If you've been told you need spine surgery — or if you've already had surgery that didn't go as planned — I understand how overwhelming that feels. The spine is unforgiving. There's very little margin for error, and the decisions made before you ever enter an operating room are often more important than the surgery itself.
That's exactly why second opinions exist. Not because your doctor got it wrong. But because when it comes to your spine, you deserve absolute clarity before anyone picks up a scalpel.
"You want the correct diagnosis and then the proper operation executed perfectly the first time — which will save you from future revision surgeries."
Why Patients Come to See Me
I regularly evaluate patients who are navigating some of the most stressful medical decisions of their lives. Most fall into one of these categories:
Unclear Diagnosis
You've seen multiple providers and gotten different answers. MRI reports are confusing. Nobody has given you a straight explanation of what's actually going on.
Told You Need Surgery
A surgeon has recommended an operation, but something doesn't feel right. Maybe it seems too aggressive, or you're not sure it matches your symptoms.
Failed Prior Surgery
You've already had spine surgery and you're still in pain — or you're worse. You need someone experienced in revision cases to figure out what happened and what to do next.
Told Nothing Can Be Done
Another provider said there are no options left. In my experience, that's rarely the full picture. Complex cases require complex training, and many conditions have solutions that not every surgeon offers.
A Second Opinion Is Good Medicine
Let me be direct about something: seeking a second opinion is not rude, and it is not a betrayal of your current doctor. It is standard medical practice, and any physician worth their salt will encourage it — especially for something as consequential as spine surgery.
Your spine is the structural foundation of your entire body. It houses and protects your spinal cord. A well-planned operation can give you your life back. A poorly planned one can make things significantly worse. That's not meant to scare you — it's meant to empower you. The more informed you are, the better your outcome will be.
In fact, many insurance companies not only allow second opinions — they actively recommend them for major surgical procedures. This is your body. You have every right to make sure you're getting the best possible advice.
Why Choose Dr. DelSole
When you're evaluating something as serious as spine surgery, the training and experience of the surgeon reviewing your case matters. I completed my orthopaedic surgery residency at NYU Langone Medical Center and my spine surgery fellowship at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital — two of the highest-volume, most respected spine programs in the country.
My practice is built around the cases other surgeons find difficult: complex reconstructive spine surgery for tumors, deformity, trauma, and degenerative conditions. I also evaluate and operate on patients who have had previous surgeries that didn't achieve the desired result. This is what I do every day.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A second opinion appointment with me is thorough, unhurried, and designed to give you real answers — not a sales pitch for surgery.
Bring Your Records
Gather your imaging studies (MRIs, X-rays, CT scans), operative reports from any prior surgeries, and notes from previous evaluations. The more information I have, the more precise my assessment will be.
A Detailed Evaluation
I'll review your full history, examine you, and go through your imaging with you in detail. I'll explain what I see in plain language — no jargon, no hand-waving. You'll understand exactly what's going on with your spine.
An Honest Assessment
I'll tell you whether I agree with your current treatment plan, whether I think a different approach would serve you better, or whether surgery isn't the right answer at all. I have no interest in operating on patients who don't need surgery.
A Clear Plan Forward
Whether we move forward together or you return to your original provider with a clearer picture, you'll leave my office knowing exactly where you stand and what your options are.
Ready to Get a Second Opinion?
If you're uncertain about a recommended spine surgery, dealing with ongoing pain after a previous procedure, or just want an expert set of eyes on your case — I'm here to help.
Call (484) 509-0840 Send Us a Message