srjmsSRJMSSRJMS2788-948310.47310/srjms.2025.v05i01.007Joint Decisions: Awareness of Joint Replacement Surgery and Rehabilitation Among Arthritis Patients in KangraBackground: Joint replacement surgery has emerged as a transformative solution for patients with advanced arthritis. However, awareness surrounding surgical indications, post-operative rehabilitation, and realistic expectations remains insufficient in many rural and semi-urban populations. This study assesses the knowledge, perceptions, and rehabilitation awareness among arthritis patients in Kangra district. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2025 involving 400 arthritis patients aged 45 years and above in Kangra. A validated bilingual questionnaire assessed socio-demographic factors, knowledge of joint replacement indications, surgical outcomes, rehabilitation processes, and myths. Knowledge scores were classified as Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (41–59%), and Poor (<40%). Statistical significance was tested using chi-square analysis. Results: Of 400 respondents, 61.5% demonstrated good or very good awareness of joint replacement surgery. While 75.2% understood that the procedure alleviates pain and restores mobility, only 47.6% were aware of the importance of physiotherapy in recovery. Rural patients and those with lower education levels had significantly lower knowledge scores. Conclusion: Although awareness of joint replacement as a surgical option exists among arthritis patients in Kangra, major gaps remain in understanding post-surgical rehabilitation and long-term joint care. Patient education, particularly through primary care and orthopedic outreach, is critical to improving surgical outcomes and quality of life.