What to Expect from Outpatient Total Joint Replacement at BASC in Bedford, NH
Chronic joint pain can rob you of the activities you love. Whether it is a morning walk, a round of golf, or simply climbing the stairs without wincing, when your hip, knee, or ankle is failing you, quality of life suffers. Total joint replacement is one of the most successful surgical procedures in modern medicine, with the vast majority of patients experiencing dramatic pain relief and restored mobility. At Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center (BASC) in Bedford, NH, our orthopedic team performs total joint replacement with a level of expertise, technology, and personal care that is setting the standard for outpatient surgery in New Hampshire.
If you or someone you love is considering total joint replacement, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from what the procedure involves, to what recovery looks like, to why choosing BASC Bedford NH over a hospital could save you thousands of dollars without sacrificing an ounce of quality.
Who Is a Candidate for Total Joint Replacement?
Total joint replacement is typically recommended when joint pain and loss of function are severe enough to significantly impact daily life, and when non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, cortisone injections, and lifestyle modifications have stopped providing adequate relief.
The most common conditions that lead to joint replacement include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis following an injury, and avascular necrosis, a condition in which bone tissue dies due to loss of blood supply. Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your medical history, physical examination findings, and imaging results to determine whether joint replacement is the right next step for you.
Joint replacement is performed on the hip, knee, and ankle at BASC. Each carries its own recovery timeline and procedure nuances, but all share the same goal: relieving pain, restoring function, and getting you back to living your life.
Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery: Precision That Makes a Difference
One of the most significant advancements in joint replacement surgery in recent years is robotic-arm assisted technology. At Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center, eligible patients have access to Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery, a system that allows your surgeon to create a personalized surgical plan based on a 3D model of your unique anatomy before you ever enter the operating room.
During the procedure, the Mako robotic arm provides real-time feedback that helps guide the surgeon to place your implant with exceptional accuracy within the parameters of your pre-planned surgical plan. The goal is more natural joint movement, less damage to surrounding healthy tissue, and an overall better experience from surgery through recovery.
Ask your orthopedic surgeon whether Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery is appropriate for your procedure. To learn more about orthopedic services at BASC, visit our BASC Surgical page.
What Happens on the Day of Your Joint Replacement at BASC?
Many patients arrive at their surgery day unsure of what to expect. At Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center, our team works hard to make sure every patient feels informed, comfortable, and confident from the moment they walk through our doors.
Arrival and check-in: You will check in at our Bedford, NH facility and be greeted by our warm, attentive nursing staff. Make sure to bring a responsible adult who can drive you home after the procedure.
Pre-operative preparation: Our clinical team will prepare you for surgery, review your medical history, start an IV, and answer any last-minute questions. Your anesthesiologist will discuss your anesthesia plan with you.
The procedure: Your orthopedic surgeon will perform the joint replacement, removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with precisely fitted implant components. Depending on the joint, the procedure typically takes one to two hours.
Recovery and discharge: Following surgery, you will recover in our post-operative care area where our nursing team monitors you closely. Many patients are able to take their first steps the same day. Once you are stable, comfortable, and meet discharge criteria, you will be released home with clear instructions for your recovery.
Recovery After Total Joint Replacement: What to Expect
Recovery from joint replacement is a process, and having realistic expectations helps patients stay motivated and on track. While individual timelines vary based on the joint replaced, your age, overall health, and how diligently you engage with physical therapy, here is a general sense of what to expect.
In the first few days after surgery, your focus will be on managing swelling and discomfort, performing prescribed exercises, and beginning to bear weight on the joint with assistance. Physical therapy typically begins within the first week and plays a critical role in your recovery.
Within four to six weeks, most patients are walking without a walker or cane and are seeing meaningful reductions in their pain levels. By three to six months, the majority of patients have achieved their full functional recovery and are returning to the activities they love, often with a level of comfort they have not experienced in years.
Why Choose BASC Over a Hospital for Total Joint Replacement in NH?
In New Hampshire, patients have the legal right to choose where they receive their surgical care. For total joint replacement, more and more patients are discovering that Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center offers a compelling combination of clinical excellence, advanced technology, and significant cost savings over hospital-based surgery.
Studies consistently show that ambulatory surgical centers perform procedures at substantially lower costs than hospital outpatient departments, often without any compromise in safety or outcomes. Infection rates at accredited ASCs are typically lower than in hospital settings, and patient satisfaction scores are consistently high.
BASC was named the #1 Ambulatory Surgical Center in New England and #10 in the United States by Newsweek in 2025. Our No Surprise Billing policy ensures you receive a clear cost estimate before your procedure, and our transparent pricing means you can make an informed decision without financial anxiety.
Beyond cost, patients consistently describe the BASC experience as more personal, more comfortable, and more attentive than what they have encountered in hospital settings. When you walk through our doors, you are not a number. You are our patient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Total Joint Replacement at BASC Bedford NH
1. How long does total joint replacement surgery take at BASC?
The length of the procedure depends on which joint is being replaced and individual patient factors, but most total joint replacement surgeries take between one and two hours. You will also spend time in pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery before being discharged home, so plan on being at our Bedford, NH facility for most of the day.
2. Is total joint replacement painful?
You will be under anesthesia during the procedure and will not feel pain. Post-operative discomfort is normal and expected, and your care team will provide a pain management plan to keep you comfortable during recovery. Most patients find that the discomfort of recovery is manageable and significantly less than the chronic pain they were experiencing before surgery.
3. Will I need physical therapy after joint replacement?
Yes. Physical therapy is a critical component of your recovery and begins very shortly after surgery. Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to restore strength, range of motion, and function in your new joint. Commitment to your physical therapy program is one of the most important factors in achieving the best possible outcome.
4. What is the difference between total and partial joint replacement?
A total joint replacement involves replacing all of the damaged surfaces of the joint with implant components. A partial replacement, or resurfacing, replaces only the most damaged portion of the joint, preserving more of the natural bone. Your orthopedic surgeon will determine which approach is best suited to your anatomy, the extent of your joint damage, and your lifestyle goals.
5. How do I schedule a total joint replacement consultation at BASC in Bedford, NH?
Start by speaking with your primary care physician or a specialist about your joint pain and whether joint replacement is a potential option for you. Ask about a referral to one of the orthopedic surgeons at Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center. You can also visit bascnh.com/contact-us or review our physician team at bascnh.com/physicians to learn more.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Joint pain does not have to be your new normal. Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center has been helping patients across New Hampshire reclaim their mobility and quality of life for over 30 years. If total joint replacement is on your radar, we encourage you to start the conversation with your physician today and ask about BASC.
Learn more about our orthopedic and surgical services at bascnh.com/basc-surgical, or contact our team to get started.