Dr. Scott J. Tarantino is interested in minimally invasive surgery for hip and knee replacements, fractures, and sports injuries.
Scott J. Tarantino, M.D.
More About Dr. Tarantino
He is fellowship-trained in orthopaedic trauma and serves as team physician for Dulaney High School, Towson High School, and Hereford High School.
Dr. Tarantino is the Medical Director of the Orthopaedic Institute at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center.
Dr. Tarantino graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Biology. He received his M.D. from Cornell University Medical College. His post-graduate orthopaedic surgical training was performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, one of the top orthopedic hospitals in the U.S.
He specializes in hip and knee joint replacement, sports medicine, and fractures. Sports medicine certified and fellowship trained in fracture surgery.
Athletic Team Affiliations
Dr. Tarantino is the athletic team physician for:
- Dulaney High School
- Hereford High School
- Towson High School
Contact This Provider
Dr. Tarantino sees patients at the following Towson Orthopaedic Associates’ locations:
Patient Reviews
Dr. Tarantino was very thorough in his examination of my hip. He answered all my questions and explained what was happening with the arthritis in my hip. Since physical therapy is helping, there’s no need for surgery at this time.… I’m glad I made the appointment to see Dr. Tarantino, and I highly recommend him for consultation. Read more “Hip Arthritis”
I was seen as soon as I arrived by receptionist and given forms to fill out. After completing the forms I was seen by a welcoming Dr.Tarantino. After reviewing my chart he reminded me that I had a similar complaint… four years ago. Seems like I have an inflamed bursa below the hip, on my thigh. I was so relieved that my hip was healthy. Dr. Tarantino gave me a cortisone shot and advised me to take Aleve if I was still having pain and that he would prescribe something stronger in a few weeks of I was still having pain Read more “Hip Bursitis”
Dr Tarantino has always gone out of his way to provide me with friendly, courteous and professional orthopedic services. Highly recommend!
I have been treated for several years by Dr. T and Ben who just performed my second total knee replacement. They are highly professional, responsive to patient needs, and honest in answering questions about surgery and recovery. They do not… rush patients to surgery. Dr. T has developed excellent online materials to help prepare patients for surgery and provides very explicit written information about what is involved. In addition, the staff I have dealt with at Towson Ortho have been friendly and helpful. After my recent surgery at Ruxton Surgery Center, my recovery nurse hovered over me like a mother hen and was very caring and responsive to me needs. I have spent a lot of time online reading research about post-operative pain management from knee surgery, and I have found Dr. T and Ben quite willing to work with me in developing excellent pain-management protocols that fit my particular needs. My wife also has knee problems similar to mine and may face total knee replacement surgery. After being seen by another ortho due to an emergency knee swelling, she has concluded that she wants Dr. T to perform her surgery. Read more “Dr. Scott Tarantino and PA Ben Gardner are excellent!”
Dr Tarantino is very thorough. Explains everything so that you understand the diagnosis and treatment options.
Excellent Doctor… explained the problem, what could cause the conditions and plan going forward pending lab results.
From the registration desk receptionists kindmess…to the X-ray tech professionalism to Dr. Tarantino’s assessment/diagnosis and recommendations….this was a fantastic experience. Kudo’s to the entire team. You have an office culture that many companies and industries could take a chapter from.… Thank you for you excellent care!! Drew Read more “Fantastic Experience”
I appreciate the efficiency and speed that I was moved through the waiting room to the x ray to see the doctor. Dr. Tarantino was fantastic. He took the time to explain every option and provide valuable feedback. I’ve been… a long time patient at this location and will continue to return for the professional service and care. Read more “Fantastic”
After months of misery with knee pain I finally went to Dr. Tarantino at the Ruxton location. Very professional and knowledgeable. He drained fluid from my knee PAINLESSLY and the next day I was pain free. Thank you.
It’s been four years since my meniscus surgery, till this day I am so thankful to Dr Tarantino.Not only a great professional but a compassionate human being.
Great experience, Great Doctor,
Dr. Scott Tarantino is excellent. Handled my son’s broken ankle through surgery and rehabilitation.
Most highly recommended.
There needs to be more doctors like Dr. Tarantino. I suffered a torn ACL and my knee feels fantastic 6 months out of surgery. He also went the extra mile by suturing my medial and lateral meniscus back together when… they didn’t necessarily need that, but it would allow them to heal quicker. He is extremely flexible with seeing patients and didn’t clear me to participate in 5K races until I was 6 months out because he’s found that if you get cleared before that, the likelihood of a re-tear is higher. I love how he explained his reasons for doing things during surgery, and he always answered the numerous questions that I had, and there were many, without hesitation. Dr. Tarantino is an outstanding surgeon and a great man, too. If I ever need to have another surgery, I will go to him again and again. I STRONGLY recommend Dr Scott Tarantino!! Read more “Torn ACL”
Scott replaced my knees 5 years ago. They are still going great and he did such a great job. I feel like I am 20 years younger. Thank you Scott! You are tops.
Dear Dr. Tarantino, Thank you for allowing me to express my concerns during my visit yesterday.Though you did not have the answer that I wanted to hear(I wanted my knee surgically repaired back to its normal state)you allowed me to… explain my thoughts and the reasons for them and provided me with explanations for yours.Taking the time to do this meant so very much to me.God Bless, Debra R., LPN Read more “Thank You”
This was the best ever experience for having total knee replacement. Dr. Tarantino was very clear, detail oriented in how surgery was to be done and what the follow up would be. He was very attentive to me during the… follow up as well. Would highly recommend. Read more “Total Knee Replacement”
I had a torn meniscus in my left knee and Dr. Tarantino repaired that with minimally invasive surgery back in January 2014. That process was awesome, between Dr. Tarantino, his fellow, Ben Gardner, and the staff at St. Joseph Hospital… Center. When it came time in January of 2020 for my Total Knee Replacement, there was no doubt in my mind where I was going…Dr. T!!! He has a wonderful bedside manner, explains every detail so you know exactly what is going on, and he doesn’t rush through your visit. I felt, as his patient, highly valued and as if I am the only one in the office! In this day and time, that is really something!! My experience for my TKR, from Nikki in his office, to the Orthopedic Pre-Surgical class at St. Joe, to the fabulous care by the staff at St. Joe, and Dr. Tarantino and Ben Gardner’s “pain protocol” was amazing!!!! If you follow the protocol to the letter, it will significantly reduce your pain levels and allow you to do the PT required to recover. I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Tarantino, Ben Gardner, and the staff at Towson Orthopaedic Associates!! Read more “THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!”
Dr. Scott Tarantino is the best! He didn’t replace my knee, he fixed it. He did say I my need a replacement in the future, but I’m very happy with my surgery. Great surgery. Fell asleep, woke up, went home.… Doesn’t get any better than that! Great team! Read more “Great Knee Surgery”
Just had a TKR done by Dr. Scott Tarantino at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. What a fantastic group of physicians and associates! Dr. Tarantino came highly recommended by my brother (had a total knee replacement 7 years ago), and I… am, without a doubt, glad that I went to see Dr. Tarantino back in December 2015! Although, I’m 2 weeks post op now, my knee is already feeling stronger and more supportive than it has been for a long, long time! My entire surgical experience has been awesome thanks to Towson Orthopedics and Associates! Thank you so much!!! I’m going to need to have my other knee replaced sometime soon, and am definitively having Dr. Tarantino, and the same medical professionals get me through the operative experience.
Also, the pre operative joint class is highly recommended to prepare you for your surgical hospitalization experience. Good job everyone, and thanks again! Read more “Fantastic Group”
Towson Orthopedic Assoc is a wonderful group! The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. After seeing several doctors, I have found great care at TOA with Dr. Tarantino. I’ve struggled many years with knee pain. At some point, I will… need a knee replacement. Dr. Tarantino has provided great information and care to postpone the inevitable. I appreciate the time he spends and the thoughtful feedback on my options. I highly recommend Dr. Tarantino and the folks at Towson Orthopedic Associates! Read more “Wonderful Group!”
Dr. Tarantino has performed several operations on me. I’ve had both knees replaced by him and had great success on both of them. My wife and I have had several consultations with him. We have found him to be very… knowledgeable and up to date in his practice. If you’re looking for an excellent doctor with a good bedside manner, consider Dr. Tarantino. Read more “Successful Knee Replacements”
Dr. Tarantino is awesome. He makes you feel at ease. Always listens. His staff is also excellent.
Dr Tarantino is the best! In an age of assembly line medicine he offers old school, unrushed, personal professionalism. So glad I found him.
This was my first experience with Dr. Tarantino and Towson Orthopaedic Associates. I was very impressed with the entire process (xrays, etc.) Dr. Tarantino was pleasant and informative, he gave me my options, I chose to drain the fluid. He… told me to rest for two weeks and I’m happy to say I am fully recovered! Read more “Fluid on the knee”
Dr. Tarantino replaced both knees and my right hip. My replacement parts are better than the originals. I will definitely see him for my left hip replacement. I highly recommend him.
I saw Dr. Tarantino for the second time in 12 years. I am impressed at his conservative approach. He makes you feel like you are the only person he’s seeing today, not rushed and takes ample time to explain many… nuances that I do not believe I would have been shared by the average provider. I hope it’s at least another 12 years, but if not, I trust him and his judgment implicitly, and will definitely return to him if the need arises. Read more “I Trust Him and His Judgment Implicitly”
Very good communicator, very friendly and conservative in his approach. Great Dr.
The BEST!! Did BOTH of my knee replacements! Saw him for 4 years PRIOR to the replacements for conservative therapy. He gave me advice on the correlation between weight loss, physical therapy, increasing muscle mass, and diet on joint disease.… Dr. Tarantino’s bedside manner, font of knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism make him and the ancillary staff an excellent resource in the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint problems. I recommend Dr. Tarantino along with his Physician Assistant, Ben without reservations. BTW, I am a RN, so I KNOW a good physician when I interact with one! Read more “The BEST!!”
I could barely walk when I went into his office with a torn meniscus. After reviewing my x-rays and MRI he recommended aspirating the knee. The relief was immediate. I cannot say enough good things nor thank him enough for… the pain relief he has provided me. He suggested holding off on surgery unless the swelling and pain return. He is a blessing to his patients. Thank you so much Dr. Tarantino. Read more “He is a Blessing!”
It took him about 30 seconds to diagnose my ruptured Achilles tendon. By the end of my first appointment he had an OR day and time schedule for the following day. He is a skilled surgeon and his bedside manner… is unparalleled. The only bad thing about his office is the parking, Please, have someone drive you there and drop you at the door. It’s a bit of a walk on crutches from the parking lot to the door Read more “Skilled Surgeon, Unparalleled Bedside Manner!”
Dr [Tarantino] was incredible and so honest! I tore my ACL and he recommended holding off on surgery because it was not a complete tear. He was confident it would get better without surgery and he was right! He did… not want me to waste my money on surgery and put my needs first. I highly recommend him! Very knowledgeable and trustworthy! Can’t get any better than that. Read more “Put My Needs First”
This is my second surgical experience with Dr. Scott Tarantino and Ben Gardner, PA. This group performed my first TKR in January 2016, and my second TKR was recently done on [date] at St Joseph’s Hospital. Although, I’m still moving… slowly, and have about 3 months of Physical Therapy for strengthening and ranging my new knee, my pain is so much less than before surgery. They cleaned out all of the bone on bone fragments, cartilage, and jagged fragments prior to installing my new knee. I could tell immediately that all of that “junk” was gone as soon as I walked with my implant on [date].
Couldn’t be more pleased with the care received by my outstanding surgical group! Thank you so much Dr. Tarantino and Ben Gardner💕 Read more “Outstanding Surgical Group”
Had my second ACL tear (opposite knee) this past February, went to Dr. [Tarantino] and had a way better recovery and surgery with him! Would recommend him to anyone! Great experience with TSM [TOA]!
To Dr. Tarantino, Staff and Towson Ortho — From “ME” and from “The Top of My Right Knee to the “Curve of My Left Shoulder and Bottom of My Right Hip–WE ALL” gratefully say Thank You. “WE” Very much appreciate… your making it quite possible to plan forging ahead to take these lovely Baltimore Bones to recupe themselves in FloriDAYS Sunshine. Bring it on… NICE, Linda R. Read more “Thank You!”
I had my first knee replacement in February and was scared of the pain and recovery process. Following his pain regime I had a pain free experience. Since the first one went so well I decided to do the other… knee in June. Again I followed his regimen and followed through with PT and had a very successful second surgery. My recovery was even faster then the first! Since I’m moving to Europe and my new lifestyle will involve much more walking, I wanted to have maximum mobility. Thank you Dr. Tarantino for an awesome experience! Read more “Thank You Dr. Tarantino for an Awesome Experience!”
I have had two surgeries done by Dr. Tarantino. I had an ACL reconstruction done with him 3 years ago and my knee feels great. My knee is more stable than my non-surgically repaired knee. I also had my meniscus… trimmed in Jan 2018 and it helped fix the chronic popping in my knee. Dr. Tarantino is smart, caring, knows his stuff, and is not afraid to give you the reality of what is going on with you. If I ever required another orthopedic surgery, I’d go right back to Dr. Tarantino. Read more “Smart, Caring, Knows His Stuff!”
Dr. Tarantino is friendly, direct, knows what he’s doing. Wish all MDs were like him.
It took him about 30 seconds to diagnose my ruptured Achilles tendon.By the end of my first appointment he had an OR day and time schedule for the following day. He is a skilled surgeon and his bedside manner is… unparalleled. The only bad thing about his office is the parking, Please,have someone drive you there and drop you at the door. It’s a bit of a walk on crutches from the parking lot to the door Read more “Ruptured Achilles Tendon”