How Do I Choose the Right Knee Surgeon?
If you’re facing knee surgery, the surgeon you choose will have a greater impact on your outcome than the brand of implant, the hospital you attend, or the type of anaesthetic you receive. This is consistently supported by orthopaedic research: surgical volume and sub-specialist training are the two strongest predictors of patient outcomes in knee surgery. Everything else is secondary.
Yet most patients choose a surgeon based on convenience, a single GP referral, or a Google search. That’s understandable when you’re in pain and want it resolved quickly, but a little due diligence at this stage can mean the difference between a knee that functions well for decades and one that is unsuccessful or requires early revision.
If you’re wondering how to choose an experienced knee surgeon in Melbourne, our guide should help you differentiate a specialist from a general orthopaedic surgeon who occasionally operates on knees, and why it matters.
Quick Tips For Choosing a Knee Surgeon
Sub-specialist training in knee surgery (fellowship-level, not just general orthopaedics)
High annual surgical volume in the specific procedure you need
Access to both traditional and robotic-assisted techniques
Willingness to discuss complication rates, alternatives, and realistic recovery timelines
FRACS qualification and membership in international relevant professional bodies
Why Sub-Specialist Training Matters More Than You Think
Orthopaedic surgery covers the entire musculoskeletal system. A surgeon who focuses specifically on the knee will have performed a far higher volume of knee procedures than a generalist, and volume correlates directly with outcomes. This is one of the most consistently replicated findings in orthopaedic literature. Understanding what makes the best knee surgeon in Melbourne comes down to training and caseload, not marketing.
When researching knee surgeons in Melbourne, ask whether the surgeon holds a fellowship in knee surgery or sports knee surgery, and how many knee-specific procedures they perform each year.
For example, an experienced ACL surgeon in Melbourne will have performed hundreds of ligament reconstructions and will be up to date with the latest graft techniques, rehabilitation protocols, and return-to-sport criteria. Similarly, a high-volume knee replacement surgeon will have refined their approach over thousands of cases to maximise implant longevity and patient satisfaction.
Traditional vs Robotic Knee Surgery: What You Need to Know
One of the most important questions to ask is whether your surgeon offers robotic knee replacement, and whether it’s appropriate for your specific condition. Robotic-assisted surgery uses advanced technology to help the surgeon position the knee implant with greater precision. This can lead to improved alignment, better function, and potentially longer implant life.
Not every surgeon has access or training in robotic technology though, and not every patient is a candidate. The surgeons worth considering are those who offer both traditional and robotic knee replacement options and can explain which approach best suits your anatomy and lifestyle, rather than defaulting to a single technique.
Be cautious of marketing that presents robotic surgery as universally superior. The technology is a tool that enhances a skilled surgeon’s work. In the hands of an inexperienced operator, robotic assistance does not compensate for a lack of surgical judgement, experience or anatomical knowledge.
When Should You See a Knee Surgeon?
Not every knee condition requires surgery. Many respond well to physiotherapy, medication, and activity modification. Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatment has been trialled without adequate improvement.
Common signs you may need a knee replacement or other surgical intervention include:
Persistent pain that limits your daily activities
Swelling that does not resolve with rest
Instability or giving way (particularly after a ligament injury), and
Stiffness that restricts your range of motion.
If imaging shows bone-on-bone arthritis, it may be worth discussing whether a partial vs total knee replacement is the appropriate next step.
A good surgeon will not rush you toward an operation. They will explain the full range of options, set realistic expectations, and recommend surgery only when the evidence supports it.
Questions to Ask Your Knee Surgeon
A confident, experienced surgeon will welcome the following questions. If they seem reluctant to answer or dismissive of your concerns, that tells you something worth knowing. At your initial consultation, ask your knee surgeon:
What is your specific training in this procedure? Look for fellowship training in knee surgery or joint replacement, not just general orthopaedic experience.
How many of these procedures do you perform each year? Higher volumes are consistently associated with better outcomes. For knee replacements, look for 50+ per year. For ACL reconstructions, 100+.
What are your complication rates? An experienced surgeon should be able to quote their own rates with confidence. Expect under 2% for knee replacements.
Do you offer robotic-assisted surgery? Ask whether robotic technology is available and suitable for your anatomy.
What are the realistic expectations for recovery? A trustworthy surgeon gives you an honest timeline rather than overpromising. Ask about return to driving, work, and sport.
What happens if the outcome is not as expected? Understanding the revision process and ongoing support matters before you commit to any surgical decision.
Check Credentials and Professional Memberships
Any surgeon you consider should be a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a member of the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA), confirming accredited specialist training and ongoing professional standards.
For knee surgery specifically, membership in organisations such as the European Society of Sport Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA), the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) or the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) indicates a commitment to staying current with the latest research and techniques.
An orthopaedic surgeon in Melbourne who holds these memberships has access to international peer networks and continuing education that directly benefit patient care. Dr Sime is an active member of all of these professional societies.
Is Knee Replacement Worth It?
For patients with severe knee arthritis where conservative treatment has been exhausted, you may be wondering whether knee replacement is worth it.
To put your mind at ease, it’s one of the most successful and well-studied procedures in modern surgery. Research consistently shows very high patient satisfaction rates, significant pain reduction, and greatly improved function in the years following surgery.
That said, knee replacement is a significant operation with a structured recovery period. The decision should be made collaboratively with your surgeon, taking into account your pain levels, functional limitations, imaging findings, and personal goals.
Book a Consultation with Dr David Sime
Dr David Sime is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon in Melbourne, specialising in hip and knee surgery, sports injuries, and trauma. He offers both traditional and robotic-assisted surgical options and consults at multiple locations across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.
To arrange a consultation, contact Dr Sime’s team today.
FAQs
How do I know if my knee surgeon is experienced enough?
Ask about their annual surgical volume for the specific procedure you need. For knee replacements, look for 50 or more per year. For ACL reconstructions, 100 or more is a strong indicator. Fellowship training in knee surgery and membership in organisations like ESSKA or ISAKOS confirm specialist-level expertise.
Should I choose a surgeon who offers robotic knee replacement?
Robotic-assisted surgery can offer greater precision in implant positioning, which may improve alignment and long-term function. However, the technology is a tool that supports a skilled surgeon’s expertise. The most important factor is your surgeon’s overall experience and judgement, not just whether they use robotic assistance. Ideally, choose a surgeon who offers both traditional and robotic techniques and can recommend the right approach for your circumstances.
What qualifications should a knee surgeon have in Australia?
At a minimum, your surgeon should be a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) with specialist registration in Orthopaedic Surgery. Beyond that, look for fellowship training in knee surgery from a recognised institution and membership in the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) and international bodies such as AAOS, ISAKOS or ESSKA.
When should I get a second opinion before knee surgery?
A second opinion is reasonable whenever you feel uncertain about a recommendation, if you have been told you need surgery but haven’t tried conservative treatment first, or if the proposed procedure carries significant risk. It is also worth seeking another view if the surgeon you’ve consulted does not specialise in the knee or does not offer the full range of surgical options for your condition. A confident surgeon will not be offended by a patient seeking a second opinion.
