6 months out here from my traditional total knee replacement by a highly touted surgeon and medical center for orthopedics.

What to check for on all methods:
1) Will there be close follow-up with the team?
2) Will the surgeon want to see you for a physical exam after, ore than just at 6 weeks?
3) What kind of communication will occur with your physical therapist team and the surgeon?

These are vital concerns that I didn't know so much about beforehand and realize are very important in your recovery. Do not make assumptions.

Ask:
4) Will my knee have full flexion (bending) up to at least 115*?
5) Will it lay flat 0*? Should it lay flat right after surgery (mine didn't, it hurt to).

My surgeon at the 6 week check up stated he was happy if folks get a 90* bend! My knee couldn't lay flat and was stuck at about 10*! This certainly was not a functioning knee. If I had known this info going in, I would have run away. I didn't even know to ask how mobile will my new knee be. I assumed it would function better than my arthritic knee at least.

I had major issues with ROM (range of motion), pretty much from the start after my replacement, though I followed all recommended PT and home therapy. My physical therapy team were concerned about my lack of progress and they pushed me hard (painfully so). After a second opinion, I had to go back in at 11 weeks for an MUA (manipulation under anesthesia), which resets the clock and starts basically all over again for daily physical therapy.

Now I haven't heard anything back to see how I am doing, or to come in for a real check up... Can't do my second knee like this next time. If I get the courage...