Choosing a Surgeon
Choosing your surgeon is one of the biggest factors in how your knee replacement goes. These 12 questions work for any surgeon, in the US or abroad. For each one you will see why it matters and what a clear answer sounds like, so you can leave the conversation knowing what you were told.
Key takeaways
Pick the questions that matter most to you and bring them to your consultation. After each answer, ask yourself: did I get a specific answer about my knee, or a general one? Mark it clear, partly clear or vague. A few vague answers on the things that matter to you are worth following up on before you decide.
Why it matters: Surgeons who do a procedure often tend to have more experience with it. Volume is not everything, but it is one useful signal.
What to listen for: A number or a rough range, and a direct answer about cases like yours. Be cautious about an evasive response.
Why it matters: Teams matter, but you are choosing a person. You should know who is in the operating room and what each of them does.
What to listen for: A clear yes, or a clear description of who does what, and the name of the surgeon responsible for your care.
Why it matters: Every operation carries risks. A surgeon who tracks outcomes can tell you about them honestly.
What to listen for: Named risks (infection, stiffness, blood clots, revision) explained in plain language, and a straight answer about how often they occur in his or her practice or in published data.
Why it matters: Surgery is not the right answer for every painful knee, and the timing matters.
What to listen for: A reason that refers to your imaging, your symptoms and your health. Be wary of a yes given before any imaging is reviewed. Good surgeons also say “not yet” when it is true.
Why it matters: Understanding the options and the risks of waiting lets you decide with confidence.
What to listen for: Non-surgical options that fit your situation and a realistic picture of how your knee may change.
Why it matters: Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or an infection elsewhere in the body can affect both safety and results.
What to listen for: Specific items to check or improve before surgery, and which ones are strict requirements and which ones the surgeon weighs. Be cautious if “no problem” comes without any review of your health.
Why it matters: Implants differ in design and track record, and the best choice depends on your anatomy and activity level.
What to listen for: The brand or type named, the reason it fits you and how long it has been in use. A reply that all implants are the same is a red flag.
Why it matters: Pain control shapes your first days and how soon you can start moving.
What to listen for: A specific plan: what is used before, during and after surgery, and how side effects are handled.
Why it matters: Hospital stay varies by surgeon, hospital and patient. It is worth knowing what to expect and what to plan for afterwards, especially if you are traveling.
What to listen for: A typical stay, the usual steps (when you stand, walk and start exercises) and the signs that would extend it.
Why it matters: Everyone recovers differently, and you need realistic dates for work, family and travel.
What to listen for: Ranges rather than a single date, milestones that depend on your progress and a plan for exercises at home or with a therapist.
Why it matters: Most problems are easiest to deal with when you act early. You need a clear point of contact.
What to listen for: A named person or team, a way to send photos or messages, how quickly you can expect a reply and what counts as urgent.
Why it matters: A quote that leaves things out can turn into a surprise. This applies at home and abroad.
What to listen for: An itemized written quote: surgeon, hospital stay, implant, anesthesia, follow-up visits and what happens if you need more care. Ask what is not included. See also: knee replacement cost in Istanbul →
Add these to the list above:
Flying after knee replacement → · Knee replacement in Turkey →
You are welcome to ask him all of them.
It is a reasonable step, especially if the first opinion felt rushed, if you are not sure surgery is needed or if you are comparing surgeons. A good surgeon will not mind.
Pressure to decide quickly, a recommendation before any imaging is reviewed, vague answers about risks or the implant, no clear plan for follow-up and a quote that will not be put in writing.
Both matter. Ask about the hospital’s experience with joint replacement, the nursing and rehabilitation team and how emergencies are handled.
Yes. Send your X-rays or MRI through the free online consultation and Dr. Kalender will look at them with you before you decide anything.
Free online consultation
Share your imaging and bring this list. He will answer them about your knee, and tell you honestly whether surgery makes sense. Free, with no obligation.
Pain-free knee replacement in Istanbul for patients traveling from the USA. Orthopedic & trauma surgeon at Dora Hospital.
Dora Hospital · Fulya Mah. Yavuz Sk. No:7, 34394 Şişli / Istanbul, Türkiye
The information on this website is for general guidance and does not replace a medical consultation. © Dr. Mahmut Kalender