Is there protocol for asking for a medical second opinion?

I tore three ligaments in my right knee and also had an impact fracture on my right femur because of a skiing accident. There is some loose cartilage too, but the current doctor I am seeing said I probably won't be able to run or do high impact sports again at a high intensity (like tennis, basketball, etc.) Sports have always been a big part of my life on a recreational level, and I don't like going into surgery with a doctor that won't even give me the possibility that full recovery could happen. He even says knee replacement surgery is likely in five years. (I'm in my early 30s).

I want to get a second opinion, just in case. How do I do this? Do I tell my first doctor that I'm getting a second opinion? Do I ask for a copy of the MRIs and other test results to show the second doctor? Thanks for the advice.

All you have to do is go to another Dr. You can tell your first Dr. you wont a second opinion but it is not necessary.
If I were you I would ask around and get other people to recommend Ortho. Dr.'s and If there is a Pro Football team or other Pro team in your area try and find out who they use.
You will have to sign some papers for the second Dr. to be able to get your records from the first Dr. but that should be about it.

If you have group coverage, you tell your doctor nicely you would like a second opinion..Then you will have to accept the reality of the second one if the outcome may be the same..Be grateful you have limbs at all....after all is said and down.

There isn't a set "protocol" for asking for a 2nd opinion. If you have a sport's injury specialist in mind, ask your present MD to set up an appointment for you. Then, all that's needed is you signing some "permits" to release your medical records, x-rays and scans can be copied, and you then take these records to the new MD. Finding a "sports medicine" specialist on your own isn't hard,look in the phone book,many are on- line,or call a referral service at your nearest University Medical Center,"teaching hospital" they have all the specialties there.Good luck,take care. SW RNP