HIP & KNEE FAQ
Your Hip & Knee Replacement Questions, Answered.
Deciding whether to consider joint replacement is one of the most important health decisions you will ever make. This page brings together the questions patients ask most often — with clear, straightforward answers from a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon.
A PATIENT-FIRST REFERENCE
Clear Answers from a High-Volume Hip & Knee Surgeon.
Every question below is one I hear in the clinic almost every week. I have tried to answer each one the way I would answer it sitting across from you at your first visit — directly, without jargon, and with enough detail to help you feel confident in whatever decision you make next. If you do not find your question here, please reach out. The best decisions in medicine are made when patients are well informed and well supported — and that is exactly what this page is for.
— Cory Calendine, MD | Board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon | Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee
IS JOINT REPLACEMENT RIGHT FOR ME?
Am I a Candidate for Joint Replacement?
If you are weighing whether joint replacement is right for you, start here. These questions address the most common signs patients notice, how to know when surgery is worth considering, and what to expect from a first conversation with an orthopaedic surgeon.
How do I know if I need a hip or knee replacement?
Most patients who benefit from joint replacement share a recognizable experience: pain that limits daily life, stiffness that does not improve with rest, and conservative treatments that are no longer working. If you find yourself avoiding activities you used to enjoy — walking, climbing stairs, getting up from a chair — because of hip or knee pain, it may be time to have a conversation with an orthopaedic surgeon.
The decision is never made in a single appointment. Dr. Calendine reviews your X-rays, your symptoms, and your goals together to determine whether joint replacement is the right next step for you. There is no arbitrary age requirement. What matters most is how your pain affects your quality of life.
What are the most common signs that joint replacement surgery may be needed?
The signs that patients describe before joint replacement vary, but several patterns are common. Some patients notice significant stiffness in the morning that takes time to loosen up. Others find that pain builds through the day with activity — the more they are on their feet, the worse it gets. Many experience both at different times. Additional signs include a grinding or catching sensation in the joint, swelling that does not resolve with medication or rest, a noticeable limp, and a growing reliance on pain medications that once provided reliable relief.
If you recognize several of these signs, a consultation with Dr. Calendine is a reasonable next step. An evaluation will give you a clear picture of where you stand and what your options are.
Is there an age requirement for hip or knee replacement surgery?
There is no minimum or maximum age for joint replacement surgery. Dr. Calendine has performed successful joint replacements in patients in their 20s and in patients in their 80s and beyond. The determining factor is not your age — it is the severity of your joint disease, your overall health, and how significantly your pain is affecting your life.
Younger, more active patients often worry that they are too young for joint replacement. The reality is that modern implant materials and surgical techniques — including robotic-assisted surgery with the Stryker Mako® system — are specifically designed to meet the demands of active lifestyles and have excellent long-term performance data.
Can I try other treatments before considering joint replacement?
Absolutely. Joint replacement is typically considered after conservative treatments have been given a fair trial. These may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone or gel injections, activity modification, and weight management. Dr. Calendine will review your treatment history and, if surgery is not yet necessary, will support you in continuing non-surgical management.
That said, there is no benefit to delaying surgery once joint disease reaches a stage where it is significantly limiting daily function. Prolonged severe arthritis can lead to muscle weakness and bone loss that makes recovery more difficult. The goal is to operate at the right time — not too early, not too late.
What is the difference between hip replacement and knee replacement?
Hip replacement and knee replacement are both designed to relieve arthritis pain by replacing a damaged joint with a precision-engineered implant — but the anatomy, surgical approach, and recovery process are distinct for each.
In hip replacement, the damaged ball and socket of the hip joint are replaced. Dr. Calendine uses the anterior approach for most hip replacements, which avoids cutting through major muscles and typically results in faster recovery and less post-operative pain. In knee replacement, the worn surfaces of the knee joint are resurfaced with metal and plastic components. Dr. Calendine performs total knee replacement with the subvastus approach — a muscle-sparing technique that many patients find allows for a more comfortable early recovery.
How do I schedule a consultation with Dr. Calendine?
You can request an appointment online or call our office directly. Dr. Calendine sees patients at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, located at 3000 Edward Curd Lane, Franklin, TN 37067. No physician referral is required to schedule an initial consultation.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURE
The Surgery — Approaches, Technology & What to Expect
These questions address the surgical techniques Dr. Calendine uses, the technology, and what the day of surgery looks like. Dr. Calendine specializes in muscle-sparing approaches — the anterior approach for hip replacement and the subvastus approach for knee replacement — often combined with Stryker® Mako® robotic-assisted precision.
What is robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery?
Robotic-assisted joint replacement uses a surgical robotic system — in Dr. Calendine’s practice, the Stryker Mako® system — to enhance the precision of implant positioning during surgery. Before your operation, a CT scan is used to create a three-dimensional model of your specific joint anatomy. On the day of surgery, the robotic arm works with Dr. Calendine to execute the pre-planned implant placement with a level of accuracy that goes beyond what is achievable with traditional manual techniques alone.
The result is an implant positioned to match your unique anatomy — with the goal of more natural movement, better implant longevity, and a more predictable recovery. Dr. Calendine is one of the highest-volume Mako® surgeons in Middle Tennessee and serves as a consultant to Stryker for the ongoing development of the platform.
What is the subvastus approach to knee replacement?
The subvastus approach is a muscle-sparing surgical technique for total knee replacement that Dr. Calendine offers as an alternative to the traditional midline approach. In a standard knee replacement, the quadriceps tendon is partially divided to access the knee joint. In the subvastus approach, the surgeon goes underneath the quadriceps muscle rather than through it — leaving the muscle entirely intact.
Many patients who undergo the subvastus approach experience improved early quadriceps strength and a more comfortable early recovery period. Not every patient is a candidate — anatomy and body habitus play a role — but Dr. Calendine will discuss whether this technique is appropriate for you during your consultation.
What is the anterior approach to hip replacement?
The anterior approach to hip replacement is a technique in which the surgeon accesses the hip joint from the front of the body rather than from the side or back. This allows Dr. Calendine to work between the natural intervals of the muscles — moving them aside rather than cutting through them — which means less muscle trauma, less post-operative pain, and typically a faster return to walking and daily activities.
The anterior approach also allows for real-time X-ray guidance or the Mako® robotic system to confirm leg length and implant positioning before the procedure is complete. Dr. Calendine uses the anterior approach as his preferred technique for the majority of hip replacement cases.
How long does joint replacement surgery take?
Most primary hip and knee replacement procedures take between 60 and 90 minutes of operative time. The total time in the operating room — including preparation and positioning — is typically 2 to 2.5 hours. Complex or revision cases may take longer.
After surgery, you will spend time in the recovery room as the anesthesia wears off, and then move to your recovery area. Many patients are up walking with a walker on the same day as their surgery.
What type of anesthesia is used for joint replacement surgery?
Most joint replacement procedures at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee are performed using spinal anesthesia, which numbs the lower body while allowing you to remain comfortable and sedated — without the deeper risks associated with general anesthesia. This approach is associated with less nausea, faster recovery of mental clarity, and a smoother early post-operative course.
Your anesthesia team will review your medical history and discuss the best option for you before surgery. Pain management is highly individualized — Dr. Calendine’s team uses a multimodal approach designed to keep you comfortable from the operating room through recovery at home.
Will I need a blood transfusion during joint replacement surgery?
The majority of patients who undergo joint replacement surgery with Dr. Calendine do not require a blood transfusion. Modern surgical techniques, including precise robotic-assisted approaches, are associated with lower blood loss than traditional methods. Medications to reduce bleeding are used routinely during and after surgery.
If you have specific concerns about blood transfusion — including personal or religious preferences — please discuss this with Dr. Calendine during your consultation so that appropriate planning can be made in advance.
How long is recovery after total hip replacement?
Hip replacement — particularly with the anterior approach — typically offers a faster early recovery than knee replacement. Most patients are walking without a limp within 4 to 6 weeks and return to driving and light activities shortly after. By 3 months, most patients feel close to normal for daily activities. A full return to higher-demand activities generally occurs within 3 to 6 months.
The anterior approach specifically is associated with fewer early activity restrictions and a faster return to independent function for many patients.
How long is recovery after total knee replacement?
Most patients are walking the day of surgery, driving within 2 to 4 weeks for many, and managing a fairly standard day-to-day routine by 4 to 6 weeks. Golf, the gym, and recreational activities can be resumed when you feel ready — you will not damage the joint replacement components by returning to activity. Dr. Calendine’s general recommendation is to save a major, high-demand trip — an epic vacation to Australia, for example — until at least 3 months after surgery, simply to make sure you can enjoy every minute of it.
Most patients report that by 3 months they are significantly better than before surgery. By 6 to 12 months, many have largely stopped thinking about the knee altogether.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
Recovery & Going Home FAQ
Recovery is where patients have the most questions — and the most anxiety. These answers cover same-day discharge, walking and mobility, pain management, driving, and the full timeline for returning to the activities you love. The short version — most patients recover faster and with less difficulty than they expected.
Will I go home the same day as my surgery?
Many of Dr. Calendine’s patients choose to go home the same day as their surgery — and for most people, sleeping in their own bed that first night is genuinely more comfortable and restorative than staying in a hospital. Advances in anesthesia, pain management, and surgical technique have made same-day discharge a safe and well-supported option for the right candidates.
That said, the decision is always yours. Some patients prefer the reassurance of an overnight stay, and that option is available. What matters most is that you feel confident and comfortable with your plan before you leave. Dr. Calendine’s team will work with you individually to determine what makes the most sense for your situation, your home environment, and your support system.
Same-day discharge is not about sending you home early — it is about matching your recovery environment to what is actually best for you.
Will I be able to walk on the day of my surgery?
Yes. Most patients are up walking with a walker on the day of surgery — often within hours of leaving the operating room. This early mobilization is intentional and beneficial. Getting up and moving sooner reduces the risk of blood clots, speeds muscle recovery, and builds confidence.
You will also be taught how to safely go up and down stairs on the day of surgery before you are discharged. Our physical therapy team will work with you directly to make sure you feel capable and secure with these movements before you go home.
Do I need someone with me at home after surgery?
Having someone with you for the first 24 hours after surgery is always recommended — primarily because of the effects of anesthesia, which can affect your balance and reaction time in those early hours. Beyond that first day, many patients are up and moving around their home independently and caring for themselves without difficulty.
You do not need someone with you around the clock after joint replacement surgery. Most patients are surprised by how quickly they are able to manage basic daily tasks on their own. If you live alone, Dr. Calendine’s team will help you plan your recovery appropriately and discuss any modifications to make your home environment safer and more comfortable during the first weeks.
When can I walk without a walker after joint replacement?
You will be full weight-bearing with a walker immediately after surgery — meaning you can put your full weight through the operated leg from day one, using the walker only for balance and stability. Most patients transition from a walker to a cane within a few days to a week, depending on their strength and confidence.
The progression is guided by how you feel, not by a rigid timeline. When you are walking steadily with a cane and feel balanced, you will move to walking without an assistive device. Most patients reach this milestone within 3 to 6 weeks, though individual recovery varies.
When can I drive after hip or knee replacement surgery?
You may drive again when two conditions are met: you are walking steadily with a cane (or without any assistive device) and you are completely off narcotic pain medication. For some patients this can be as soon as 7 to 10 days after surgery. For others it may be 3 to 4 weeks, depending on which joint was replaced and how quickly you progress.
If your right leg was operated on, you will need to wait until you can brake with sufficient strength and reaction time. If your left leg was operated on and you drive an automatic vehicle, the timeline is often shorter. Your care team will confirm when it is safe for you specifically.
How is pain managed after joint replacement surgery?
Pain management after joint replacement is individualized — there is no single protocol applied to every patient. Dr. Calendine’s team uses a multimodal approach, meaning multiple types of medications and techniques are used together to minimize pain from several angles at once. The goal is to keep you comfortable so that you can move, recover, and return to your life as quickly as possible.
Thanks to improvements in surgical technique and pain management, many patients find they are comfortable managing with non-narcotic medications — NSAIDs and acetaminophen — for most of their recovery. Narcotic medications are available for rescue pain or more severe episodes, but many patients use far less than they expect.
YOUR SURGEON’S EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS
About Dr. Cory Calendine
Choosing the right surgeon matters more than almost any other decision in the joint replacement journey. These questions cover Dr. Calendine’s training, surgical volume, where he operates, and how insurance is handled at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee.
Is Dr. Calendine board-certified?
Yes. Dr. Cory Calendine is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Board certification requires completing an accredited five-year orthopaedic surgery residency, followed by rigorous written and oral examinations.
Following residency, Dr. Calendine completed a one-year fellowship at the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute — one of the most prestigious joint replacement training programs in the country, located just outside Washington, D.C. — where his training focused exclusively on hip and knee replacement and revision surgery.
His practice today is focused exclusively on hip and knee replacement, with particular expertise in robotic-assisted procedures using the Stryker Mako® system and muscle-sparing surgical techniques including the anterior approach to hip replacement and the subvastus approach to knee replacement.
Where does Dr. Calendine perform surgery?
Dr. Calendine performs joint replacement surgery at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee — a community hospital with a dedicated orthopaedic surgery program and experienced surgical team. He also operates at the BJIT Ambulatory Surgery Center, which is located on the ground floor of the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee clinic — the same building as his office at 3000 Edward Curd Lane, Franklin, TN 37067.
These are the only two locations where Dr. Calendine operates. Both facilities are within walking distance of each other on the Williamson Medical Center campus.
How many joint replacement surgeries does Dr. Calendine perform each year?
Dr. Calendine is among the highest-volume hip and knee replacement surgeons in Middle Tennessee, performing more than 700 joint replacement procedures annually. Surgical volume is meaningfully associated with outcomes in joint replacement — surgeons who perform more procedures develop deeper pattern recognition, technical efficiency, and familiarity with the range of anatomy and situations that can arise intraoperatively.
Patients who choose a high-volume surgeon for joint replacement benefit from that experience in ways that are not always visible from the outside — but the data consistently supports it.
Does Dr. Calendine accept my insurance?
Dr. Calendine’s practice accepts most major insurance plans. Because insurance participation can change, we recommend calling the office directly to confirm your specific coverage before scheduling. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain what to expect before your first visit.
For questions about insurance, self-pay options, or financial arrangements, reach out by phone or email and a member of our team will assist you.
Where is Dr. Calendine's office located?
Dr. Calendine’s office is located at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, 3000 Edward Curd Lane, Franklin, TN 37067. The office is conveniently located in Franklin and serves patients from across Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Nolensville, Hendersonville, Mt. Juliet, and surrounding communities. Out-of-state patients are also welcome.
NEXT STEPS
Practical FAQ — Preparing & Getting Started
Once you have decided to move forward, these questions cover the practical details: how to prepare, what to expect at your first visit, and how to take that first step.
How do I prepare for joint replacement surgery?
Preparation for joint replacement begins at your pre-operative appointment, typically 2 to 4 weeks before surgery. At that visit, you will receive detailed written instructions covering medications to stop or continue, dietary restrictions before surgery, what to bring the day of your procedure, and how to prepare your home for your return.
In general, patients are advised to: arrange their home to minimize fall hazards and stair use where possible, prepare a recovery area on the main floor, stop certain blood-thinning medications as directed, and complete any pre-operative blood work or imaging that has been ordered. Dr. Calendine’s team will walk you through every step of this process.
What should I expect at my first consultation with Dr. Calendine?
Your first visit typically includes a review of your medical history and current symptoms, a physical examination of the affected joint, and a review of X-rays (which may be taken in the office if you do not have recent imaging). Dr. Calendine will discuss your diagnosis, what your imaging shows, your treatment options, and his recommendation.
You are encouraged to bring a family member or support person, and to come with any questions written down in advance. There is no pressure to make a decision on the day of your first visit — the goal of the consultation is to give you the information you need to make the right choice for yourself.
How do I get started?
The first step is simply requesting a consultation. You can schedule online, call the office, or send a message to contact@corycalendinemd.com — whichever is easiest for you. No physician referral is required. A member of our team will follow up to confirm your appointment and answer any initial questions.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Three Ways to Reach Dr. Calendine's Team.
If your question is not covered above — or if you would like to discuss your specific situation — a member of Dr. Calendine’s team is ready to help. Choose the option that works best for you.
ABOUT YOUR SURGEON
Dr. Cory Calendine, MD — Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist
Dr. Cory Calendine is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee in Franklin, TN. He is a graduate of the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute fellowship program in Alexandria, VA — one of the most prestigious joint replacement training programs in the country. Dr. Calendine performs more than 700 hip and knee replacement procedures every year, serves as a consultant to Stryker for the Mako® robotic platform, and is recognized as one of the highest-volume robotic joint replacement surgeons in Middle Tennessee.
Professional Credentials
- Board Certified - American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)
- Fellowship Trained - Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI)
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS)
- Member - American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS)
- Faculty - International Congress for Joint Reconstruction (ICJR)
- Mako® Consultant - Robotic-assisted Joint Replacement Surgery
- 5.0 Google Rating (400+ Reviews)
GET YOUR FREE JOINT REPLACEMENT GUIDE
Before You Decide: A Complete Guide to Hip & Knee Replacement
by Cory Calendine, MD
Most patients wait years before seriously considering joint replacement — and the more you understand going in, the better the outcome on the other side. This complete guide walks you through how hip and knee joints fail, when surgery is the right answer, the surgical approaches Dr. Calendine performs, what recovery actually looks like, and the specific questions to ask any surgeon you consider. No email required for the first chapter. Read at your own pace, on your own terms.