Frequently Asked Questions

A total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged or worn surfaces of your hip or knee are removed and replaced with artificial components (implants) made of metal, ceramic, and high-grade plastics. These implants are designed to replicate the natural movement and stability of a healthy joint.

• Significant reduction or elimination of pain
• Improved mobility and joint function
• Enhanced quality of life — return to work, travel, and recreational activities

At the Arizona Joint Specialty Center (AJSC), most total hip and knee replacements are completed in 30–50 minutes. This efficiency is achieved through advanced minimally invasive techniques and a dedicated orthopedic-only surgical team. Shorter anesthesia time means fewer complications, faster recovery, and a smoother same-day discharge.

Minimally invasive (MIS) surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized approaches that limit disruption to muscles and soft tissue.

Benefits include:
• Less post-operative pain
• Faster recovery and return to daily activity
• Smaller scars and reduced risk of complications

Joint replacement at AJSC incorporates best-in-class implant designs and state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques to ensure precision, durability, and patient comfort.

Surgeons have access to robotic-assisted surgical systems that allow personalized planning and sub-millimeter accuracy during implant placement. This precision helps achieve a more natural joint feel, balanced motion, and longer implant life.

We use modern implant materials engineered to mimic natural movement, promote bone integration, and extend longevity. Combined with minimally invasive techniques, these technologies minimize tissue trauma, reduce pain, and help patients walk within hours of surgery and return home the same day with a personalized recovery plan.

Advances in anesthesia, surgical precision, and pain control now make same-day joint replacement both safe and effective. Every element of AJSC’s design — from the facility layout to staff training — is built around outpatient efficiency and patient comfort.

Benefits include:
• Recovering in the comfort of your own home the same day
• Reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections
• Personalized, one-on-one nursing care and seamless discharge
• Lower overall costs compared to hospital stays
• Faster return to normal activities

Our orthopedic specialists monitor every step to ensure pain control, safe mobility, and readiness for discharge before patients head home.

Most patients receive regional (spinal) anesthesia combined with light sedation. AJSC’s anesthesia team specializes in outpatient regional techniques and multimodal pain control, minimizing narcotic use and supporting rapid, comfortable recovery.

No. All hip and knee replacements at AJSC are outpatient procedures. Patients go home the same day after walking safely, tolerating fluids and food, and achieving pain control milestones.

Patients typically begin walking with assistance within 1–2 hours after surgery, guided by our recovery specialists. Most patients walk to the car at discharge and continue moving comfortably at home the same day.

Yes. Physical therapy begins immediately after surgery to restore strength, flexibility, and balance. Your personalized recovery plan includes guided exercises and outpatient therapy to ensure a smooth return to normal activity.

Yes. Metal implants may trigger detectors. Simply inform TSA agents — no documentation is required, though you may undergo a brief secondary screening.

After recovery, most patients return to an active lifestyle that may include:
• Walking, hiking, golf, swimming, and cycling
• Fitness training, travel, and recreational sports

Always discuss specific activity goals with your surgeon.

Every AJSC team member is orthopedic-specialty trained — from surgical nurses and technologists to anesthesia providers. Our surgeons focus exclusively on hip and knee joint replacement, using the most advanced technologies and minimally invasive approaches to achieve exceptional outcomes, same-day recovery, and long-term joint performance.