Is This for Me?

Been Told You May Need a Hip Replacement?

This visit is for you if another doctor has said you may need your first hip replacement, or you simply want to compare your treatment options before deciding. Dr. Pallitto, a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement surgeon, will give you an independent look at your hip and an honest recommendation.

Already had a hip replacement that isn't feeling right? See Revision Hip & Knee Replacement Second Opinion instead.

How Do I Book?

Call to Book a New-Patient Second Opinion

Call the office nearest you and ask for a hip replacement second opinion with Dr. Pallitto. No referral is typically needed.

Hilton Head Island (843) 681-2363 Bluffton (843) 837-4300 Beaufort (843) 525-0045
What Will Dr. Pallitto Assess?
  • Your symptoms and how they affect daily life
  • A hands-on examination of your hip, along with your back and gait
  • Your X-rays and any other imaging
  • Treatments you've already tried
  • Your procedure options, surgical and nonsurgical
  • Your recovery and activity goals
Am I Committing to Surgery?

No.

A second opinion is a consultation, not a commitment. You'll leave with a clear recommendation — which may be surgery, nonsurgical treatment, or waiting — and the decision stays yours. You're free to have surgery with your original surgeon, with Dr. Pallitto, or not at all.

What Should I Bring?

If you have them, bring prior X-rays or MRI images and their reports, notes from the doctor who recommended surgery, and a list of treatments you've tried and medications you take.

Don't have them? When you call, tell us where your imaging was done and our office can help request the images and reports. If current X-rays are needed, they can often be taken at your visit.

Why Patients Ask for a Second Opinion

Common Reasons for a Second Look

  • You were told you need a hip replacement and want that confirmed before you commit
  • You're unsure whether now is the right time, or whether it can reasonably wait
  • You'd like to know if nonsurgical options have been fully explored
  • You have questions about the surgical approach, such as the direct anterior approach
  • You've moved to the Lowcountry and want a local surgeon's independent read

What a Second Opinion Can Clarify

  • Whether your pain is truly coming from the hip — lower back problems can cause pain around the hip and buttock
  • Whether your X-rays match how much your symptoms limit you
  • Which nonsurgical treatments may still help, and which are unlikely to
  • What surgery and recovery would realistically look like for you

Options We May Discuss

Your Hip Treatment Options

Nonsurgical Treatment

Physical therapy, activity changes, medication, and injections can control symptoms for some patients and delay or avoid surgery.

Nonoperative Options →

Total Hip Replacement

When arthritis significantly limits daily life and nonsurgical care no longer helps, total hip replacement can relieve pain and restore motion.

About Hip Replacement →

Direct Anterior Approach

Dr. Pallitto uses the direct anterior approach for nearly all hip replacements, working between muscles rather than through them.

About the Anterior Approach →

What to Expect

Your Second-Opinion Visit

1

Your Story & Records

Dr. Pallitto reviews your symptoms, the treatments you've tried, and any records and imaging from your prior evaluation.

2

Current X-Rays, If Needed

If your imaging is missing or out of date, new X-rays can often be taken on-site to show how your hip looks today.

3

Examination & Discussion

Dr. Pallitto examines your hip, talks through your goals, and explains what the exam and imaging show in plain language.

4

A Clear Recommendation

You'll leave knowing your options and Dr. Pallitto's recommendation — whether that's surgery now, nonsurgical treatment, or checking back later.

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting a second opinion upset my current surgeon?

Second opinions are a normal part of planning an elective surgery like joint replacement, and surgeons are used to them. You don't need your current surgeon's permission to get one.

Could my pain be coming from somewhere other than my hip?

Sometimes. Lower back problems can cause pain around the hip and buttock, and hip arthritis often causes groin or thigh pain. Part of the evaluation is confirming the hip is the true source before recommending surgery.

What if Dr. Pallitto agrees with my first recommendation?

Then you can move forward with more confidence. You're free to have surgery with your original surgeon or, if you prefer, with Dr. Pallitto.

What if I'm not ready for surgery?

That's fine. If your symptoms can be managed without surgery for now, Dr. Pallitto will say so directly and outline what to try and when to check back.

Do I need a referral?

Typically no referral is required. If your insurance plan requires one, our office can help you understand the process when you call.

Is a second opinion covered by insurance?

Second-opinion consultations are commonly covered by insurance plans. Our office can help you verify your specific benefits before your visit.

Where We Practice

Hilton Head, Bluffton & Beaufort

Hilton Head Island

Phone
(843) 681-2363
View Details

Book Your Hip Replacement Second Opinion

Call the office nearest you and ask for a new-patient second opinion with Dr. Pallitto.

Hilton Head Island (843) 681-2363 Bluffton (843) 837-4300 Beaufort (843) 525-0045