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.