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What are the benefits of direct anterior (DA) hip replacement?

This approach uses a small incision at the front of the hip, allowing Dr. Watts to reach the joint between muscles instead of cutting through them.
Benefits include:

• Less pain
• No bending precautions
• Faster recovery

Dr. Watts has performed thousands of successful anterior hip replacements.

Will I go home the same day or stay overnight after surgery?

Most patients go home the same day after their joint replacement.
If your surgery is at Reno Orthopedic Surgery Center (ROSC), you’ll be up walking and practicing stairs within an hour and typically ready to go home within two hours.

If you have medical conditions or need extra help at home, your surgery can be done at a hospital where you may stay overnight.

How long does surgery take?

Most hip replacements take 30–40 minutes, plus time before and after for anesthesia.

When can I walk after surgery?

You’ll be full weight-bearing right away. Most patients are walking within an hour of surgery.

When can I drive again?

You may drive once you feel comfortable, walking well, and off narcotic pain meds

• Left hip: Usually within 2 weeks.
• Right hip: Usually within 4 weeks.

What activities can I return to after surgery?                    

Most patients return to favorite activities such as biking, hiking, golf, skiing, pickleball, or horseback riding.  There are no long-term restrictions.

How should I choose a joint replacement surgeon?

• Training: Look for a surgeon with subspecialty training.
  Dr. Watts completed a dedicated fellowship in hip and knee replacement and stays active in teaching and implant design.
• Facility: ROSC has been recognized nationally for excellence. It was designed by ROC surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses to provide an outstanding patient experience.
• Experience: Dr. Watts performs about 1,000 hip and knee replacements each year—more than any other surgeon in the region.
• Communication & Trust: Surgery is a major event—choose someone you feel comfortable with. Dr. Watts and his team (Cory, Cynthia, and Misty) provide personalized care and educational resources to help you prepare.

How successful are joint replacements?

Hip replacement is frequently referred to as the most successful surgery in all of medicine. At ROSC, we’re proud of our low complication rates and high patient satisfaction, reflected in multiple national awards.

How can I prepare for surgery?

• Stay as strong and flexible as possible.
• Manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
• Stop all nicotine products, including vaping.

Your preparation helps ensure a smoother recovery.

Will I need physical therapy?

PT is optional for hip replacements.  If you’d like to do it, plan to start 2–3 weeks after surgery.

What equipment will I need after surgery?

• Walker: Everyone starts with one until steady.
• Ice machine or ice packs
• Optional items: Cane, toilet seat riser, shower chair, grabber, or long shoehorn—depending on your needs at home.

How much pain should I expect, and how is it managed?

Pain should be expected, but Dr. Watts uses less invasive techniques—like the direct anterior hip and quad-sparing knee approaches—to make recovery easier.

Your pain plan will be personalized and may include:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs like ibuprofen)
• Muscle relaxers and nerve medications
• Tramadol or short-term narcotics if needed

We’ll review your pain plan before surgery and send prescriptions to your pharmacy. Ice machines are especially helpful after knee replacements.

What is a hip replacement made of?

Most modern hip replacements include:   

• Titanium socket and stem
• Ceramic ball
• Durable plastic liner

How long will my hip replacement last?

Modern hip replacements are expected to last 50–60 years for most patients.

What technology does Dr. Watts use during hip surgery?

Dr. Watts uses intraoperative fluoroscopy for real-time imaging—providing precise implant positioning, which is how we get the sizing and leg lengths as close as possible.

He also uses a special femoral impactor system that reduces the risk of bone fracture during surgery.

What kind of anesthesia will I have?

You will receive a short general anesthetic, as well as a long-acting local anesthetic injected into the surgical site during the surgery.

How can I contact your office?

Misty (surgery scheduling): (775) 788-5221           

Cynthia (medical assistant): (775) 785-3040k           

MyChart: for most questions

After-hours urgent line: (775) 786-3040

Online Scheduling: renoortho.com