Patient Resources
Know What to Expect.
Feel Confident Every Step.
Joint replacement surgery is a significant decision. This page walks you through the entire process — from preparing for surgery to returning to full activity — so you and your family know exactly what to expect.
The information on this page is general educational content and does not replace the personalized guidance of Dr. Fox or the OrthoGeorgia care team. Always follow the specific instructions provided at your appointments.
Recovery Timeline
Your Journey, Phase by Phase
Recovery from joint replacement follows a predictable path. Here is what most patients experience at each stage — though your specific timeline may vary.
Phase 1
Before Surgery
- Complete pre-operative medical evaluation and clearance
- Review and sign surgical consent forms
- Arrange for a driver and home caregiver for the first 1–2 weeks
- Prepare your home: remove trip hazards, set up a recovery area on the main floor
- Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals and medications
- Stop blood thinners and certain supplements as instructed by Dr. Fox
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery
Phase 2
Day of Surgery
- Arrive at the surgical facility at your scheduled check-in time
- You will meet with the anesthesia team before surgery
- Surgery typically takes 1–2 hours
- Most patients are up and taking a few steps with assistance the same day
- Pain is managed with a combination of medications to minimize opioid use
- A physical therapist will visit you before discharge to review exercises
Phase 3
First 2 Weeks
- Rest at home with assistance from a caregiver
- Perform prescribed physical therapy exercises daily
- Keep your incision clean and dry — follow wound care instructions
- Take medications as prescribed, including blood thinners to prevent clots
- Use a walker or crutches as directed
- Attend your first post-operative appointment with Dr. Fox
- Watch for warning signs: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or fever
Phase 4
Weeks 3–6
- Transition from walker to cane as strength and balance improve
- Begin outpatient physical therapy if recommended
- Most patients can drive again around 2 weeks after surgery
- Return to light daily activities and short walks
- Swelling and stiffness gradually improve — this is normal
- Follow up with Dr. Fox to assess healing and progress
Phase 5
3–6 Months
- Most patients return to full activity including walking, swimming, and cycling
- Strength and endurance continue to build
- Swelling and occasional stiffness may persist — this is normal
- Low-impact activities are encouraged; high-impact sports should be discussed with Dr. Fox
- Final follow-up appointment to assess long-term outcomes
When to Call Us
Warning Signs to Watch For
Most recoveries go smoothly. But knowing the warning signs means you can act quickly if something needs attention. When in doubt, call OrthoGeorgia.
After Hip Replacement
- Sudden increase in hip pain
- Significant swelling, redness, or warmth around the incision
- Fever above 101°F
- Wound drainage or opening
- Shortness of breath or chest pain (call 911)
- Calf pain or swelling (possible blood clot — call immediately)
After Knee Replacement
- Sudden increase in knee pain or instability
- Significant swelling, redness, or warmth
- Fever above 101°F
- Wound drainage or opening
- Shortness of breath or chest pain (call 911)
- Calf pain or swelling (possible blood clot — call immediately)
For emergencies — chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of stroke — call 911 immediately.
For urgent but non-emergency concerns, contact OrthoGeorgia directly.
Call OrthoGeorgia: (478) 298-5504Frequently Asked Questions
Questions Patients Ask Most
If your question isn't here, bring it to your consultation — Dr. Fox welcomes every question.
Your Privacy & Rights
HIPAA & Patient Privacy Protections
As a patient of Dr. Fox and OrthoGeorgia, your health information is protected by federal and state law. Understanding your rights helps you stay in control of your care.
What Is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that establishes national standards to protect your medical records and other personal health information. It limits how healthcare providers, health plans, and their business associates may use and share your protected health information (PHI) — and gives you important rights over that information.
OrthoGeorgia is a HIPAA-covered entity. All staff who handle your health information are trained on privacy and security requirements. Your information is used only to provide and coordinate your care, process billing, and fulfill other permitted purposes described in the Notice of Privacy Practices.
Your Rights Under HIPAA
Right to Access Your Records
You have the right to inspect and receive a copy of your medical records and other health information we maintain. Requests are typically fulfilled within 30 days.
Right to an Amendment
If you believe information in your record is incorrect or incomplete, you may request that we amend it. We will respond in writing and explain any denial.
Right to Restrict Disclosures
You may request that we limit how we use or share your health information for treatment, payment, or operations — though we are not always required to agree.
Right to Confidential Communications
You may ask us to contact you only in certain ways or at certain locations — for example, only by mail or only at a specific phone number.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information over the past six years, other than for treatment, payment, or operations.
Right to File a Complaint
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with OrthoGeorgia or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
How Your Health Information May Be Used
Your health information will not be sold or used for marketing purposes without your explicit written authorization. You may revoke any authorization you have given at any time.
Notice of Privacy Practices
OrthoGeorgia's full Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) describes in detail how your protected health information is used and disclosed, and how you can exercise your rights. You received a copy at your first visit and may request another at any time.
View OrthoGeorgia's Privacy PracticesPrivacy Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about how your health information is handled, or if you wish to exercise any of your HIPAA rights, contact OrthoGeorgia's Privacy Officer directly. You may also contact the HHS Office for Civil Rights at 1-800-368-1019 or hhs.gov/ocr.
Call OrthoGeorgia: (478) 298-5504Start with a conversation.
Dr. Fox will review your history and help you decide whether joint replacement is right for you.