What is a second opinion?

A second opinion is an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment recommendation from a physician that you get for an injury or condition that another doctor has already reviewed. When you first attend an evaluation for an injury or medical condition, your provider tells you about your injury and its prognosis. They also recommend treatment.

If you still have questions or are wondering if your initial treatment recommendations are really necessary for your injury or condition, you may want to get a second opinion to confirm whether or not the information you got the first time was correct. A second opinion can often lead to a more accurate diagnosis and, possibly, a more suitable recommendation for treatment. 

What are the benefits of getting a second opinion on an orthopedic condition?

Undergoing treatment for an orthopedic condition is a big deal, especially if you need surgery. It’s important to feel confident about the treatment you need and its effectiveness in resolving your issue. 

A second opinion helps you make major decisions about your medical care with increased confidence. Getting a second opinion can:

• Confirm or question a major diagnosis
• Help you avoid surgery and other risky treatments when you don’t need them
• Give you more information about your condition or injury
• Answer questions as to why certain treatments aren’t working
• Give you peace of mind about a diagnosis you question 

Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides detailed assessments that include a physical examination, imaging tests, and medical history review. Your provider uses all the information they can gather about your condition before offering any treatment recommendations. 

Which injuries might need a second opinion?

Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine routinely offers second opinions on musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions affecting the bones, joints, and muscles. The practice specializes in sports injuries and other orthopedic conditions, and your provider has extensive knowledge of how to treat them with the most conservative route possible.

You might need a second opinion for:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Juvenile arthritis
• Meniscus tears
• Bicep tendon injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Rotator cuff tears
• Plantar fasciitis

For any injury or chronic condition that causes pain, having a second opinion can lead to a better overall treatment outcome and help you restore or maintain your mobility. 

For a second opinion on any orthopedic diagnosis or treatment recommendations, call Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today.