Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve probably already searched your symptoms, read the reviews, and talked to a friend who had this done. Good. Now here are the questions most patients wish they had asked sooner — answered as directly as we can.
Aren't I too young for joint replacement surgery?
There is no age minimum. There is a conversation about what your life looks like over the next 30 years with that implant — and that conversation is what a good consultation is for. We see patients in their 40s and 50s regularly. For the right candidate, waiting isn’t always the better answer.
How do I know if I actually need a joint replacement?
The short answer is that quality of life drives the decision more than imaging does. If knee or hip pain is consistently limiting the things that matter to you — and if conservative treatments like physical therapy, injections, and anti-inflammatories have stopped providing meaningful relief — that’s when it’s worth having the conversation.
What is the difference between robotic and manual joint replacement?
Robotic-assisted surgery uses pre-operative planning and real-time guidance to improve implant alignment in certain anatomical situations. Manual surgery relies entirely on surgical technique and judgment. Dr. Connors performs both, which means he can give you an honest assessment of which approach makes sense for your anatomy, rather than defaulting to whichever one he knows best.
Do I have to stay overnight after surgery?
For most patients, no. The majority of our procedures are performed at Northridge Surgical Suites as outpatient surgery — most patients walk in the recovery area before they leave and are home the same afternoon. We’ll discuss what’s appropriate for your specific situation in the consultation.
What is the Jiffy Knee system?
Jiffy Knee is a muscle-sparing total knee replacement approach that preserves the quadriceps tendon rather than cutting through it. The result is less post-operative pain, earlier movement, and a same-day discharge for most patients. Dr. Connors is one of the foremost authorities on the Jiffy Knee procedure in the country.
What is the direct anterior approach for hip replacement?
It’s a technique that accesses the hip joint through a natural interval between the muscles at the front of the hip — without cutting or detaching any of them. Most patients have no hip precautions or movement restrictions after surgery, walk the same day, and go home the same day. It is the standard approach in Dr. Connors' practice.
How long will recovery take?
It depends on the procedure, your overall health, your activity goals, and how committed you are to physical therapy. Most patients are walking the day of surgery. Most are back to light activity within four to six weeks. Most are back to the things they came to us about within three to six months. We’ll give you a specific picture of what to expect for your situation — not a best-case scenario.
Can I still play sports or stay active after a joint replacement?
That’s usually exactly why patients come to us. The goal of everything we do — the technique, the approach, the implant selection — is to get you back to the activity you came in about. We’ll be honest with you about the realistic timeline and what it takes to get there.
What should I do to prepare for surgery?
Pre-operative conditioning makes a real difference in how quickly you recover. We’ll give you specific guidance at your pre-op appointment — but in general, staying as active as possible before surgery, managing your weight, and getting your home set up for the first week of recovery all matter. The stronger you go in, the faster you come out.
When should I call the office after surgery?
Call us if you experience increasing pain that isn’t responding to medication, significant swelling, redness or warmth around the incision, fever above 101°F, or anything that doesn’t feel right. You should never feel like you have to figure out whether something is serious on your own — that’s what we’re here for.
How do I access my medical records and test results?
Through our secure patient portal. You’ll receive access information before your first appointment. If you have trouble accessing it, call the office and we’ll get it sorted out.
What insurance does Dr. Connors accept?
Please contact the office directly for current insurance information — coverage and accepted plans can change, and we want to make sure you have the most accurate answer before your visit.
When will I be able to walk and climb stairs after surgery?
The same day. You'll be up, putting full weight on the leg, and taking stairs before you go home — no restrictions. Expect real discomfort with both for the first one to two weeks. That's normal. It doesn't mean anything went wrong
How soon should I start working with physical therapy?
You should start working with the at home physical therapist within 48 hours after surgery. Outpatient physical therapy will start as early as 1-2 weeks after your operation.
How long will I need to take pain medication?
We prescribe Journavx, a non-opioid pain management pill, that is to be taken twice daily for 14 days postoperatively. Other than this, narcotic pain medication and additional pain meds are to be taken as needed in addition to the Journavx given your pain level. Most of our patients do not end up needing narcotic pain medication beyond the first few days, if at all.
When can I start exercising post-op?
Low-impact movement — the stationary bike, walking, light strength work — as soon as it feels right, though most patients wait about two weeks. We'd rather you start that work alongside a physical therapist, so your form is right and you're not pushing further or faster than you should.
How long will I need an assistive device like a walker or crutches?
The first several days. After that, your physical therapist will help you transition off it safely, at a pace that's right for you.
How long will I stay in the hospital? Can I discharge same day?
If you have surgery at Winchester Hospital, you have the choice of spending an overnight or leaving the same day. If choosing to stay at the hospital, you typically spend one night and leave the next day around mid-day.
Will I have a nerve block or other regional anesthesia?
Dr. Connors will inject a local anesthetic during your surgery that helps with immediate postoperative pain and regional anesthesia. You will not go home with a pain pump that you have to manage yourself.
How long does recovery typically take?
For a knee replacement: six to 12 weeks, with the first two weeks being the hardest stretch. Most patients are 70 to 80 percent back to normal by six weeks, and past 90 percent by twelve. We usually keep a closer eye on swelling than pain by that point. For a hip replacement, that same 90 percent mark often arrives closer to six weeks — a bit ahead of the knee's timeline, though the pattern is similar. These are general markers, not promises. Recovery varies patient to patient, and we'll be specific with you about where you're likely to fall.
When can I drive?
For left-sided surgery: once you're off narcotic pain medication, if you needed any, and you're comfortable getting in and out of the car. For right-sided surgery, the same applies — plus an honest read on your own reaction time. That usually lands somewhere between one and three weeks. A good rule of thumb: once you've moved past the walker or crutches, you're often ready to think about driving again.
What blood clot symptoms should send me to call right away?
Red flag signs/symptoms of a blood clot include: increased swelling in the lower leg/ankle/foot, a palpable lump in the back of your calf, tenderness to palpation of your calf, increased redness/discoloration of your lower leg. Shortness of breath or chest pain may indicate a more serious form of a clot called a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot to your lungs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should call Dr. Connors' office ASAP.
Do I need antibiotics before dental work?
Yes, you are required to take antibiotics prior to any dental cleanings or procedures for two years postoperatively. We inhibit any teeth cleanings for the first three months postop. The medication we prescribe is Amoxicillin 2000 mg to be taken one hour prior to any dental cleaning or procedure with alternative options if antibiotic allergies. We are happy to provide your dentist with a written statement should they require this.
What is kinematic alignment?
Kinematic Alignment (or KA) is a surgical technique to restore the knee to its pre-arthritic state without the use of extensive soft tissue releases during knee replacement. This can be accomplished with special manual instruments or with the help of a robot during the surgery. Dr Connors does this for both his robotic and non-robotic surgeries and when paired with Jiffy, can make for a much faster return to functioning and feeling like the knee is "yours". Our goal is to restore an athletic knee that can weather the storm of daily life and for the long haul of activities.