which tasks you will practice before discharge and what happens if home does not yet feel manageable. A same-day discharge goal should come with a specific plan for equipment, instruction and follow-up suited to your circumstances. Sources: [Knee Replacement Surgery](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/list/knee-replacement) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - Which symptoms do you expect replacement to improve? - What nonsurgical options remain reasonable for my goals? - Would partial or total replacement fit the pattern of damage? - What does the proposed technology add in my case? - How do my health conditions affect surgical risk? - What might my knee still struggle with after recovery? - What home support and therapy plan will I need? - Who evaluates persistent pain, stiffness or unexpected swelling? - Which preoperative health goal would change my surgical risk, and what help can you offer? - What tasks must I manage safely before going home? - Who will arrange equipment and therapy if my home has stairs or limited support? ## Sources & further reading - [AAOS OrthoInfo: Total Knee Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-knee-replacement/) - [AAHKS: How to Get the Most out of Your Knee Replacement](https://hipkneeinfo.org/knee-care/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-knee-replacement/) - [2023 ACR/AAHKS Guideline for Optimal Timing of Elective Hip or Knee Arthroplasty](https://www.aahks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Timing-Guideline.pdf) American College of Rheumatology and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons · Published September 28, 2023 - [Knee Replacement Surgery](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/list/knee-replacement) Hospital for Special Surgery · Updated June 11, 2024 We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Andrew Wassef, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [More about Andrew Wassef ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [**Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [More about Prem N. Ramkumar ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [**Christopher Combs, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [More about Christopher Combs ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [**Eric S. Millstein, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [More about Eric S. Millstein ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Experiences, *in their words.* Hear from patients about our clinicians, the conversations they had, and the support they received. Excerpt > I had a full knee replacement; now I could stand straight up (it has been at least 10 years). D. Lam Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 19, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103097243971070648910/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA On knee replacement. Excerpt > he was thorough, straightforward, and made sure I understood exactly what to expect before surgery and throughout recovery. V. McDuffie Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 13, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113342108478311758496/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA On the care experience: The reviewer reports preparation and explanations during a knee replacement experience. Excerpt > He recommended a total knee replacement and explained in detail the preparation, surgery itself, recovery, and answered any and all questions I had. R. Stuver Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 20, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113703269406866171283/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA On knee replacement. Excerpt > I had a knee replacement with him and 6 months later, my knee is as good as new. B. Aron Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: December 20, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110888137082186928297/place/ChIJt04grlG5woARykBaakD_dF8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Eric S. Millstein, MD On knee replacement. Excerpt > I had a right knee replacement and a right shoulder replacement this year and I would do it again. S. Wallace Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: November 4, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101270503491985400835/place/ChIJt04grlG5woARykBaakD_dF8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Eric S. Millstein, MD On knee replacement. Excerpt > I had a total knee replacement and he was very honest about what to expect. S. Kazdan Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 6, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115953963797429627937/place/ChIJt04grlG5woARykBaakD_dF8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Eric S. Millstein, MD On knee replacement. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Knee ### [ACL injury: how to discuss surgery, rehabilitation and returning to sport](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/acl-injury-surgery-or-rehabilitation/) Your knee’s stability, associated injuries and future demands should shape the ACL decision—and rehabilitation belongs in either pathway. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/acl-injury-surgery-or-rehabilitation/) Knee ### [Meniscus tear: questions about therapy, repair, and partial removal](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/meniscus-tear-treatment-questions/) The treatment choice depends on the tear, the rest of the knee and what is actually causing your symptoms. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/meniscus-tear-treatment-questions/) Knee ### [Knee cartilage damage: what to ask about restoration options](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-cartilage-restoration-options/) A focal cartilage defect, a meniscus tear and widespread arthritis are different problems—and they need different conversations. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-cartilage-restoration-options/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints ### [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Andrew Wassef](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Prem N. Ramkumar](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [![Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/christopher-combs-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Christopher Combs](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [![Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/eric-millstein.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Santa Monica [Meet Eric S. Millstein](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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