An honest, expert evaluation from a sports medicine knee specialist in the DC area.
If you have knee pain or a knee injury, you may be wondering:
“Do I actually need surgery… or is there another option?”
That’s the right question to ask.
Many knee problems do not need surgery. Some absolutely do. And many fall in between.
Rajeev Pandarinath, MD is a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon who specializes in knee injuries and sports-related knee problems and believes:
Surgery should be recommended only when it truly improves your outcome.
Most Knee Problems Do NOT Need Surgery
Many knee conditions improve with:
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory treatment
- Injections (in some cases)
- Time and proper rehab
Examples often treated without surgery:
- Many meniscus tears
- Tendinitis
- Patellofemoral pain
- Mild cartilage wear
- Ligament sprains
When Surgery IS the Right Answer
Surgery is more likely to be helpful when:
- The knee:
- Is truly unstable (e.g., ACL tear in an active person)
- Locks or catches due to a mechanical problem
- Has a repairable meniscus tear causing symptoms
- Has a significant cartilage defect
- Has failed appropriate non-surgical treatment
And when:
- Your symptoms are limiting your life
- And imaging and exam findings match your complaints
The Real Question Isn’t “What Does the MRI Show?”
It’s:
“Do your symptoms, exam, and imaging all point to a problem that surgery can actually fix?”
Many people have:
- MRI abnormalities
- That are not the real cause of their pain
This is why:
A thoughtful evaluation matters more than just reading a scan.
What Happens at Your Visit
- Careful history and exam
- Review of X-rays and MRI (or order imaging if needed)
- Explanation of:
- What’s normal
- What’s abnormal
- What actually explains your symptoms
- Honest discussion of:
- Non-surgical options
- Surgical options
- Pros and cons of each
You will leave knowing:
Whether surgery is likely to help you — and why.
Common Knee Problems and Typical Treatment Paths
- ACL tear:
- Often surgical in active patients
- Meniscus tear:
- Often non-surgical, sometimes surgical
- Cartilage injury:
- Usually try non-surgical first, sometimes surgical
- Tendinitis / overuse:
- Almost always non-surgical
- General knee pain:
- Rarely surgical
Why See Dr. Pandarinath?
- Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine
- Specializes in:
- Knee injuries
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus and cartilage surgery
- Known for:
- Conservative-first approach when appropriate
- Clear, honest recommendations
- Avoiding unnecessary surgery
Second Opinions Are Welcome
If:
- You’ve been told you “need surgery”
- And you’re not sure
- Or your knee doesn’t seem that bad
- Or you just want to be confident in the decision
Getting a second opinion is smart medicine.
Request an Evaluation
If you’re wondering whether knee surgery is actually the right next step:
👉 Click above to request an appointment
📞 Or call our office to schedule an evaluation
The goal is not more surgery. The goal is the right treatment.
About Rajeev Pandarinath, MD
Rajeev Pandarinath, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder injuries.
He treats:
- Knee injuries
- Sports-related joint problems
- Complex ligament, meniscus, and cartilage conditions
His approach emphasizes:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Evidence-based treatment
- Surgery only when it truly benefits the patient