Should I Get A Second Opinion Before Knee or Shoulder Surgery

Do I Need A Second Opinion?

Patients often ask, “Do I need a second opinion”? Do you understand the treatment recommended by your surgeon? Are you concerned that the first doctor will find out and be upset? Doctors want patients to understand their treatment. You should not proceed with treatment and especially surgery if you don’t feel completely comfortable. If there are any concerns, it is always ok to get a second opinion before knee or shoulder surgery.

Reasons for getting a second opinion:

• A surgeon only provides surgery as an option without discussing other treatments.
• You do not understand how surgery will help you.
• You have already had a surgery that did not work, and the doctor is recommending another surgery.
• When you don’t understand the diagnosis.

What To Ask When You Get A Second Opinion Before Knee or Shoulder Surgery

• Find a specialist who can explain your treatment options.
• Make a list of questions or concerns that you have.
• Ask about the diagnosis and why surgery is needed.
• Also discuss if there are any alternatives to surgery.
• Ask the surgeon about their experience with your specific injury and the expected results.

What If The Second Doctor Also Recommends Surgery?

In some cases, surgery can’t be avoided.  The second doctor may provide a less-invasive option or more information that gives you greater comfort before surgery.

Second Opinion for Rotator Cuff Tears

Patients often consult Dr. Goradia for a second opinion regarding rotator cuff tears, especially when they have been told their tear can’t be repaired at all or can’t be repaired arthroscopically.  In many of these cases Dr. Goradia can repair the torn rotator cuff with arthroscopic surgery.

Dr. Goradia has developed a new surgical technique for massive rotator cuff tears. With this technique, he can reinforce the rotator repair with donor tissue. Although use of these tissues has existed for many years with open surgery, Dr. Goradia’s technique allows him to place the tissue into the shoulder arthroscopically.

Also, Dr. Goradia’s treatment after repair most rotator cuff tears permits the patients to remove their sling the day after surgery. This gives patients better use of their arm and shortens the overall recovery.

If the rotator cuff is too severe to repair with donor tissue, a special type of shoulder replacement may be the best options. With recent advances, recovery from this replacement can be faster than recovery from a rotator cuff repair.

Second Opinion for ACL Surgery

Dr. Goradia offers the latest advances in ACL surgery, including ACL Preserve Surgery and all-inside ACL reconstruction. These techniques can reduce pain and swelling after surgery. The ACL Preserve Surgery was developed by Dr. Goradia. Approximately 20-30% of ACL tears are eligible to receive this treatment where the patients’ torn ACL is repaired instead of it being replaced with a graft.

Second Opinion for Knee Arthritis and Knee Replacement Surgery

Dr. Goradia sees patients seeking a second opinion when total knee replacement surgery is recommended.  In a recent knee pain seminar, Dr. Goradia noted research indicating that 43% of patients who had a total knee replacement may have been candidates for a partial knee replacement.
If a total replacement is needed, Dr. Goradia is trained to offer computer guided surgery.

Alternatives to Orthopedic Surgery

For other patients with less severe arthritis, small rotator cuff tears, or other orthopedic conditions Dr. Goradia may be able to offer alternatives to surgery.

If you are experiencing joint pain, call our office at (804) 678-9000 or book an appointment online.  We don’t believe in a one-size fits all approach to treating pain and will offer the least invasive treatment possible.