hi Catsphiddle, it's a GAIT assesment (not gate) :-) I reckon what they want to do is watch you walking about for a bit, to see if you are balancing properley etc, don't worry about the gait assesment, it wont hurt at all.have a look at The Annexe, Pip freeman (Jon freemans mum) is a phisiopherapissed, I am sure she will reasure you and give you some good advice.i have every sympathy with you as I have knee problems as well (arthritis and cartilige problems, i really hope everything works out ok for you.