Before You Commit to Knee Replacement, Be Certain It Is the Right Plan
Get an independent evaluation from an experienced, board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can review your symptoms, examination and knee imaging before you make a major decision. Understand whether you need surgery, whether the timing is right and which treatment options may fit your knee.
Is Total Knee Replacement Really the Right Next Step?
Knee replacement can provide meaningful improvement for appropriately selected patients with advanced arthritis, pain and loss of function. But an X-ray alone does not determine whether you are ready for surgery.
Your symptoms, physical examination, activity limitations, imaging, overall health and response to previous treatment all matter. A second opinion can help confirm whether knee replacement is appropriate and whether now is the right time.
The goal is not simply to confirm surgery. The goal is to identify the treatment plan that best matches your knee and your life.
A knee replacement second opinion may be helpful when:
More Than a Quick Look at Your X-Ray
A useful second opinion considers the entire clinical picture—not just whether arthritis appears on an image.
Your Symptoms and Limitations
We discuss where you hurt, how far you can walk, whether pain interferes with sleep and which activities have become difficult.
Examination and Imaging
Your surgeon evaluates alignment, motion, stability, tenderness and available weight-bearing X-rays, MRI scans and reports.
The Best Path Forward
We explain whether continued nonsurgical care, partial knee replacement, total knee replacement or further evaluation may be reasonable.
Options That May Be Discussed During Your Evaluation
The appropriate treatment depends on the location and severity of the arthritis, your symptoms, your health and the treatments you have already attempted.
Continued Nonsurgical Care
Exercise, physical therapy, activity modification, medication, bracing or other conservative strategies may remain appropriate.
Injection Treatment
Depending on the clinical situation, an injection may be discussed as part of symptom management or continued conservative care.
Partial Knee Replacement
Some patients with arthritis limited to one portion of the knee may be candidates for a more focused replacement procedure.
Total Knee Replacement
Total replacement may be appropriate when advanced arthritis, pain and functional loss affect multiple areas of the knee.
Outpatient Joint Replacement
Some medically appropriate patients may qualify for same-day discharge following knee replacement surgery.
Additional Evaluation
Not every painful knee is caused entirely by arthritis. Further evaluation may be recommended when symptoms and imaging do not clearly match.
A second opinion does not automatically mean receiving a different recommendation. Sometimes the most valuable result is confirmation that knee replacement is reasonable and a clearer understanding of what to expect.
Knee Replacement Experience Matters
A second opinion should provide more than reassurance. It should give you a clearer understanding of your diagnosis, alternatives, surgical plan and expected recovery.
Established Since 1968
A longstanding orthopedic practice serving patients throughout metro Atlanta.
Board-Certified Surgeons
Evaluation by experienced orthopedic surgeons who routinely care for patients with knee arthritis.
Surgical and Nonsurgical Options
Surgery is recommended only when the clinical findings and individual circumstances support it.
Three Convenient Offices
Appointments are available in Decatur, Snellville and Loganville.
Total Knee Replacement Second-Opinion Evaluations
Knee replacement evaluations are available with Dr. Maurice Jové, Dr. Nathan Jové and Dr. Jeff Traub. Bring your current imaging and relevant medical records for an individualized review of your diagnosis, treatment options, surgical setting, bone quality, implant selection and any history of metal sensitivity. Our surgeons consider details that may affect your result rather than using the same plan or implant for every patient.
What Should You Bring?
Having the right information available helps your surgeon provide a more complete knee replacement second opinion.
Do not delay scheduling simply because you do not yet have every record. Our team can help explain which information may be useful.
Knee Replacement Second Opinion FAQ
Important questions to ask before deciding where, when and how your knee replacement should be performed.
Will I offend my current orthopedic surgeon by getting another opinion?
Seeking another opinion before major surgery is a reasonable part of making an informed medical decision. You should feel comfortable understanding the diagnosis, alternatives, implant choices and proposed treatment plan before proceeding.
Does severe arthritis on an X-ray always mean I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Imaging is important, but symptoms, examination findings, functional limitations, overall health and response to previous treatment also influence whether knee replacement is appropriate.
Could I qualify for partial instead of total knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement may be considered when arthritis is limited to a specific portion of the knee and the remaining compartments, ligaments and alignment meet appropriate clinical criteria. Your examination and weight-bearing imaging help determine whether it deserves consideration.
Can my knee replacement be performed at an ambulatory surgery center?
Many medically appropriate patients may qualify for knee replacement at an ambulatory surgery center, or ASC. Other patients may be better served in a hospital because of medical conditions, surgical complexity or the need for additional postoperative monitoring. Patient safety and the appropriate surgical setting come first.
Can having knee replacement at an ASC save money?
An ambulatory surgery center may have lower facility charges than a hospital outpatient department and may reduce the overall cost of care. The actual amount a patient saves depends on insurance coverage, deductible, coinsurance, network participation and the specific facility benefits under the health plan.
Do you use advanced knee replacement materials and surface technology?
Our surgeons have access to contemporary knee replacement systems, advanced bearing materials and specialized surface technologies. Depending on the selected implant system and the patient's needs, options may include highly cross-linked polyethylene, vitamin E-stabilized polyethylene and advanced implant surfaces designed for specific clinical situations.
Do you offer knee implants for patients with a metal allergy?
Yes. When clinically appropriate, our surgeons have access to knee replacement options that use specialized surfaces or more inert materials designed to reduce exposure to metals that commonly cause sensitivity. The appropriate implant depends on the patient's history, examination, prior reactions and complete surgical plan.
Will you ask me about metal allergies before knee replacement?
Yes. We routinely ask about metal sensitivity, reactions to jewelry, belt buckles, watches, skin adhesives and prior implants because those details may influence implant selection. Most patients do not require a specialized implant, but we believe potential sensitivities should be discussed rather than overlooked.
How do you decide which knee replacement implant to use?
Implant selection is individualized according to factors such as age, activity level, anatomy, alignment, ligament stability, bone quality, metal-sensitivity history and whether the operation is a primary or revision knee replacement. There is no single implant that is ideal for every patient.
Will a hospital determine which knee replacement materials I receive?
Hospitals and surgical facilities may maintain implant contracts and approved product formularies. Our surgeons select from clinically appropriate available systems based on the patient's anatomy, bone quality, allergy history and surgical needs. We do not believe a lesser material should be selected solely to reduce facility costs when a more appropriate contemporary option is available for the patient.
Will I go home the same day after knee replacement?
Many appropriately selected knee replacement patients can go home on the day of surgery. Same-day discharge depends on medical health, mobility, pain control, home support and the absence of a clinical reason for continued monitoring.
Can I get a second opinion if surgery is already scheduled?
Yes. Patients may seek another evaluation even when knee replacement has already been recommended or scheduled. Bring the proposed plan, available imaging and relevant medical records to the appointment.
Does a second opinion mean that your surgeon will take over my care?
Not automatically. The purpose of the visit is to evaluate your knee and provide another medical opinion. You can then decide whether to remain with your current surgeon or continue care with our practice.
Be Certain You Understand the Plan Before Knee Replacement
Speak with our team or request an appointment online for an independent total knee replacement second opinion.