Orthopedic Second Opinion — San Antonio, TX
Before you schedule a knee or hip replacement, make sure surgery is truly the right next step. Dr. Shahrestani is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who exhausts every non-surgical option before ever recommending an operation.
Why It Matters
Joint replacement surgery is one of the most transformative procedures in modern medicine — when it's performed on the right patient, at the right time. But the evidence is clear: a significant number of patients are referred for knee or hip replacement before non-surgical treatments have been fully explored.
This isn't about blaming surgeons. It's about a system where surgical consultations often happen before physical therapy, injection therapy, weight optimization, or bracing have been given a real chance to work. Patients deserve a thorough evaluation — not a quick path to the operating room.
If you've been told you need a knee replacement or hip replacement in San Antonio, Dr. Shahrestani offers comprehensive second opinion consultations — reviewing your imaging, evaluating your history, and giving you an honest assessment of whether surgery is truly the right next step for you.
A landmark randomized controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that among patients who were eligible for total knee replacement, 74% of those assigned to structured non-surgical treatment avoided surgery entirely within the following year.
In other words — the majority of patients who qualify for knee replacement surgery may do equally well without it, if given proper conservative care first.
Separately, peer-reviewed research using validated appropriateness criteria found that approximately 1 in 3 total knee replacement surgeries may be classified as not meeting recommended guidelines for appropriate surgical candidates.
By the Numbers
The data on joint replacement outcomes may surprise you. These peer-reviewed findings are why a second opinion isn't just reasonable — it's responsible.
These statistics reflect published peer-reviewed research and are intended to highlight the importance of thorough patient evaluation. The vast majority of appropriately selected patients have excellent outcomes from joint replacement surgery.
Conservative Care First
Targeted anti-inflammatory injections to reduce joint pain and swelling, often providing months of meaningful relief.
Hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the knee joint — a proven option for mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis.
A structured, supervised PT program builds strength around the joint, reduces pain, and often delays or eliminates the need for surgery.
Offloading braces and custom orthotics can redistribute weight away from damaged joint surfaces and significantly reduce daily pain.
Every pound of weight loss reduces approximately 4 pounds of pressure on the knee. Structured guidance on activity modification can make a major difference.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses your body's own healing factors to reduce inflammation and support joint health in select patients.
Optimizing anti-inflammatory medications, topical agents, and supplements as part of a comprehensive non-surgical plan.
A fresh, expert review of your X-rays and MRI by a fellowship-trained surgeon who will give you an unbiased read of what your imaging actually shows.
Dr. Shahrestani's Philosophy
Surgery is not the enemy — premature surgery is. When joint replacement is performed on the right patient who has truly exhausted conservative options, the results can be life-changing.
But that decision should be made with full information, after every appropriate non-surgical avenue has been explored. That is exactly what Dr. Shahrestani evaluates in every second opinion consultation.
When surgery is the right answer, Dr. Shahrestani is fellowship-trained in robotic-assisted joint replacement at Baylor College of Medicine — one of the premier joint replacement programs in the country.
If you need surgery, he'll tell you clearly and explain exactly why. If you don't, he'll tell you that too — and build a plan to help you avoid it.
Self-Evaluation
If you can't answer yes to most of these, you may not have received a full evaluation before being referred to surgery. A second opinion can fill those gaps.
Bring this list to your consultation. Dr. Shahrestani will go through each item with you and help you understand where you stand.
Call our office and we'll get you seen quickly. Same-week appointments available for second opinion consultations.
📞 210-680-1000Balanced Perspective
Dr. Shahrestani is not anti-surgery. He is pro-patient. Joint replacement is one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine — when performed on the right candidate. Here is what appropriate surgical candidacy typically looks like.
You have completed a meaningful course of physical therapy, tried injection therapy, optimized your weight and activity, and pain continues to significantly limit your daily life.
X-rays show significant joint space narrowing — bone-on-bone contact — that is consistent with the degree of pain and functional limitation you are experiencing.
You can no longer perform basic activities — walking, sleeping, climbing stairs — despite optimal non-surgical management. Pain is constant and limiting.
Your overall health, weight, heart function, and medication status have been optimized. Surgery on the right patient at the right time yields dramatically better outcomes.
When surgery is indicated, Dr. Shahrestani performs robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement using the most advanced technology available in San Antonio. Fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine. Board certified. When the time comes — you're in the right hands.
Patient Voices
Real patients. Real outcomes. Whether they needed surgery or were able to avoid it — every patient left with a clear, honest plan.
"Dr. Shahrestani replaced both of my knees. After finishing therapy, I am now able to walk without pain. He is very straightforward about what is involved with the procedure."
"Dr. Shahrestani performed a total hip replacement which has enabled me to regain the ability to perform everyday tasks and walk without pain. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking an exceptional Orthopedic Specialist."
"If you need anything done as far as hip replacement or knee, he is the man! Great doctor. I would recommend him over any doctor."
"My pain level went from 10/10 to nearly nothing in 3 weeks. Total Hip Replacement with anterior incision. Dr. Shahrestani is one of a kind — very specific and tailored my procedure for me."
Reviews reflect individual patient experiences. Results vary. All reviews sourced from public platforms.
Common Questions
Getting a second opinion is one of the most responsible decisions you can make before any major elective surgery. Here are the questions we hear most.
Don't see your question? Call us directly and we'll answer it personally.
Same-week appointments available. Medicare and most insurance accepted.
📞 Call 210-680-1000Second Opinion — San Antonio, TX
Dr. Shahrestani will give you an honest, thorough evaluation. If surgery is right for you, you'll know exactly why — and you'll be in expert hands. If it isn't, you'll leave with a real plan to feel better without going under the knife.
210-680-1000Call Now — Same-Week Appointments Available
— or —
Request Appointment Online