Skip to main content

Orthopedic Second Opinions: Knee & Shoulder Surgery

Surgery is permanent. Your decision should be confident.

You've been told you need surgery. Maybe you're unsure if it's truly necessary, or perhaps you just want to confirm that the proposed plan is the best one. In the world of orthopedics, specifically with complex knee and shoulder procedures, not all surgeons approach a problem the same way.

At Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care, Dr. Joseph Weinstein provides unbiased, expert second opinions for patients across NYC, Long Island, and Queens. Whether you are questioning a recommendation for a meniscus repair, a rotator cuff surgery, or a total joint replacement, we offer clarity.

When You Should Seek a Second Opinion

You are not "cheating" on your doctor by asking for another set of eyes. It is standard medical diligence. You should strongly consider it if:

  • The diagnosis is unclear: You have pain, but the MRI "doesn't show much."
  • Surgery is the only option presented: You weren't offered physical therapy or injections first.
  • You feel rushed: The surgeon spent 5 minutes with you and scheduled a procedure.
  • It's a "Revision" surgery: You've already had surgery that failed. These cases are infinitely more complex and require a specialist, not a generalist.
  • You have "out-of-network" benefits: This often gives you access to higher-tier specialists who aren't restricted by high-volume insurance quotas.

Our Second Opinion Process

We don't just read your report; we start from scratch.

  1. New Physical Exam: Dr. Weinstein will examine your joint stability, range of motion, and pain triggers personally.
  2. Imaging Review: We look at the actual MRI and X-ray images, not just the radiologist's typed report. We often find subtle tears or alignment issues that were missed.
  3. Treatment Audit: We review the proposed surgery. Is it the right procedure? Is it the right time?
  4. Honest Feedback: If the original surgeon was right, we will tell you. If we think a different approach (surgical or non-surgical) is better, we will explain exactly why.

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Weinstein specializes in confirming diagnoses for:

Knee Conditions

  • Meniscus Tears: Repair vs. Removal (Meniscectomy).
  • ACL Injuries: Graft selection choices (Patellar vs. Hamstring vs. Allograft).
  • Knee Replacement: Partial vs. Total replacement options.

Shoulder Conditions

  • Rotator Cuff Tears: Arthroscopic repair feasibility.
  • Labral Tears (SLAP): Repair vs. Biceps Tenodesis.
  • Shoulder Impingement: Decompression vs. Therapy.

Revision Surgery: When the First Surgery Fails

The most common reason patients come to us for a second opinion is because they had surgery elsewhere, and they still hurt.

Revision surgery—fixing a failed procedure—is Dr. Weinstein's forte. It requires a deeper understanding of mechanics and scarring than a primary surgery. If you have had a meniscus repair that didn't heal or a rotator cuff that re-tore, do not go back to the same approach expecting a different result. Get a fresh perspective.

Insurance & Access

We work with most major insurance plans, including high-value networks like GHI (City/State employees) and various PPO plans. Our administrative team will help you understand your coverage for a consultation, so you can focus on getting the right answers.

Don't operate on doubt. Call today to schedule your second opinion.