Checklist
Ask an orthopaedic surgeon whether surgery is right for you now, what type of operation and implant they propose, how to prepare, how pain and physiotherapy will be managed, and what help you will need once you leave hospital. MedlinePlus publishes similar question lists for hip and knee replacement. The surgeon decides who is suitable and when.
Joint replacement and spine surgery are planned operations, so there is time to ask questions before you book. The NHS notes that knee replacement is usually considered when pain has a big effect on daily life and other treatments have not helped. Preparation often includes exercise, stopping smoking and managing weight. Use these questions during your video consultation. They are grouped so you can see quickly what has been answered and what still needs a reply.
Is surgery the right step now?
- Is surgery the right option for me now, or should I try other treatment first?
- What is likely to happen if I wait?
- Which non-surgical options are still open to me?
- Do my X-rays or MRI support surgery, or do you need new images?
What operation and implant do you propose?
- What type of replacement or spine operation do you recommend, and why?
- Would a partial or total replacement suit me better?
- Which implant do you plan to use, and will I receive the implant details in writing?
- Is robotic-assisted or computer-guided surgery relevant in my case?
- How long will the operation take, and what anaesthesia options are there?
How should I prepare?
- Which exercises should I start before surgery?
- Should I lose weight, stop smoking or reduce alcohol first?
- Which medicines, supplements or blood thinners should I stop, and when?
- Do any of my other conditions need my own doctor’s review first?
- Should I practise with crutches or a walker before I travel?
What happens in hospital?
- How will pain be managed after the operation?
- When will I start walking and physiotherapy?
- Is a blood transfusion likely, and what are the alternatives?
- How will infection risk be reduced?
What about recovery and travel?
- How much help will I need once I leave hospital?
- Will I be able to manage stairs, a hotel bathroom and a flight?
- Who decides when I can fly, and what precautions against blood clots will I need?
- What physiotherapy should I arrange at home, and will you send a written plan?
- Which warning signs mean I should contact a doctor straight away?
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Ask for the implant record
Ask the hospital to give you the implant name, size and batch details in your discharge papers. Your doctors at home may need them for any future care.
Questions people ask
Why ask about the implant before surgery?
The implant affects how the joint is reconstructed and what records you need later. Asking early lets you understand the surgeon’s choice and ensures the details appear in your discharge summary. Your surgeon decides which implant suits your anatomy.
Can I do physiotherapy at home after surgery in India?
Usually some physiotherapy starts in hospital and continues at home. Ask the surgeon for a written rehabilitation plan your physiotherapist can follow. Arrange a local physiotherapist before you travel so there is no gap after you return.
Do I need someone with me?
MedlinePlus suggests asking your surgeon how much help you will need at home. If you will need a lot, plan for an attendant. The e-Visa rules allow up to two e-Medical Attendant visas for each e-Medical visa.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Hip or knee replacement, what to ask your doctor
- MedlinePlus: Questions to ask your doctor before knee replacement
- NHS: Preparing for a knee replacement
- Government of India e-Visa portal: e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant visas
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.