How Do I Find the Best Orthopedic Surgeon Near Me?

Choose an orthopedic surgeon who regularly treats your specific condition or injury. Then, compare their credentials, areas of expertise, other patient reviews, and available treatment options. A consultation can also help you evaluate their recommendations and determine whether they address your treatment needs.

At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we have a dedicated team of orthopedic surgeons who provide care across multiple orthopedic specialties. Our team includes fellowship-trained surgeons with expertise in spine, sports medicine, hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow care. This broad range of specialties helps ensure you receive treatment tailored to your specific orthopedic needs. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule an appointment with our orthopedic team in New York or New Jersey.

What Should You Look for in an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Look for an orthopedic surgeon with the right qualifications and experience for the treatment you need. Review board certification, fellowship training, experience performing relevant procedures, and hospital affiliations. The surgeon should also clearly explain your diagnosis, answer your questions, and help you understand the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option.

You can also seek recommendations before choosing a surgeon. Ask family and friends about their experiences with orthopedic care. Use online search tools to find surgeons in your area and review their qualifications. If you have a sports injury, local athletic trainers may also provide useful recommendations for surgeons.

In addition, before making your decision, ask the following important questions that help you understand the surgeon’s experience:

• How often do you treat my specific condition?
• How much experience do you have with the recommended procedure?
• Are there nonsurgical options I should consider first?
• How many of these procedures do you perform each month?
• What are the potential risks and expected outcomes?
• What should I expect during recovery?
• Who should I contact if I have concerns or complications after surgery?

Asking these questions can help you evaluate the surgeon’s experience with the procedure you may need. The surgeon’s experience may also affect certain surgical outcomes. In fact, an American Joint Replacement Registry study linked lower-volume surgeons at lower-volume hospitals with a higher risk of revision after hip and knee replacement. These cases were also associated with higher risks of infection and certain other complications.

How Can You Compare Orthopedic Surgeons?

You can compare orthopedic surgeons by reviewing their procedure volume, hospital setting, professional record, and insurance network. Rather than focusing only on a surgeon’s age, ask how often they perform the procedure you need. A higher procedure volume may indicate more experience with that specific surgery.

For example, a review of total knee replacement studies found that higher-volume surgeons generally had better outcomes. The authors suggested more than 50 procedures per year as a possible high-volume threshold. You can also check your state medical board for any disciplinary actions and confirm that both the surgeon and affiliated facility are in your insurance network. Moreover, you can use the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) database to find orthopedic surgeons.

When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?

You should see an orthopedic surgeon when persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, or an injury affects your movement or daily activities. Common orthopedic conditions such as sprains, fractures, arthritis, and other disorders affecting the bones and joints may also require an orthopedic evaluation. The surgeon can identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment based on your condition.

Other symptoms that may need orthopedic attention include:

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness extending from your back into your leg
• Neck symptoms that travel into your arm or hand
• Catching, clicking, or difficulty bearing weight on your hip
• Knee locking, buckling, or giving way
• Loss of shoulder strength or difficulty lifting your arm
• Reduced grip strength or difficulty moving your elbow
• Numbness, tingling, or reduced hand function

You may not realize how much an orthopedic problem is affecting you until you start changing the way you move. You may avoid stairs, stop certain activities, or rely more on the opposite arm or leg. On top of that, you may be unsure which orthopedic specialist can address the problem you are experiencing. At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our team evaluates a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Based on your evaluation, we can connect you with the appropriate orthopedic specialist for your condition. Contact us now to consult with one of the best orthopedic doctors in New York or New Jersey.

What If You’re Unsure About Your Diagnosis?

You do not need a confirmed diagnosis before seeing an orthopedic specialist. During your evaluation, our orthopedic doctor can review your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings to identify the possible cause. If needed, we order imaging or other diagnostic tests to clarify the cause of your symptoms and guide treatment.

Additionally, the location of your symptoms does not always reveal which joint, nerve, or structure is causing the problem. For example, pain or tingling in your arm may come from your neck, shoulder, elbow, or wrist. Similarly, symptoms in your leg may involve your spine, hip, or knee.

To distinguish between these possible sources, our doctors evaluate how your symptoms relate to your movement, strength, joint function, and nerve findings. Then we compare these findings with your imaging, as needed. This helps us identify the structure causing your symptoms and determine which orthopedic specialty should guide your treatment.

Does Every Orthopedic Problem Require Surgery?

No, many orthopedic problems can be treated without surgery. Depending on your diagnosis and symptoms, our doctor may recommend activity modification, bracing, medications, injections, or other nonsurgical treatments first. Surgery is generally considered when conservative care does not provide enough improvement or when your condition requires surgical correction.

The need for surgery can also vary even among patients with the same diagnosis. Your symptoms, level of joint damage, ability to perform daily activities, and response to previous treatments can all affect the decision. For example, two patients with the same meniscus tear diagnosis may need different treatments based on their symptoms and level of function.

Do Orthopedic Surgeons Offer Nonsurgical Treatment?

Yes, our orthopedic surgeons offer nonsurgical treatment when it can effectively address your symptoms. We do not recommend surgery simply because an MRI or X-ray shows an abnormality. Instead, we confirm that the findings match your symptoms and examination and review the treatments you have already tried. We recommend surgery only when it can address a problem that nonsurgical treatment cannot correct.

Here are some situations when we may recommend surgery:

• A structural problem is causing ongoing loss of function.
• Significant instability affects how a joint or limb works.
• Progressive weakness or nerve dysfunction develops.
• Damaged tissue cannot heal on its own.
• Your symptoms persist despite trying recommended nonsurgical treatments.
• An injury requires repair to restore stability or function.
• Delaying treatment could lead to further structural damage.
• Your symptoms, examination, and imaging consistently identify a problem that surgery can directly address.

Which Spine Conditions Need Specialized Treatment?

Conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal deformity, and spine trauma may need specialized treatment. Some of these conditions can also affect the spinal nerves, stability, or overall alignment. A spine-focused evaluation helps determine the extent of the problem and which treatment can address it while protecting spinal function.

Our Director of Orthopedic Spine Surgery, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, treats infants and seniors with both degenerative and complex spine conditions. He evaluates whether the problem can be managed without surgery or requires correction of nerve compression, instability, or abnormal spinal alignment.

For conditions that require surgery, he offers both minimally invasive and reconstructive spine procedures. Additionally, our board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon selects the right approach based on the underlying condition and the degree of spinal changes. Visit us in Brooklyn to consult with Dr. Karèn Avanesov.

Can Spine Surgery Be Done With Smaller Incisions?

Yes, some spine surgeries can be performed through smaller incisions using minimally invasive techniques. These techniques allow the surgeon to reach the problem area while reducing disruption to nearby muscles and tissues. However, the right surgical approach depends on your diagnosis, the affected spinal region, and the type of treatment you need.

Our minimally invasive spine surgeon, Dr. Dante Leven, has extensive experience treating a range of spinal problems using less invasive surgical techniques. Depending on your diagnosis, he may recommend procedures such as:

• Microdiscectomy
• Minimally invasive laminectomy
• Foraminotomy
• Minimally invasive spinal fusion

He also treats cervical and lumbar conditions that may require disc replacement, deformity correction, or reconstruction. Because Dr. Dante Leven has experience with both minimally invasive and more extensive spine procedures, you do not have to choose an approach based on the incision size alone. He first evaluates whether a less invasive technique can safely treat your condition. If a smaller incision cannot provide enough access, our fellowship-trained surgeon may recommend a different surgical approach that better addresses your problem. Visit our Brooklyn or Linden clinic to consult Dr. Dante Leven.

Can Advanced Technology Improve Spine Procedures?

Yes, advanced technology can help surgeons plan and perform certain spine procedures with greater precision. At our clinic, Dr. Colin B. Harris uses robotic-assisted surgery and advanced navigation during selected spine procedures. These tools can support accurate placement and help surgeons address complex spinal conditions while limiting unnecessary disruption to surrounding tissues.

Additionally, our fellowship-trained surgeon combines robotic-assisted surgery with minimally invasive spine techniques. He also offers XLIF, advanced navigation, and motion-sparing procedures for selected spine conditions. These techniques may provide alternatives to traditional surgery when your condition can be treated through a less invasive approach. You can visit our clinic in Brooklyn, Bronx, or Bayonne to get a personalized treatment plan from Dr. Colin B. Harris.

Can Joint Injuries Be Treated Without Open Surgery?

Yes, many joint injuries can be treated without open surgery. Arthroscopic procedures allow surgeons to treat certain injuries through small incisions while reducing disruption to surrounding tissues. Our sports medicine orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jarret Boroniec, provides advanced arthroscopic treatment for selected hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries.

Depending on the joint and the type of injury, he may recommend the following procedures:

• Hip arthroscopy for labral repair, FAI correction, and cartilage treatment.
• Knee arthroscopy for meniscus repair, meniscectomy, and cartilage procedures.
• Shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair, labral repair, and instability treatment.
• Elbow arthroscopy for loose-body removal and treatment of cartilage problems.
• Hip labral repair and acetabular rim trimming.
• Meniscus repair and cartilage restoration procedures.
• Shoulder stabilization for recurrent instability.
• Biceps tendon procedures are performed arthroscopically.

For persistent joint pain or an injury that limits your activity, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jarret Boroniec. He sees patients at our Brooklyn and Bronx locations.

What Are the Treatment Options for Ligament Injuries?

Treatment options for ligament injuries include rest, bracing, injections, and surgery, depending on the type and severity of the tear. Partial tears may improve with nonsurgical orthopedic care, while complete tears or ongoing instability may require ligament repair or ACL reconstruction. Your treatment depends on the ligament involved, your symptoms, and your activity goals.

Dr. Michael Shindle, our sports medicine orthopedic surgeon, has treated ligament injuries in both professional athletes and active adults. He treats a range of ligament injuries, including ACL tears, MCL, PCL, and UCL injuries. Depending on the injury, he may recommend regenerative options such as PRP therapy, joint replacement surgery, or arthroscopic ligament reconstruction.

Our surgeon has also worked with organizations such as the New Jersey Devils (NHL), USA Hockey, and US Men’s Soccer. This experience helps him understand the different physical demands of each sport. He also uses that knowledge to plan your treatment and recovery, based on the activities and level of performance you want to return to. Visit Dr. Michael Shindle in Linden, Clifton East, Bayonne, or West Orange for ligament injury treatment.

Which Orthopedic Specialist Is Right for You?

Choosing the right orthopedic specialist starts with identifying the problem you need treated. Different conditions may require different areas of orthopedic expertise.

Your Concern	Orthopedic Specialist
Complex or degenerative spine conditions	Dr. Karèn Avanesov
Minimally invasive spine problems	Dr. Dante Leven
Robotic and motion-sparing spine procedures	Dr. Colin B. Harris
Hip, knee, shoulder, or elbow injuries	Dr. Jarret Boroniec
Ligament and sports-related injuries	Dr. Michael Shindle

Still not sure which specialist you need? Call 855-321-6784 and share your main symptom or injury. Our team can help connect you with the surgeon whose expertise best matches your condition.

What If You Have More Than One Orthopedic Problem?

If you have more than one orthopedic problem, each condition may need a separate evaluation and treatment approach. At our clinic, specialists from different orthopedic areas can work together to identify the problem affecting you and coordinate treatment based on your needs. This coordinated evaluation can help identify whether one condition is contributing to pain or limitations in another area. It can also help our doctors prioritize which problem to treat first when multiple conditions affect your movement or daily activities.

When Should You Get a Second Opinion?

You should get a second opinion when you are unsure about your diagnosis or recommended treatment. It may also be helpful before major surgery or when your symptoms continue despite treatment. Another orthopedic specialist can review your condition, explain your options, and help you make a more informed decision about your care.

Moreover, a second opinion can sometimes lead to a different treatment recommendation. In fact, in a study of patients referred for spine surgery, the final review recommended surgery for only 33.6% of patients. The other 55.3% were advised to continue conservative treatment. If you are considering a second opinion, our orthopedic surgeons can review your diagnosis, imaging, and recommended treatment. They can explain whether the suggested treatment is right for your condition and discuss other possible options.

When Can You Resume Your Normal Activities?

You can resume your normal activities as your pain improves and your strength and movement return. As your recovery progresses, you can gradually increase your activity level without putting too much stress on the treated area. Our orthopedic surgeon can help you determine when you can safely return to work, exercise, driving, and sports.

Here are some recovery timelines for orthopedic injuries and procedures reported in published studies:

• Back: A systematic review and meta-analysis found that patients returned to work an average of 4.8 weeks after lumbar microdiscectomy.
• Knee: About 17% of ACL patients and 41% with other acute knee injuries returned to pre-injury activity by 6 months.
• Hip: Patients returned to sport in an average of 7.4 months after hip arthroscopy.
• Elbow: Athletes returned to sport in an average of 11.4 weeks after elbow dislocation.
• Shoulder: Return to activities averaged 6.6 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Note: These are estimated recovery times, and your actual recovery may vary based on your specific injury, treatment, overall health, and progress.

How Does Follow-Up Care Support Your Recovery?

At our clinic, our clinical team monitors your pain, strength, movement, and overall progress to support your recovery through follow-up care. These visits help us see how well you are healing and address any concerns early. As you improve, we can guide you through the next steps and help you safely return to your normal activities.

Furthermore, your return to work or sports is based on how your body responds as you recover. Our clinical team can reassess your strength, movement, balance, and activity tolerance before increasing your workload or exercise. We may also adjust your exercises and activity limits in stages to help you return safely without placing too much stress on the recovering area.

Common Patient Scenarios

Orthopedic concerns can vary depending on your symptoms, previous treatment, and type of injury. Here are some common situations that may help you understand when further orthopedic evaluation may be needed:

I’m Not Sure If My Injury Needs Urgent Care

Your injury may need urgent care if you cannot use the affected arm or leg or notice significant swelling, deformity, or rapidly worsening symptoms. These signs can indicate an injury that requires an immediate assessment rather than a routine appointment. Prompt orthopedic evaluation can help determine the extent of the injury and what treatment may be needed.

My Knee Still Hurts Months After Replacement Surgery

Persistent knee pain months after replacement surgery may need further evaluation to find the cause. The surgeon may check the implant, joint stability, and surrounding tissues. This information can help guide any further treatment you may need.

My Shoulder Started Hurting Again After Rotator Cuff Surgery

Shoulder pain that returns after rotator cuff surgery does not always mean the repair has failed. Pain may return for several reasons, especially if you develop new weakness or have recently injured the shoulder. Your surgeon can evaluate your symptoms and decide whether you need further testing or treatment.

I’m Having New Thigh Pain After Hip Replacement

New thigh pain after a hip replacement may require further evaluation, especially if it persists or worsens. The surgeon may review where the pain occurs, when it started, and whether it affects walking. These findings can help determine whether the pain is related to recovery or needs further treatment.

Find the Best Orthopedic Surgeon at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in NY and NJ!

Choosing the best orthopedic surgeon can be difficult when you have many doctors and specialties to consider. Many patients assume the best surgeon is simply the one with the most reviews or the longest list of procedures. In reality, the right surgeon should have experience treating your specific condition and offer treatment options that match your needs.

At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our surgeons can explain your diagnosis and help you choose a treatment based on your condition. Whether you need a second opinion, want to explore nonsurgical options, or are considering surgery, you can discuss your concerns directly with an orthopedic specialist. Call 855-321-6784 or visit us in New York or New Jersey to discuss your treatment options.

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