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HIP REPLACEMENT · FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED · FRANKLIN, TN

Total Hip Replacement Surgery
in Franklin, TN

Dr. Cory Calendine, MD · Anterior Approach · Mako® Robotic System 

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Call (615) 791-2630

Dr. Cory Calendine performs total hip replacement at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee in Franklin, TN — a practice focused on hip and knee replacement, with surgical volume exceeding 700 procedures annually. His approach to total hip replacement centers on two elements not uniformly available in the Nashville metro: the anterior surgical technique, which preserves all major hip muscles and eliminates the post-operative restrictions that follow traditional surgery, and robotic precision guidance using the Stryker Mako® system and OrthoGrid AI-assisted fluoroscopy. Patients come to the Franklin practice from Nashville, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Nolensville, and communities throughout Middle Tennessee — including Smyrna, Hendersonville, Mt. Juliet, Columbia, and beyond.

BOARD CERTIFIED

AMERICAN BOARD OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

700+

JOINT PROCEDURES EACH YEAR

STRYKER ROBOTICS

Mako® CONSULTANT & TRAINER

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED · LOCALLY DELIVERED

Why Franklin — and Why This Practice

Purpose-Built Orthopedic Environment

The BJIT campus at 3000 Edward Curd Lane is not a general hospital department. It is a purpose-built orthopedic environment where the BJIT Ambulatory Surgery Center occupies the ground floor of the same building as Dr. Calendine’s clinic. Your pre-operative appointments and surgery can take place at the same address, with the same team, in a facility designed for these procedures specifically. For patients traveling from across Middle Tennessee, that environment reflects a deliberate standard.

A Regional Subspecialty Destination

Franklin in Williamson County — accessible from Nashville, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, and communities throughout the region via I-65 and US-31 — makes it a practical destination for patients who have done their research. Patients who have had total hip replacement with Dr. Calendine and returned to full activity report that the combination of muscle-sparing technique and robotic precision made a meaningful difference in how quickly and completely they recovered. 

Specialized Training. Singular Focus.

Fellowship Training and What It Means for You

Dr. Calendine completed his Hip and Knee Replacement fellowship training at the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute outside Washington, D.C. — one of the most respected hip and knee replacement programs in the country, focused exclusively on hip and knee replacement and revision surgery. That foundation shapes every aspect of his current practice:  from the techniques he uses, how he approaches complex anatomy, and the quality standard he holds for every case.

Consulting & Advancing Technology

More than 700 hip and knee replacements annually places him among the highest-volume joint replacement surgeons in Middle Tennessee. He serves as a consultant to Stryker and is an international trainer on the Mako® robotic system — having taught robotic joint replacement technique to surgeons in the United States, China, South Korea, India, and Bali. The expertise he brings to your case is current, specialized, and continuously refined through direct involvement in the technology he uses.

WHAT THE DATA SHOWS ABOUT HIP REPLACEMENT APPROACH

Anterior vs. Posterior Hip Replacement
The Clinical Difference

Muscle Preservation: The Core Advantage

The anterior approach accesses the hip joint from the front of the body, working between muscles rather than cutting through them. This natural muscle plane allows surgeons to reach the hip socket while preserving the
important muscles that control hip movement and stability. When the tissue-sparing benefits of the direct anterior approach are combined with robotic-assisted technology like the Stryker Mako® system, surgical precision is maximized.

What Muscle-Sparing Recovery Looks Like

Most patients walk the day of surgery. There are no posterior hip precautions — no restrictions on bending, crossing legs, or sitting in low chairs. Recovery moves faster not because anything has been rushed, but because the muscles were never cut. Patients who have had one hip replaced with the anterior approach and the other with a posterior approach at different points in their lives describe the anterior recovery as more comfortable and faster in the early weeks.

Enhanced Stability | Reduced Dislocation Risk

While both surgical approaches successfully relieve chronic joint pain, the anterior approach significantly reduces the risk of postoperative hip dislocation. Because the supportive posterior muscles and soft tissues remain intact, the newly implanted joint benefits from greater natural stability from day one. This structural integrity is a key reason why patients can safely bypass the traditional movement restrictions often required after posterior hip replacement surgery.

Close-up radiograph of a total hip replacement implant showing the femoral stem, femoral head component, and acetabular cup in proper post-operative alignment — total hip replacement performed at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, Franklin, Tennessee

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED PRECISION · TWO INTRAOPERATIVE GUIDANCE SYSTEMS

Precision Guidance: Mako® Robotic System and
OrthoGrid® AI Fluoroscopy

Cup Positioning — Long-Term Outcomes

Cup positioning is the most consequential variable in total hip replacement. Small deviations from optimal alignment affect stability, range of motion, wear rates, and how naturally the hip functions for the life of the implant. Achieving that precision consistently across patients with different anatomy requires more than surgical technique alone. 

Two Advanced Intraoperative Systems

Dr. Calendine uses the Stryker Mako robotic system — which begins with a pre-operative CT scan, creates a three-dimensional digital model of your specific anatomy, and provides real-time guidance during surgery — and OrthoGrid AI-assisted live fluoroscopy, which delivers real-time intraoperative X-ray analysis with data-driven overlay. Both systems represent a commitment to accuracy that reflects the standard this practice holds for every case. 

Choosing the right surgical approach is only the first step toward a successful recovery; the integration of Mako® Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology and OrthoGrid® AI Fluoroscopy further elevates the standard of care for total hip replacement patients. This powerful combination of muscle-sparing techniques and real-time digital precision allows for unmatched accuracy in implant positioning and leg length restoration. By merging clinical expertise with advanced surgical intelligence, Dr. Calendine provides a customized orthopedic experience designed to maximize long-term implant performance and help patients return to their active Tennessee lifestyles with confidence.

Recovery questions — FAQ page

WHAT HAPPENS DURING TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Total Hip Replacement — The Procedure

Hip Replacement Surgical Steps

During total hip replacement — also called total hip arthroplasty (THA) — Dr. Calendine removes the damaged femoral head and replaces it with a durable metal stem positioned into the femoral canal, either press-fit into the bone or cemented depending on bone quality and anatomy. A ceramic ball (or less commonly a metal ball) attaches to the stem and replaces the femoral head.

The damaged cartilage surface of the acetabulum (hip socket) is resurfaced with a precision-engineered metal cup and specialized liner. The Mako robotic system and OrthoGrid guidance ensure the cup is positioned to the exact pre-planned alignment specific to your anatomy.

The result is a smooth ball-and-socket replacement that replicates natural hip motion and eliminates bone-on-bone pain.

Medical illustration comparing normal hip anatomy (showing the pelvis, femoral head, acetabulum socket, and femur) with arthritic hip anatomy (showing destroyed cartilage, narrowed joint space, and bone spurs) — patient education illustration for total hip replacement candidacy at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, Franklin, Tennessee

Hip Implant Materials

Modern hip replacement implants use several bearing surface combinations — the ball and liner that contact each other during movement. The ball can be ceramic or metal (cobalt-chromium alloy); the liner can be highly cross-linked polyethylene, ceramic, or metal.

The most commonly used combination is a ceramic or metal ball with a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner, which offers excellent durability and long-term performance data. Dr. Calendine will discuss the specific implant options that best match your age, activity level, anatomy, and long-term goals.

The titanium femoral stem and acetabular shell are specifically engineered to promote natural bone ingrowth for secure, long-term fixation. These specialized components provide the essential structural foundation required to restore joint stability and support a full return to active daily living.

Total hip replacement implant components diagram: acetabular cup, plastic liner, femoral head, and femoral stem
ANTERIOR APPROACH TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

WHAT RECOVERY FROM TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT LOOKS LIKE

Recovery Timeline | Total Hip Replacement

Early mobilization is the standard after anterior approach hip replacement. Most patients are walking with a walker on the day of surgery — a practice that accelerates recovery and significantly reduces blood clot risk. The anterior approach eliminates the posterior hip precautions (restrictions on bending, crossing legs, and certain hip positions) that are standard after posterior approach surgery. This means patients can move more naturally from day one.

Div
Week 1

Walking with a walker. Managing stairs. Returning to basic home activities. Waterproof dressing (with all stitches under
the skin) allows you to shower right away.

Div
Weeks 2–3

Most patients transition from a walker to a cane as balance and leg control return. Increasing walking distance and endurance.
Driving resumes when you are walking steady on a cane and off all narcotic pain medications.

Div
Weeks 4–6

Return to desk work earlier, but likely able to return to all work environments at this point. The day-to-day should feel
pretty normal now.

Div
3 Months

All activities. Endurance and strength largely restored.

Div
6 Months

Full recovery including return to more demanding physical activity. Keep going.

Physical Therapy and Follow-Up

PT begins the day of surgery at the BJIT facility. Outpatient PT — at BJIT Rehabilitation Services or a provider of your choice — is recommended for patients who benefit from structured supervision. Much of the work can be done independently at home. Dr. Calendine and your care team provide written discharge instructions covering all precautions, activity guidelines, and wound care before you leave the facility.

BJIT Clinic & Rehabilitation Services — Hours & Location

WHEN IT’S TIME TO CONSIDER TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

Where You Are in the Decision — and What Comes Next

Most patients who land on this page have already moved through the early stages of the decision. Conservative treatments are providing diminishing returns. Surgery has moved from a distant possibility to a serious near-term consideration. You are not looking for an introduction to joint replacement — you are evaluating where to have it and who should perform it. If you are still in earlier stages — weighing candidacy, timing, or alternatives — those questions are answered at the FAQ page.

Surgery Locations and Scheduling

Dr. Calendine performs total hip replacement at Williamson Health in Franklin and at the BJIT Ambulatory Surgery Center at 3000 Edward Curd Lane. Both facilities serve patients from across the region. To schedule a consultation, call the office to request an appointment online.

Schedule Your Consult
Call today (615) 791-2630

Joint Replacement Procedures at BJIT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions — Total Hip Replacement

What makes Dr. Calendine's approach to hip replacement different from a standard hip replacement?

Hip replacement has evolved significantly over the past decade, and not all hip replacements are the same. Dr. Calendine’s practice is built around two elements that distinguish his approach: the anterior surgical technique and robotic precision with the Stryker Mako system.

 

Hip replacement has evolved significantly over the past decade, and not all hip replacements are the same. Dr. Calendine’s practice is built around two elements that distinguish his approach: the anterior surgical technique and robotic precision with the Stryker Mako system.

 

The Mako robotic system adds a layer of precision that goes beyond technique alone. A patient-specific three-dimensional model built from a pre-operative CT scan guides implant positioning with an accuracy that is difficult to achieve manually. Cup position in hip replacement is one of the strongest predictors of long-term stability and function — and getting it right, specifically for your anatomy, is what the robotic system is designed to ensure.

The hip joint can be reached from several directions — the front (anterior), the side (lateral), or the back (posterior). Each approach has its own trade-offs in terms of muscle disruption, recovery, and activity restrictions. Dr. Calendine uses the anterior approach as his preferred technique for the majority of hip replacement cases. 

 

The anterior approach works through a natural interval between the muscles at the front of the hip — the surgeon moves them aside rather than cutting through them. The gluteus medius and the other muscles that power hip stability and walking are left completely undisturbed. Patients typically walk sooner, with less pain, and with fewer activity restrictions in the weeks after surgery. Anterior approach hip replacement also allows for real-time imaging during surgery — using X-ray guidance or the Mako robotic system — to confirm leg length and implant positioning before the procedure is complete. This intraoperative verification is a safeguard that is difficult to achieve with posterior or lateral approaches. 

Hip replacement is not the first step for hip arthritis, and Dr. Calendine does not approach it that way. Most patients have tried a range of non-surgical options before they arrive — anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, activity modification, physical therapy. When those measures have provided adequate relief, continuing them is entirely reasonable. 

 

Hip replacement becomes the right conversation when two things are true: the joint damage is severe enough that non-surgical treatment is no longer providing meaningful relief, and the pain is limiting your quality of life in ways that matter to you. There is no calendar-based rule. Some patients are ready at 55. Others manage well into their 70s without surgery. The decision is yours, made with the information Dr. Calendine provides at your consultation.  One note: revision hip replacement — replacing a previously implanted hip — is significantly more complex than primary surgery. Patients who have already had hip replacement elsewhere and are experiencing failure, instability, or pain are welcome to consult with Dr. Calendine about revision options. 

Recovery from anterior approach hip replacement typically moves faster than patients expect — and faster than what many have heard from friends or family who had hip replacement years ago with older techniques. Most patients walk with a walker on the day of surgery. The anterior approach does not require the hip precautions — restrictions on bending, crossing legs, and certain movements — that are standard after a posterior approach. This means patients can move more naturally from the start, which accelerates confidence and function simultaneously. 

 

Week one: walking with a walker, managing stairs, returning to basic home activities. Week two to three: most patients transition to a cane as quad and hip strength return. Week four to six: driving resumes once you are off narcotic medication and walking steadily. By three months, the majority of patients are doing virtually everything they did before surgery. Full recovery continues through six months and beyond. 

Not all hip replacements are straightforward primary cases, and Dr. Calendine’s practice reflects that reality. His training at the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute — one of the premier hip and knee fellowship programs in the country — included a dedicated focus on revision surgery. Patients who have already had a hip replacement that is failing, painful, or unstable are seen regularly in his practice. 

 

Revision hip replacement is more surgically demanding than primary surgery. The existing implant must be removed, the bone assessed for quality and loss, and new components selected and placed in a compromised environment. The three-dimensional data the Mako robotic system provides is increasingly useful in revision planning — allowing Dr. Calendine to understand the existing implant geometry and plan reconstruction more precisely.  If you have had a hip replacement elsewhere and are experiencing problems, a consultation with Dr. Calendine begins with a review of your prior surgical records, current imaging, and a thorough examination of what is causing your symptoms.

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Yes. Dr. Calendine’s patients come from throughout Middle Tennessee and beyond. His office is located at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee in Franklin — centrally positioned in Williamson County and easily accessible from across the region via I-65. 

 

Patients travel for hip replacement from Nashville, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Nolensville, Murfreesboro, and from communities across the region including Smyrna, Hendersonville, Mt. Juliet, Columbia, Antioch, Thompson’s Station, Gallatin, Belle Meade, Fairview, La Vergne, Arrington, College Grove, Leipers Fork, and many other Middle Tennessee communities. Out-of-state patients are also welcome.  For patients traveling from a distance, Dr. Calendine’s team works to structure your consultation and surgical scheduling to minimize the number of trips required before your surgery date. 

Modern hip replacement implants have excellent long-term performance data. The materials used today — highly cross-linked polyethylene, ceramic femoral heads, and advanced metal alloys — are designed to withstand decades of activity. Published data consistently shows that 90% or more of hip replacements are still functioning well at 20 years in appropriately selected patients. 

 

Implant longevity is influenced by several factors: implant positioning (which robotic surgery directly addresses), activity level, body weight, and the biology of bone integration. Younger, more active patients are not automatically poor candidates — the data on modern implants in active patients is encouraging, and Dr. Calendine takes activity goals into account when planning every case. Questions about specific implant systems and materials are entirely appropriate to ask at your consultation.

Choosing a surgeon for joint replacement is a significant decision, and the criteria that matter most are: surgical volume, technique specialization, technology access, and the sense that the surgeon genuinely listens to your goals and concerns. 

 

Dr. Calendine performs more than 700 hip and knee replacements annually — among the highest volumes in Middle Tennessee. His focus is exclusively on hip and knee replacement; he does not divide his surgical practice across multiple orthopedic subspecialties. He uses the anterior approach for the majority of hip cases and the Mako robotic system for precision guidance. He trained at the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute specifically in hip and knee replacement and revision, and he remains actively involved in the development of the Mako platform as a Stryker consultant and international trainer. 

 

The best way to determine fit is to come in for a consultation. There is no obligation, no pressure to decide on the day, and the appointment will give you a clear picture of your diagnosis, your options, and what Dr. Calendine would recommend specifically for you.

FRANKLIN, TN  ·  SERVING ALL OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Ready to Schedule? Dr. Calendine Is
Accepting New Hip Replacement Patients.

Schedule at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, 3000 Edward Curd Lane, Franklin, TN 37067. No referral required.

Schedule Appointment
Call today (615) 791-2630