Second Opinion for Knee Surgery

Get a second opinion before you get knee surgery because the procedure requires an extensive period of recovery, and the risks and side effects are substantial. While you may have a wonderful surgeon who can reduce dangerous risks, you may discover that you may not even need knee surgery. Visit knee pain doctors in Brooklyn and the Bronx at the Astra Knee Pain Center to find out if you qualify for a new procedure called genicular artery embolization, which is proving to be an effective alternative to knee replacement.

Should I Get a Second Opinion Before Knee Surgery?

Before you get knee surgery, you must feel comfortable with your decision and be sure there aren’t other less invasive forms of treatment to try first. Our pain specialists understand that you may have concerns or questions before agreeing to undergo a dramatic procedure like total knee replacement surgery.

Top-notch knee pain doctors make themselves available to answer these questions. They’re available to provide a second opinion if surgery has been recommended by another knee pain doctor.

At the Astra Knee Pain Center, expert knee pain doctors almost always try non-surgical treatment methods before resorting to surgery for knee pain, especially when it’s caused by symptoms such as:

• Instability and locking
• Swelling and stiffness
• Bone-on-bone grinding

Why Do I Need a Second Opinion Before Knee Surgery?

Having surgery is a big decision that shouldn’t be made lightly. That’s why doctors suggest you get a second opinion before knee surgery. Surgery isn’t usually considered unless chronic knee pain is severe and conservative therapy hasn’t relieved your pain. 

Reasons to get a second opinion include:

• The knee doctor isn’t answering all your questions, and you want to obtain additional clarity on the best course of treatment.
• You think you may have been misdiagnosed.
• A doctor tells you that surgery is your only option, and you don’t feel that all non-surgical options have been explored.

You shouldn’t agree to knee surgery unless you’re completely sure it’s what you want to do. When you get a second opinion before knee surgery, it can help you make a more informed decision. Additionally, not all surgeons keep up with the latest interventional radiological options, such as genicular artery embolization, which only a few NYC knee pain specialists perform on a regular basis.

What Should I Ask During a Second Opinion Appointment?

There are several questions that you may want to ask when you go to an appointment with a second knee pain specialist. Ask your knee doctor to transfer a copy of your test results to the other doctor so that tests aren’t repeated.

Questions you may want to ask the second doctor include:

• Do you agree with the diagnosis?
• What treatments are available for this condition?
• Do you think there’s an alternative form of treatment that would help rather than having surgery at this time?
• What would happen if I didn’t get surgery, or if I postponed it for a while?

Taking the time to meet with a different knee pain specialist is a good way to gain a better understanding of your options. Even if the second doctor agrees with the first, a second opinion can help you feel more confident in your decision.

What if Two Knee Pain Doctors Don’t Agree?

When two knee pain specialists don’t agree, you may want to have another conversation with the first doctor to discuss the new information you’ve obtained. Another option is to get a third opinion from another knee doctor in the Bronx before you get knee surgery. Check with your insurance company to make sure a third opinion appointment would be covered.

Contact the Astra Knee Pain Center where Dr. Bolotin and his staff explain what to expect from non-surgical options like GAE and whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment. 

They’re committed to helping you enjoy relief from knee pain conditions, such as:

• Osteoarthritis of the knee
• Knee bursitis
• Meniscus tear

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