Orthopedic Surgery

Q: How long is recovery from orthopedic surgery?

Recovery timelines vary by procedure and patient. Minor arthroscopic procedures may allow return to light activity within one to two weeks. Complex reconstructions such as ACL reconstruction or rotator cuff repair typically require four to nine months before full return to sport. Your surgeon will outline a realistic, procedure-specific recovery timeline at your consultation.

Q: Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

Yes. Physical therapy is a critical component of achieving the best possible outcome after orthopedic surgery. Maryland Orthopedic Specialists has an in-house therapy team at Bethesda and Germantown locations, so your therapists coordinate directly with your surgeon throughout your recovery.

Q: Can I get a second opinion before deciding on surgery?

Absolutely — and we encourage it. When you come to Maryland Orthopedic Specialists for a second opinion, we will review all available imaging and records and give you our honest clinical assessment.

What is orthopedic surgery?

When Surgery Becomes the Right Step

When conservative treatments such as physical therapy, injections, bracing, and medication have been thoroughly explored without delivering lasting relief, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Maryland Orthopedic Specialists are here to guide you through the next step with clarity, skill, and compassion. We perform a full spectrum of orthopedic surgical procedures (from minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to complex reconstructive procedures), serving patients at our Bethesda and Germantown, Maryland locations. Surgery is never our first recommendation; it is a carefully considered decision we make together with you, only after every appropriate non-surgical option has been tried.

Our Surgical Philosophy

We believe surgery is a powerful tool, one that should be used precisely and only when it will genuinely improve your quality of life. At Maryland Orthopedic Specialists, every patient who arrives with a complaint receives a full evaluation of their non-surgical options first. This means we explore physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid or regenerative injections, and bracing before any conversation about the operating room. When surgery is indicated, we approach that conversation with complete transparency. We explain what the procedure involves, what recovery looks like, what realistic outcomes you can expect, and what happens if you choose to delay or decline. We respect that this is your body and your decision, and we see our role as giving you the best possible information to make it confidently. Shared decision-making is not a slogan for us; it is the cornerstone of every physician-patient relationship in our practice.

Surgical Procedures We Perform

Our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons offer the full spectrum of musculoskeletal surgical procedures across all major joints. Click any procedure below to learn more about what it involves, who it is for, and what recovery looks like.

Knee

Arthroscopy & Soft Tissue

Cartilage Restoration

Replacement & Reconstruction

Shoulder

Arthroscopy & Instability

Replacement

Hip

Hip Arthroscopy & Preservation

Replacement & Reconstruction

Hand, Wrist & Elbow

Nerve & Tendon

Fractures & Joint

Foot & Ankle

Tendon & Soft Tissue

Bone & Joint

Minimally Invasive & Arthroscopic Approach

Arthroscopic surgery involves inserting a thin camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments through small skin incisions (typically less than a centimeter) to address pathology inside a joint. Because the surrounding muscles and soft tissues are not significantly disturbed, arthroscopic surgery generally results in less postoperative pain, lower risk of surgical site infection, reduced blood loss, and a faster return to daily activities compared to traditional open surgery. At Maryland Orthopedic Specialists, we prioritize arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques whenever they are clinically appropriate and offer equivalent or superior outcomes to open approaches. Our surgeons are extensively trained in advanced arthroscopic techniques and stay current with evolving surgical technology to offer our patients the most effective, least disruptive options available.

What to Expect: Your Surgical Journey

Surgical Consultation & Second Opinion Welcome — Your initial surgical consultation includes a thorough review of your history, imaging, and prior treatments. If you are coming for a second opinion, we welcome that — and we will give you our honest assessment regardless of whether it leads to surgery at our practice.
Pre-Operative Workup: Before surgery, you will complete any necessary lab work, clearance visits with your primary care or cardiologist if required, and a pre-operative education appointment with our clinical staff so you know exactly what to expect on the day of your procedure.
Surgery (ASC or Hospital Setting) — Depending on the complexity of your procedure, surgery is performed at a local ambulatory surgery center (ASC) or hospital partner facility in the greater Bethesda or Germantown area. Many of our procedures are outpatient, meaning you go home the same day.
Post-Operative Care & Wound Check — We schedule your first follow-up visit within one to two weeks of surgery to evaluate your incision, address any early concerns, and adjust your pain management plan as needed.
Physical & Occupational Therapy (In-House): Our on-site therapy team begins rehabilitation as soon as it is appropriate for your procedure, providing hands-on, individualized care that is coordinated directly with your surgical team. This eliminates the communication gaps that can occur with outside referrals.
Return-to-Activity Milestones: Your surgeon will walk you through a phased return-to-activity plan with clear milestones, whether your goal is returning to work, recreational sports, or full athletic competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need orthopedic surgery?

Surgery is generally considered when a specific structural problem (such as a complete tendon tear, unstable fracture, or advanced joint degeneration) cannot be adequately addressed through conservative measures, or when non-surgical treatments have been genuinely exhausted over an appropriate timeframe without restoring acceptable function. During your consultation, your surgeon will review your imaging, physical examination findings, and treatment history to give you an honest, individualized recommendation. Many patients who come in expecting surgery discover that a targeted injection or focused physical therapy program can provide the relief they need.

What is the difference between arthroscopic and open surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery uses a small camera and thin instruments inserted through tiny incisions, allowing the surgeon to work inside a joint with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue. Open surgery involves a larger incision that provides direct visualization of the surgical field. Arthroscopic surgery typically means less postoperative pain, a lower infection risk, and a faster recovery. However, open approaches are sometimes necessary for complex reconstructions or when more extensive access is required. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that offers the best outcome for your specific condition.

How long is recovery from orthopedic surgery?

Recovery timelines vary considerably depending on the procedure, patient age, overall health, and adherence to rehabilitation. Minor arthroscopic procedures such as a partial meniscectomy may allow return to light activity within one to two weeks. More complex reconstructions (such as ACL reconstruction or rotator cuff repair) typically require four to nine months before full return to sport. Your surgeon will outline a realistic, procedure-specific recovery timeline at your consultation.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

In virtually all cases, yes. Physical therapy is not optional after orthopedic surgery. It is a critical component of achieving the best possible outcome. Rehabilitation restores range of motion, rebuilds muscular strength, retrains proprioception, and ensures that the repaired structure heals optimally. Maryland Orthopedic Specialists has an in-house therapy team at our Bethesda and Germantown locations, which means your therapists coordinate directly with your surgeon throughout your recovery.

Can I get a second opinion before deciding on surgery?

Absolutely, and we encourage it. Making an informed decision about surgery is important, and we welcome patients who want to seek confirmation of their diagnosis or surgical recommendation from another qualified specialist. When you come to Maryland Orthopedic Specialists for a second opinion, we will review all available imaging and records and give you our unvarnished clinical assessment.

Does Maryland Orthopedic Specialists perform joint replacement surgery?

Our surgeons provide comprehensive consultation, evaluation, and surgical planning for partial and total knee replacement. Joint replacement surgeries are coordinated with our hospital facility partners in the Montgomery County area to ensure appropriate post-surgical support and inpatient care when indicated. Our team remains actively involved in your care before, during, and after the procedure through our on-site rehabilitation program.

Medically reviewed by Christopher S. Raffo, MD

Last reviewed May 1, 2026

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). orthoinfo.aaos.org