BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
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If you live in Savannah, Pooler, or Richmond Hill and you're researching robotic knee replacement or anterior hip replacement, you have more options than you might think, including one just over the state line. Dr. Patrick Pallitto is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement surgeon who sees patients at his Bluffton office, about 40–55 minutes from the Savannah area, depending on traffic.
He offers robotic-assisted knee replacement with two systems, MAKO and VELYS, and uses the direct anterior approach for nearly all hip replacements. If someone has already told you that you need surgery, he also offers second opinions with no commitment to surgery.
Choosing a surgeon is a big decision, and the closest option isn't always the right fit. If you're thinking about making the drive, here's what Dr. Pallitto offers:
Dr. Pallitto's goal is to help every patient return to the activities they enjoy, whether that's a full workday, a round of golf, or a day on the water.
Consultations and surgery take place in South Carolina. Georgia residents are welcome to schedule a consultation at the Bluffton office, or at the Hilton Head Island or Beaufort offices if one of those is more convenient.
In a robotic-assisted knee replacement, Dr. Pallitto performs the surgery. The robotic system helps him plan and carry out that plan with precision personalized to your anatomy.
Dr. Pallitto uses both the MAKO and VELYS systems. He'll explain which one fits your knee and why, and what robotics can and can't change about your recovery. Your own health and your work in physical therapy still matter a great deal.
For nearly all hip replacements, Dr. Pallitto uses the direct anterior approach. It reaches the hip joint (the ball and socket) from the front, using a muscle-sparing technique.
He'll walk you through what this approach means for your recovery. He'll also tell you if a different plan makes more sense for you.
Most patients go home the same day or after one night in the hospital. Surgery typically takes about one hour. When you go home depends on your health, your procedure, and the support you have at home. Dr. Pallitto plans that with you ahead of time.
Surgery is performed at the Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head and at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, both in South Carolina.
For many Savannah-area patients, the most practical question is the ride home. Some patients choose to stay locally the first night after surgery.
Most patients want to know how many times they'll make the drive before they commit. Here is the general path. Your visits depend on your procedure and recovery.
Driving yourself typically resumes at about two weeks after surgery, depending on your procedure and recovery. Plan on someone else driving you to your early visits.
Physical therapy can be done with an outside physical therapist, so you may be able to do it closer to home. That therapist provides your therapy, and Dr. Pallitto coordinates with them using his standard protocol. See Physical Therapy After Joint Replacement and the full Surgical Journey.
From Pooler, the Bluffton office is about 45 minutes away, depending on traffic.
From Richmond Hill, the Bluffton office is about 55 minutes away, depending on traffic.
From downtown Savannah, the drive to the Bluffton office is about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. From southside Savannah, it's about 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Maybe a surgeon has already recommended a hip or knee replacement and you'd like another view. Or you were told to wait and you're not sure that's right. A second opinion is a normal part of making a big decision.
Dr. Pallitto offers second opinions for hip replacement, knee replacement, and revision surgery, with no commitment to surgery. Bring your imaging and any notes from prior visits, and he'll give you his honest view.
Yes. Patients from Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, and other parts of Georgia are welcome to schedule a consultation. Consultations take place in person at Dr. Pallitto's South Carolina offices, and surgery is performed in South Carolina. The Bluffton office is the closest to the Savannah area.
The Bluffton office is about 40–55 minutes from the Savannah area, depending on traffic: about 40 minutes from downtown Savannah, about 45 minutes from Pooler, about 50 minutes from southside Savannah, and about 55 minutes from Richmond Hill. The office is at 4812 Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton, SC 29910.
Dr. Pallitto uses two robotic-assisted systems for knee replacement: MAKO and VELYS. He performs the surgery himself, and the system helps him carry out a plan personalized to your anatomy. He'll explain which system fits your knee.
It depends on your knee and your goals. Robotic assistance helps with planning and precision, but it doesn't replace the surgeon, and your recovery still depends on your health and rehab. Dr. Pallitto will talk through whether a robotic approach makes sense for you.
Most patients go home the same day or after one night in the hospital. When you go home depends on your health, procedure, and support at home. Dr. Pallitto plans this with you before surgery.
He uses the direct anterior approach for nearly all hip replacements. It reaches the hip from the front, using a muscle-sparing technique.
Yes. Dr. Pallitto offers second opinions for hip replacement, knee replacement, and revision surgery, with no commitment to surgery.
It depends on your procedure and recovery. Expect a consultation, one pre-op visit, surgery, and follow-up visits at about 3 weeks, 8 weeks, 4 months, and 1 year after surgery. Your consultation and follow-up visits take place in person at our South Carolina offices.
That's a personal decision. Many patients weigh surgeon training, surgical approach, robotic options, and how easy it is to reach the surgeon against the extra drive. A consultation or second opinion is a low-pressure way to compare.
Whether you're ready to talk about surgery or just want an honest second look, the first step is a conversation.
Call the Bluffton office: (843) 837-4300. New patients are typically seen within a week.
This content is for education and doesn't replace medical advice.