If you suffered a serious knee injury such as a torn meniscus or torn ACL, then the best treatment option is often surgery. But before you get wheeled in for surgery, you will need to have an initial consultation with your knee surgeon. They'll share a lot of information with you during this appointment, but it will also be up to you to ask some questions. Here are some good questions to ask.

1. How soon do you need to have the surgery?

In some cases, it's best to have the injury operated on as soon as possible. In other cases, you might be okay waiting a couple of months before having surgery. Your surgeon will often assume that you want to be operated upon as soon as possible, but if you have some extenuating life circumstances and would rather wait a few weeks or months, this might be okay. Perhaps, for example, you graduate from college in two weeks and would rather wait until afterward to have surgery. Asking this question lets you know whether waiting is an option. 

2. Is there a minimally invasive option?

These days, many but not all knee surgeries can be performed in a minimally invasive manner. In other words, your surgeon will only make a couple of small incisions rather than fully opening up your knee capsule. The surgery is then performed through these small incisions using special, computerized tools. Minimally invasive knee surgery tends to have a shorter recovery time, so ask your surgeon whether it is an option for you. There are instances in which insurance many only cover open knee surgery, and not minimally invasive surgery, but your doctor may be able to petition the insurance company to get your treatment covered if needed.

3. How long will it take for you to return to your pre-injury level of activity?

Your doctor may tell you how long it will be before you can walk again or how long it may be before you can return to work. But you should also get an idea of how long it will take for you to return to activity fully. For a total knee replacement surgery, most patients recover in 4 to 12 months. If you are an athlete, it may be a year before you're able to perform at your full capacity again, but your surgeon can give you a more specific answer based on your particular knee injury and the sport you play.

The initial consultation with your knee surgeon is an important opportunity to ask any questions you may have and learn more about what's about to happen. Take advantage of this opportunity!