If an orthopedic surgeon recently told you that you need surgery, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s a knee replacement, hip surgery, or another major orthopedic procedure, this is a life-changing decision. But before you schedule that operating room, it’s critical to consider one thing: Are you absolutely sure surgery is necessary?
The Overlooked Factor: Who is Reading Your Imaging?
Most orthopedic surgeons review radiology scans themselves, rather than relying on a radiology specialist’s formal interpretation. While orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled in their field, they are not radiologists—doctors who specialize exclusively in analyzing medical imaging. This practice can sometimes lead to misinterpretations, and research has shown that a significant percentage of joint replacement surgeries are later deemed unnecessary.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that only 44% of total knee replacements were deemed medically necessary, meaning that more than half of these procedures may have been avoidable (JAMA Network). Additionally, research from the Lown Institute, which evaluates how well individual hospitals avoid overuse of common low-value tests and procedures, highlighted that over 50% of spine surgeries were not medically necessary, with an estimated 30,000 unnecessary spine surgeries performed in 2020 and found that in over three years, U.S. hospitals performed more than 200,000 unnecessary back surgeries on Medicare beneficiaries. That’s one low-value back procedure every eight minutes. (Lown Institute).
The Value of a Second Opinion from a Radiology Specialist
Before committing to surgery, seeking a second opinion on your medical imaging from a subspecialized radiologist—one who focuses on musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging—can provide a clearer picture of your condition. Radiologists who specialize in MSK imaging have advanced training and daily experience reviewing orthopedic-related scans. They can offer a fresh, expert perspective on your MRI, CT scan, or X-ray, ensuring that the original interpretation was accurate, and that surgery is truly warranted.
What MDView Users Have Discovered
At MDView, we’ve helped countless patients who were contemplating orthopedic surgery gain clarity and confidence in their treatment decisions. Here’s what many of our users have found:
A Change in Treatment Plan: Some patients discovered that their imaging didn’t indicate the severity of damage originally suggested. Instead of surgery, they pursued physical therapy, injections, or other non-invasive treatments.
Canceled Surgery: Many patients learned that their condition could be managed without surgery, sparing them from months of recovery and potential complications.
Peace of Mind to Proceed: For those who ultimately moved forward with surgery, having a second opinion validated their decision, allowing them to go into the procedure feeling confident that it was the best option.
Take Control of Your Health With an Expert Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion on your radiology exam is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure you’re making the best decision for your health. With MDView, you can connect with expert radiologists who specialize in your exact type of exam, providing you with a thorough, unbiased review in just 72 hours (or in a little as 24 hours when the expedited add-on is available).
Before you commit to surgery, give yourself the power of knowledge. A second opinion could confirm the need for surgery—or it might save you from an unnecessary procedure. Either way, you’ll have the clarity you deserve to make the best decision for your body and your future.
Ready to get a second opinion on your radiology exam? Visit MDView today and take control of your health with expert imaging insights.
Register for a free account today at: https://app.mdview.com and upload your exam to get an expert second opinion. Don't have access to your images? No problem! MDView can get your images directly from the facility on your behalf at no cost to you!