I'm going to see this doctor soon, but I will still wait to schedule surgery with him. I am just not comfortable with him (and frankly I haven't been comfortable with any of the orthopedic surgeons I've seen), but I want to know which joint does he think needs to be worked on first. Yes, I will go over my concerns with him, but my question here is whether or not it is standard practice (or rather appropriate practice) for a surgeon to take an MRI before surgery. I'm going to see another doctor after I see this one, who is a bit farther away, but who has a fabulous reputation as a kind and caring and skillful surgeon. So we'll see. thanks for your help.