Checklist
For an orthopaedic opinion, send recent X-rays of the affected joint or spine with the images, any MRI or CT scans, notes on treatments you have already tried, a description of how the problem affects daily life, and details of other health conditions and medicines. These help the surgeon judge whether surgery is worth discussing at all.
Joint and spine surgery is usually considered only when pain or loss of movement has a big effect on daily life and other treatments have not helped. That is how the NHS describes the decision for knee replacement. So an orthopaedic opinion depends on two kinds of evidence: images that show the joint or spine, and an honest account of your symptoms and what you have tried. MedlinePlus suggests patients discuss which health conditions need review before joint replacement and which medicines may need stopping. Including that information now saves time later.
Which images should you send?
- Recent X-rays of the affected joint, ideally taken standing for knees and hips; ask your doctor.
- X-ray images as files or a download link, plus the radiologist’s report.
- MRI scans and reports, especially for spine, shoulder or ligament problems.
- CT scans, if you have had them for complex joints or past fractures.
- Older images too, if they show how the problem has changed.
What treatment history should you include?
- Physiotherapy you have had and for how long.
- Pain medicines tried and whether they helped.
- Injections into the joint or spine, with dates.
- Any previous surgery on the same joint, with operation notes.
- Implant details from any earlier joint replacement.
How should you describe your symptoms?
- Where the pain is and what makes it better or worse.
- How far you can walk and whether you use a stick or frame.
- Whether pain disturbs your sleep.
- Any numbness, weakness or change in bladder or bowel control with back pain.
- Short phone videos of your walking, if the surgeon asks for them.
Which health details matter for surgery?
- Other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.
- Recent blood tests and blood pressure readings.
- Your height and weight.
- Blood thinners and all other medicines, with generic names and doses.
- Smoking and alcohol habits, stated honestly.
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Red-flag symptoms need local care first
New weakness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain after an injury needs urgent assessment where you live. Do not wait for an overseas opinion.
Questions people ask
Do I need an MRI for a knee replacement opinion?
Not always. X-rays are often the main images for arthritis. An MRI may help with ligament or cartilage problems, or for the spine. Send what you have, and the surgeon will say whether anything else is needed.
Why does my weight matter?
Weight affects the load on a joint and can affect anaesthesia and recovery. The NHS lists managing weight as part of preparing for knee replacement. Give an accurate figure so the surgeon can advise properly.
Can the surgeon decide on surgery from reports alone?
No. Reports help the surgeon judge whether surgery is worth discussing. The final decision follows an examination in person and tests after arrival. Your surgeon decides what is suitable for you and will explain the reasons.
Sources
- NHS: Preparing for a knee replacement
- MedlinePlus: Hip or knee replacement, what to ask your doctor
- MedlinePlus: Questions to ask your doctor before knee replacement
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.