Hip replacement removes the entire femoral head and replaces it with a prosthetic implant, while hip resurfacing caps the existing bone with a metal covering. Hip resurfacing is generally reserved for very young high-performance athletes with excellent bone quality. The right choice depends on anatomy, age, activity level, and bone health, decisions made during thorough pre-surgical planning.

Replacement surgery is typically considered when pain and functional limitation do not respond as desired to conservative treatments such as injections or anti-inflammatory medication. Imaging findings combined with the patient’s lived experience are both essential to the decision. There is no fixed threshold; the decision is made together, based on quality of life, not only on X-rays.

Kinematic alignment is a surgical philosophy that restores the knee to its own natural mechanical axis, the one the patient was born with, rather than applying a standard mechanical alignment to every patient. The goal is a knee that feels more natural post-operatively, with better range of motion and fewer mechanical complaints. A quicker recovery can also be observed. Most patients are candidates. The decision is based on detailed pre-operative analysis of anatomy.

Robotic systems are precision tools; they do not perform surgery autonomously. They allow the surgeon to execute a pre-planned surgical map with greater accuracy than is achievable by hand alone, particularly in implant positioning and soft-tissue balance. Whether robotic assistance improves long-term outcomes continues to be studied, but the evidence supports its benefit in precision and reproducibility for appropriate candidates.

Most patients are walking within hours of surgery and home the same day or within one to two days. Return to daily activities typically takes four to six weeks; return to recreational activities, two to four months. Full recovery and final implant integration can take up to six months. Recovery timelines depend on the individual’s baseline health, fitness, and adherence to rehabilitation, not on the surgery alone.

The goal of joint reconstruction is functional restoration, and for active patients, that includes a return to low-impact activities such as cycling, swimming, hiking, and golf. High-impact activities involving running or contact sports are attainable for a subset of patients when the right materials and implants are chosen. Expectations are discussed in detail during consultation to align surgical goals with realistic functional outcomes.

Like all major surgery, joint replacement carries risks including infection, component dislocation, clot formation, implant loosening, and nerve or vascular injury, though serious complications are uncommon in experienced hands. Risk reduction begins before surgery through detailed patient selection, medical optimization, and pre-habilitation. ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols further reduce complication rates and shorten recovery.

ERAS stands for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, a structured, evidence-based approach to surgical care that begins before the operating room and continues through discharge. It includes pre-operative optimization, minimized use of opioids, targeted anesthesia, early mobilization, and proactive pain management. The result is typically less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster functional recovery.

The approach here is built on three principles: precision, personalization, and planning. Each patient’s anatomy is studied in detail before entering the operating room. Their personal needs, activity level, and expectations are taken into account. Surgical technique is adapted to the individual, not standardized across all cases. Technology, including robotic and computer-assisted systems, is used to execute that plan accurately. The focus is always on long-term function, not just the immediate surgical outcome.

Every aspect of your care, from the choice of surgical approach to implant selection and timing, is decided together. You will understand your options, the reasoning behind each recommendation, and what to realistically expect at every stage. The goal is not just to perform a procedure, but to make sure you feel fully informed and confident before, during, and after it.

Recovery does not stop at discharge. You will have direct 24/7 access to our team throughout your recovery, with clear guidance on what is normal, what warrants attention, and who to reach when you are unsure. No question is too small. The relationship does not end in the operating room.

The first consultation is a conversation, not a verdict. We review your imaging, medical history, and, most importantly, how your condition is affecting your daily life and goals. You will leave with a clear understanding of your options, what surgery would involve if appropriate, and what the alternatives are. No decision needs to be made that day.

Modern hip and knee implants are designed to last 25 years or more in the majority of patients. Longevity depends on implant selection, surgical technique, patient age, activity level, and body weight. Pre-operative planning, including choosing the right implant for the individual’s anatomy and lifestyle, is one of the most important factors in long-term durability.

Conservative management, including weight management, injections, anti-inflammatory medication, and activity modification, should always be explored before surgery is considered. Surgery becomes the appropriate option when these measures no longer provide adequate quality of life. Recommending surgery only when genuinely indicated is a clinical responsibility, not a commercial one.

Prolonged delay can lead to progressive muscle weakening, compensatory gait changes, and reduced bone quality, all of which can complicate surgery and slow recovery. The ideal surgical window is when pain and functional limitation significantly affect quality of life, but before deconditioning has set in. Timing is discussed individually based on each patient’s trajectory.

Most joint replacement procedures today are performed under spinal or regional anesthesia with sedation, which reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia and supports faster recovery. The choice is made collaboratively between the surgical and anesthesia teams, based on the patient’s health profile and preferences.

Many complex joint reconstruction procedures, including implant revision surgeries, can be safely performed in an ambulatory setting for appropriately selected patients. Dr. Nguyen will carefully evaluate your overall health, medical history, prior joint surgeries, and the complexity of the planned procedure. The decision to proceed will be made through thoughtful discussion and shared decision-making, ensuring that an ambulatory approach is safe, appropriate, and in your best interest.