Joint Replacement

When joint pain is keeping you from doing the things you love, you deserve a team you can trust. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, we specialize exclusively in orthopedic care, delivering expert treatment and superior outcomes. As the West Coast’s leader in joint replacement surgery, we combine advanced technology, world-class specialists and a 5-star patient experience to help our patients get back to what they love sooner.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, replaces a damaged joint with an artificial one made from durable materials such as metal, plastic or ceramic. The artificial joint is designed to move smoothly, eliminating the pain and stiffness caused by bone‑on‑bone contact.

Total joint replacement surgery is often recommended for advanced joint damage caused by degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or severe joint injury. When joint pain continues despite treatments like physical therapy, anti‑inflammatory medication or steroid injections, replacing the damaged joint may offer more lasting relief.

Joint replacement is designed to restore function, reduce joint‑related pain and help patients move more comfortably in everyday life.

How Total Joint Replacement Surgery Works

During a total joint replacement surgery, the damaged surfaces of the natural joint are carefully removed and replaced with artificial components shaped to replicate the original. These implants restore smooth, stable motion and help reduce pain caused by joint friction or deformity.

Joint replacements are performed under spinal or general anesthesia and patients are encouraged to begin moving the joint — with assistance — shortly after surgery. At HOI, advanced techniques like robotic-assisted joint replacement support precision in implant placement, reduce trauma to surrounding tissue and promote faster recovery.

Types of Joint Replacement Performed at HOI

Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers advanced joint replacement surgery for the hip, knee and shoulder, using the latest techniques and robotic surgery to reduce pain, improve mobility and support faster recovery.

Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgery replaces the damaged ball-and-socket joint with smooth, durable components that restore movement and reduce pain caused by arthritis or injury.

Knee Replacement

Knee replacement removes worn cartilage and damaged bone to create a stable surface for movement. HOI offers both total and partial knee replacement, depending on the location and extent of joint damage.

Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder replacement surgery restores function in the shoulder joint by replacing damaged surfaces with artificial components. Options include total, partial and reverse shoulder replacement based on the patient's anatomy and condition.

Who May Be a Candidate for Total Joint Replacement

Total joint replacement may be recommended for patients with advanced joint damage that limits movement or causes daily pain, most often from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic injury.

You may be a candidate if conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections fail to provide relief.

Candidates for joint replacement often report pain with walking, climbing stairs or performing routine tasks. A joint replacement surgeon will evaluate your medical history, imaging and lifestyle goals to determine if surgery is the right next step.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Before joint replacement surgery, your care team will guide you through a thorough preoperative evaluation, including medical clearance, imaging and patient education. You’ll receive detailed instructions on preparing your home, medications to avoid and what to expect during recovery.

Total joint replacement is typically performed as an inpatient or same-day procedure, depending on your health and surgical plan.

Guided physical therapy is critical following joint replacement to rebuild your strength and mobility. Your team will monitor your progress and adjust your care plan as needed, helping you return safely to your favorite activities with greater comfort and confidence.

Find a Joint Replacement Doctor

Why Choose Us?

As the West Coast’s leader in joint replacement surgery, our world-class joint replacement surgeons perform thousands of procedures each year to help patients get back to the activities they love sooner.

At HOI, we combine leading-edge technology with personalized care, offering advanced robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement procedures designed to improve precision and support a faster recovery. Our joint replacement surgeons have pioneered innovative surgical approaches and train future elite surgeons.

Division Chief of Joint Replacement: Nader Nassif, MD

Dr. Nader Nassif is a well-known and respected, board certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in total joint replacements. He is fellowship trained in total joint replacements at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. As Division Chief of Joint Replacement, Dr. Nassif aims to improve public education and community outreach related to joint replacements, as well as create and proactively maintain open communication with other physicians to bring awareness to the program.

See Physician Bio

Frequently Asked Questions

Hoag Orthopedic Institute is nationally recognized for its expertise in joint replacement surgery and consistently ranks among the highest-volume programs in the United States. Our high surgical volume means our team brings deep, real-world experience to every procedure, from routine joint replacements to complex revisions.
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons collaborate with physical therapists, anesthesiologists and care coordinators to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based joint replacement services. We offer advanced surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted procedures when appropriate, to help reduce pain and restore joint function.
As a patient at HOI, you will receive personalized care, proven outcomes and the support of a team committed to helping you move with strength and confidence.
Before joint replacement surgery, your care team will guide you through a thorough preoperative evaluation, including medical clearance, imaging and patient education. You’ll receive detailed instructions on preparing your home, medications to avoid and what to expect during recovery.
Total joint replacement is typically performed as an inpatient or same-day procedure, depending on your health and surgical plan.
Guided physical therapy is critical following joint replacement to rebuild your strength and mobility. Your team will monitor your progress and adjust your care plan as needed, helping you return safely to your favorite activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Total joint replacement may be recommended for patients with advanced joint damage that limits movement or causes daily pain, most often from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic injury.
You may be a candidate if conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections fail to provide relief.
Candidates for joint replacement often report pain with walking, climbing stairs or performing routine tasks. A joint replacement surgeon will evaluate your medical history, imaging and lifestyle goals to determine if surgery is the right next step.

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