Free pre-assessment
Am I a Candidate for Knee Replacement?
Deciding on knee replacement is a personal decision, and there’s no single test that answers it. This page explains the signs that it may be time, what Dr. Kalender looks at before recommending surgery, and how to get your X-rays or MRI reviewed for free before you make any plans.
What you get
Reviewed personally by Dr. Kalender
No cost and no obligation
Talk it through by video, in English
No recent X-rays? You can still apply. The team will tell you what’s needed.
Signs it may be time
Signs it may be time for knee replacement
Wondering how to know if you need a knee replacement? There’s no single test, and you don’t need to tick every box. But if several of these sound familiar, it may be worth having your knee reviewed:
Knee pain limits how far you can walk, climb stairs or stand
Pain wakes you at night or is there even when you rest
Stiffness or swelling makes everyday movements difficult
Painkillers, injections or physical therapy no longer give enough relief
Your knee has started to bow, give way or feel unstable
You've started avoiding things you enjoy, or rely on others for daily tasks
These signs aren’t a diagnosis. They’re a reason to get a proper assessment.
Not sure if you're a candidate?
Describe your knee to Dr. Kalender’s team on WhatsApp, in English.
Your imaging
What your X-rays or MRI can show
Imaging shows how much damage there is inside the joint, such as narrowing of the joint space, bone spurs or areas where the cartilage has worn away. When people hear their knee is “bone on bone,” it usually means the cartilage cushion has worn down significantly.
But images are only part of the picture. Some people with significant damage on X-ray manage well, while others with less visible damage have a lot of pain. That’s why Dr. Kalender looks at your images together with your symptoms and daily life.
Before surgery
What Dr. Kalender looks at before recommending surgery
Every case is reviewed individually. These are the main things Dr. Kalender considers, and none of them is decided by a single number.
Your symptoms and daily life
How much your knee limits you, what you’ve already tried and what you want to get back to.
Your X-rays or MRI
The type and extent of damage in your knee, and whether knee replacement is the right treatment for it.
Your general health
Conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, and the medications you take. Some conditions simply need to be well controlled before surgery.
Weight and BMI
Body weight affects surgical risk and recovery, so BMI is one of the factors Dr. Kalender takes into account. As a general guide, he looks for a BMI under 35. If yours is higher, that doesn’t automatically rule you out. Send your details and he’ll discuss your options with you. Weight, BMI and knee replacement →
Checks for infection
Before surgery, Dr. Kalender checks for any sign of active infection, using your examination, history and blood tests. If an infection is found, it’s treated first and surgery is planned once it has cleared.
Your age
There’s no fixed age for knee replacement. What matters more is how much your knee affects your life and how healthy you are for surgery.
If you're traveling
For patients coming from abroad, Dr. Kalender also considers whether you’re fit for a long flight before and after surgery. How the trip works →
An honest answer
When surgery may not be the right step yet
Not every painful knee needs surgery, and Dr. Kalender doesn’t operate on everyone who contacts him.
He may recommend waiting or trying another approach if:
- The damage in your knee is still mild and non-surgical treatment may help
- A health condition needs to be better controlled first
- Your symptoms may have another cause that should be checked
If surgery isn’t right for you now, he’ll tell you honestly and explain what may help instead.
Not sure surgery is the right step yet?
Ask Dr. Kalender’s team on WhatsApp, in English.
Thinking it over
What happens if you wait?
Knee arthritis usually changes slowly, and waiting is a reasonable choice for many people, especially while non-surgical treatment still helps. For others, living with severe pain for a long time can make everyday life harder and the start of recovery a little slower later on.
There’s no deadline you need to meet. A review of your knee can help you understand where you stand and what your options are, whether you decide on surgery or not.
Free pre-assessment
Send Your X-rays for a Free Review
Fill in the form and Dr. Kalender will review your case personally. There is no cost and no obligation.
Send your details
Fill in a short form and upload any X-rays or MRI you have.
Dr. Kalender reviews your case
He looks at your imaging, symptoms and health information personally.
Talk it through by video
He explains whether knee replacement is right for you, what he would recommend and what your options are.
What to have ready
- Recent X-rays of your knee (ideally taken standing) or an MRI, if you have them
- A list of your health conditions and medications
- Your height and weight
Don’t have recent imaging? You can still send your request, and the team will tell you what’s needed.
Questions before you send your X-rays?
Ask what to send and how, on WhatsApp, in English.
Request your free review
Uploading X-rays or MRI is optional. Your details are only used to review your case.
FAQ
Questions about being a candidate
Do I need X-rays before I contact you?
No, but they help. If you have recent X-rays or an MRI, upload them with your request. If not, the team will tell you what imaging is needed.
My BMI is over 35. Can I still be considered?
Possibly. BMI is one of several factors, not an automatic cut-off. Send your details and Dr. Kalender will discuss what’s possible and what may need to happen first.
Is there an age limit for knee replacement?
There’s no fixed upper or lower age. The decision depends on your symptoms, your imaging and your overall health.
Another doctor told me I'm not ready for surgery. Can I still get a review?
Yes. A second opinion can help you understand your options. Dr. Kalender will give you his honest view, even if that means surgery isn’t the right step yet.
Does a free review commit me to anything?
No. The review is free and there’s no obligation to have surgery or travel.
Free online consultation
Not sure if it's time? Let Dr. Kalender take a look.
Send your X-rays or MRI and get a personal answer from Dr. Kalender, by video and in English.