Hi Dave,
I have had both knees done. Jonathan's comment is MOST important. Ask your doctor the total number of knees he has done. How many in the last year and how many a month? This is very important. If you look at an orthopaedic surgeons tools they would look right at home in your wood shop. Saws, hammers, chisels etc. and just like your woodworking practice makes perfect. The numbers should be in the hundreds, at least for total.
Also, ask him if he uses computer aided design (there is a special term which I do not remember right now). ( just remembered NAVIGATION) This should be a yes. This aids the doctor in properly positioning the implant. Bone requires load bearing. Without load bearing the bone cells will migrate. The proper positioning of the new implant will help insure the load bearing requirement and it will also make sure that your walking does not loosen the knee.
I saw an advertisement for a knee replacement that was guaranteed for life. Not quite sure what that means, but I think it meant 30 years. Ask the doctor which knee he is planning to use. Request by company name model etc. then look it up on the Internet. Check the "package insert" which will completely describe the product. The company website is also usually helpful.
The other single most important reason for a knee replacement failure (assuming the doctor is skilled) is the failure to properly follow the prescribed rehabilitation program. DO THE EXERCISE PROGRAM RELIGIOUSLY. You must get flexibility of around 120 degrees. Need to rebuild the muscles. If you are overweight (like I am) this is even more important.
Hope this helps.