Question: I need to have a joint replacement, but I’m really nervous. What questions should I ask my orthopedic doctor? Answer: Knee and hip replacements have changed significantly because of advanced surgical techniques, making them far different from such procedures even five years ago. From multiple-day hospital stays, total joint replacement has advanced to a one-night stay or even going home the same day as surgery. Questions from my patients usually fall into three categories: — How do I know it’s time for surgery? — What will happen during surgery? — What will recovery be like? Let’s start with the “when” question. Patients undergoing replacement surgery have arthritis in the joint. Arthritis is the loss of the protective cartilage layer between bones, and when that cushioning is gone, you have bone-on-bone contact, pain and swelling. Physical therapy, over-the-counter medications and injections can help for a while.…