BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
Knee Replacement Second Opinion
This visit is for you if another doctor has said you may need your first knee 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 knee and an honest recommendation.
Already had a knee replacement that isn't feeling right? See Revision Hip & Knee Replacement Second Opinion instead.
Call the office nearest you and ask for a knee replacement second opinion with Dr. Pallitto. No referral is typically needed.
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.
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
Options We May Discuss
Physical therapy, bracing, activity changes, medication, and injections can control symptoms for some patients and delay or avoid surgery.
Nonoperative Options →Total knee replacement resurfaces the whole joint. When arthritis is limited to one part of the knee, a partial (unicompartmental) replacement may be an option.
About Knee Replacement →Dr. Pallitto uses MAKO SmartRobotics™ and VELYS™ robotic-assisted technology to plan and perform knee replacement around your anatomy.
About Robotic Surgery →What to Expect
Dr. Pallitto reviews your symptoms, the treatments you've tried, and any records and imaging from your prior evaluation.
If your imaging is missing or out of date, new X-rays can often be taken on-site to show how your knee looks today.
Dr. Pallitto examines your knee, talks through your goals, and explains what the exam and imaging show in plain language.
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
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.
Possibly. Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement may be an option when arthritis is limited to one part of the knee. Whether it fits depends on your imaging, exam, and knee stability, which Dr. Pallitto will review with you.
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.
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.
Typically no referral is required. If your insurance plan requires one, our office can help you understand the process when you call.
Second-opinion consultations are commonly covered by insurance plans. Our office can help you verify your specific benefits before your visit.
Where We Practice
Call the office nearest you and ask for a new-patient second opinion with Dr. Pallitto.