Knee: What to check about knee conditions and care

When researching knee specialists, focus on the surgeon’s experience with your specific condition—ACL repair, meniscus tear, osteoarthritis, or total knee replacement. Look for documented outcomes, fellowship training in sports medicine or joint reconstruction, and a history of using evidence-based techniques. Read patient reviews with attention to recurring themes about recovery, pain control, and complications. Also confirm that the doctor collaborates with physical therapists and pain-management teams to support rehabilitation and long-term function.

Surgeon: How to evaluate a surgeon’s qualifications

Assess a surgeon’s board certification, hospital privileges, and subspecialty training. Board certification indicates the surgeon has met national standards; hospital privileges reflect peer review. Ask how many procedures they perform annually for the operation you need—higher case volume is often associated with better outcomes for complex surgeries. Inquire about complication rates, typical recovery timelines, and whether the surgeon uses newer technologies like robotic assistance or outpatient pathways when appropriate.

Doctor: Questions to ask your doctor before referral

When you consult a doctor for a referral to a surgeon, be prepared with specific questions: Why is surgery recommended now? Are there non-surgical options to try first? What risks and benefits apply to your situation? Ask about expected functional outcomes and time away from work or daily activities. Request the name of the surgeon they recommend and why. A good referring doctor will explain alternatives and help coordinate second opinions or conservative care if appropriate.

Hospital: Why hospital choice matters for surgical care

The hospital where a surgeon operates can significantly affect outcomes. Look for hospitals with strong orthopedics or joint replacement programs, dedicated perioperative care teams, and low infection or readmission rates. Consider whether the hospital offers local services you need—advanced imaging, inpatient rehab, and pain management. Confirm that your insurance is accepted and that the facility’s emergency, lab, and imaging departments maintain consistent quality standards.

Patient: Preparing as a patient for surgery and recovery

As a patient, prepare by collecting your medical records, medication list, and imaging to share with potential surgeons. Discuss prehabilitation exercises, smoking cessation, and nutrition to improve healing. Understand the expected rehabilitation plan and who will coordinate physical therapy after discharge. Ask about pain-control strategies and signs of complications that warrant immediate contact. Clear communication, timely follow-up, and realistic expectations of recovery are key to better outcomes.

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Provider Name	Services Offered	Key Features/Benefits
Mayo Clinic	Orthopedic surgery, knee reconstruction, joint replacement	Multidisciplinary teams, comprehensive diagnostics, strong research base
Cleveland Clinic	Sports medicine, arthroscopy, total knee arthroplasty	High surgical volumes, integrated rehab programs, international referrals
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)	Joint replacement, revision surgery, outpatient knee procedures	Dedicated orthopedic specialty hospital, focused infection control, rehab expertise
Johns Hopkins Medicine	Orthopedics, complex knee reconstruction, clinical trials	Academic research, specialized fellowship-trained surgeons, advanced imaging
Stanford Health Care	Minimally invasive arthroscopy, robotic-assisted knee surgery	Innovation in surgical techniques, coordinated post-op care, telemedicine follow-up

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

Occasionally, online directories or automated services used to locate surgeons may experience technical problems; for example, you might see an error such as: An error occurred during Api requesting: Service Unavailable: . If that happens, try alternative sources—direct hospital websites, professional society directories (orthopedic associations), or calling hospital referral lines for local services in your area.

When you combine careful credential checks, thoughtful questions, and consultations with both your primary doctor and prospective surgeons, you’ll be better positioned to choose a surgical team aligned with your needs and recovery goals.