If knee pain has been affecting your daily life for months or even years, hearing that surgery may be an option can bring a lot of questions. One of the biggest is simple: How do I choose the right surgeon for me?
Whether you live in Calgary, elsewhere in Alberta, or are travelling from another province, knowing what to look for can make the decision feel less overwhelming.
5 Things to Look for in an Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
1. Check Their Credentials
Start with the basics. Orthopaedic surgeons in Canada complete medical school followed by years of specialized training. One designation to look for is FRCSC (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada), which indicates that a surgeon has completed the required specialty training and certification in Canada.
Before your consultation, you can:
- Check that the surgeon has a current license to practice.
- Use the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) public directoryto look up an Alberta physician.
- Ask whether the surgeon has completed additional fellowship training in areas such as joint replacement, sports medicine or knee reconstruction.
2. Ask About Experience With Your Procedure
Orthopaedic surgeons treat many different conditions, so ask about their experience with the specific procedure you are considering.
You may want to ask how often they perform:
- Total or partial knee replacements
- Ligament reconstruction
- Meniscal repair
You can also ask about techniques such as robotic-assisted knee replacement and whether they may be appropriate for you. The goal is to understand how the surgeon’s experience applies to your specific knee condition and treatment.
3. Make Sure Your Treatment Plan Is About You
Surgery is not always the first or only option. Depending on your diagnosis, physiotherapy, activity changes or other non-surgical treatments may be worth considering. If you are unsure about your diagnosis or treatment plan, a second opinion can also provide helpful perspective.
Ask your surgeon:
- What are my treatment options?
- Do I need surgery now?
- What happens if I wait?
- Are there non-surgical options I should try first?
4. Choose Someone Who Explains Things Clearly
A consultation should give you a better understanding of what is happening with your knee and what your options are. You should leave your appointment knowing what is being recommended and, just as importantly, why.
Your surgeon should take time to:
- Explain your diagnosis in language you understand.
- Review your imaging with you.
- Discuss the benefits and risks of your treatment options.
- Answer your questions.
- Give you time to consider your options.
5. Ask About Recovery and Follow-Up Care
Your care does not end when surgery is over. Recovery can involve rehabilitation, follow-up appointments and questions along the way. Understanding what support is available can help you prepare for the weeks and months after surgery.
Before deciding on surgery, ask:
- What will recovery look like?
- When can I return to normal activities?
- Will I need physiotherapy?
- Who do I contact if I have concerns after surgery?
- How often will I be followed after my procedure?
Questions to Ask at Your Knee Consultation
It is easy to forget your questions once you are sitting in the appointment. Consider bringing this list with you:
- What is causing my knee pain?
- What does my imaging show?
- What are my treatment options?
- Do I need surgery, or are there other options I should try first?
- How often do you perform the procedure I am considering?
- What are the potential risks and complications?
- What will my recovery look like?
- What support will I have after surgery?
You can also learn more about what to expect before, during and after your appointment in our guide to what to expect from a consultation at Gateway Surgery.
How Gateway Surgery Can Help
At Gateway Surgery, you do not need a referral to book a consultation.
Our team can connect you with an experienced orthopaedic surgeon who can assess your knee, discuss your diagnosis and help you understand your treatment options. Every surgeon on our team holds the FRCSC designation.
Consultations are available virtually or in person, giving you the opportunity to discuss both surgical and non-surgical options before making a decision. If you decide to move forward with surgery, Gateway Surgery also provides access to an on-call nursing team for up to eight weeks after surgery, seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. MST.
Our private knee surgery options include:
- Total knee replacement
- Partial knee replacement
- Robotic-assisted total knee replacement using ROSA
- Ligament reconstruction
- Meniscal repair
Frequently Asked Questions
What questions should I ask a knee surgeon?
Ask about your diagnosis, treatment options, the surgeon’s experience with your specific procedure, potential risks and what recovery will involve. It is also helpful to ask what support is available after surgery.
Writing your questions down before your appointment can help you feel more prepared.
How do I choose an orthopaedic knee surgeon?
Start by checking the surgeon’s credentials and licence, then ask about their experience with your specific procedure. Your consultation is also an opportunity to make sure you understand your diagnosis and treatment options and feel comfortable asking questions.
Should I get a second opinion before knee replacement?
A second opinion can be helpful if you are uncertain about your diagnosis or recommended treatment. It can give you another perspective and additional information to consider before making a decision.
Do I need a referral to see a knee surgeon at Gateway Surgery?
No referral is required. You can contact Gateway Surgery directly. The team can collect your relevant medical records and help connect you with the appropriate surgeon for your condition.
How do I know if I might need a knee replacement?
Persistent knee pain, stiffness and difficulty with everyday activities can be signs that it may be time to discuss additional treatment options, particularly when other treatments have not provided enough relief.
Our guide to six signs it might be time for a hip or knee replacement can help you understand what to look for.
Ready to Get Answers About Your Knee?
You don’t have to navigate persistent knee pain or treatment decisions on your own. A consultation with Gateway Surgery gives you the opportunity to discuss your symptoms, understand your options and get a personalized recommendation based on your needs.
References
- College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta. Albertans: Find a Physician. https://cpsa.ca/albertans/
- Bhanushali A, Holder C, McAuliffe MJ, Martin D, Smitham PJ. Revision Rates After Total Knee Arthroplasty Among Surgeons of Varying Experience: An Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Study. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2026;41(2):443-450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.06.050
