My father needs a knee replacement but he is afraid of the surgery. How can we help him?

The fears we hear most often

• Pain after surgery: modern pain control combines a spinal anaesthetic, nerve blocks or local anaesthetic around the knee and regular tablets, so pain is managed actively from the start
• The anaesthetic: many knee replacements are done under spinal anaesthesia, often with sedation, rather than a deep general anaesthetic; the anaesthetist assesses heart and lung health beforehand
• Being bedbound: most patients stand and take steps with a frame on the day of surgery or the next day
• Being a burden: recovery is gradual, but most people are independent at home within weeks
• Stories from others: every knee and every operation is different, and older stories may not reflect current practice

Is it safe for an older person with other conditions?

Age itself is not a barrier; general health matters more. Before surgery, conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, anaemia and kidney problems are checked and optimised, sometimes with the help of his own physicians. Good blood sugar control before surgery lowers the risk of wound problems and infection. If the risks are higher than usual, this is discussed openly so the family can decide together.

How the family can help

Come to the consultation and write down questions beforehand. Make the home ready: a firm chair with arms, a raised toilet seat, a shower chair, clear walkways and a bed that is not too low. Plan who will stay with him in the first one or two weeks. Encourage his exercises every day and walk with him, as these matter as much as the operation. Remind him that some swelling and stiffness for weeks or months are normal.

Making the decision without pressure

The decision is his. If he is not ready, a structured non-surgical plan, including physiotherapy, a walking stick and sometimes an injection, can be tried while he thinks it over. At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber takes time to explain each step to patients and their families, in a way that answers the real worries, so the choice is made calmly.