Same-Day (Ambulatory) Joint Replacement Surgery with Dr. Douglas M. Petraco
Discover a modern, minimally invasive path to joint replacement that lets you recover at home — beginning the very same day. Dr. Petraco is a distinguished orthopedic specialist committed to utilizing advanced techniques that allow eligible patients to undergo total hip or total knee replacement and return home within hours, not days.
Same-day joint replacement is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing carefully selected patients to leave the surgery center approximately three hours after their operation. As the Medical Director of Precision Care Surgery Center in East Setauket, Dr. Petraco is a leader in the field of ambulatory orthopedic surgery, specializing in the streamlined protocols, anesthesia techniques, and surgical precision that make same-day discharge safe and predictable.
Why Choose Dr. Petraco For Same-Day Joint Replacement Surgery?
His extensive experience and dedication to patient care make him a trusted choice for individuals seeking an effective solution to hip and knee arthritis without the burden of an extended hospital stay. When you choose Dr. Petraco, you are selecting a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons with a proven track record of successful outpatient outcomes and a patient-centered approach.
As Director of the Orthopedic Surgery Department at St. Charles Hospital, Orthopedic Service Line Director for Catholic Health Services, and Medical Director of Precision Care Surgery Center, Dr. Petraco brings decades of surgical leadership and a uniquely comprehensive view of joint replacement to every procedure he performs. His training at Yale University, Cornell University Medical College, and The Hospital for Joint Diseases at NYU Langone — combined with a research fellowship in biomaterials and biomechanics — informs a meticulous, evidence-based approach to ambulatory surgery.
Dr. Petraco employs state-of-the-art surgical techniques to perform Same-Day Joint Replacement with precision and efficiency, combining mini-incision approaches, advanced regional anesthesia, and multimodal pain management to minimize tissue trauma and shorten recovery time. Just as important, he takes the time to determine whether same-day surgery is the right fit for you — carefully evaluating your overall health, home support system, and personal goals so that every patient who walks into Precision Care leaves with confidence in the plan.
Ambulatory Joint Replacement Recovery: What to Expect
Recovery is a critical phase, and it begins the moment you return home. Dr. Petraco is committed to supporting you throughout the process with a customized rehabilitation program designed to manage post-operative discomfort, restore strength and flexibility, and expedite your return to normal activities. Regular follow-up appointments enable Dr. Petraco to monitor your progress closely and address any concerns, ensuring a smooth and successful recovery in the comfort of your own home.
Schedule a Same-Day Joint Replacement Consultation on Long Island
Take the first step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle with Same-Day Joint Replacement Surgery by Dr. Petraco. Request an appointment today to find out whether you are a candidate for ambulatory hip or knee replacement and learn how Dr. Petraco can help you get back to doing what you love — without the overnight stay.