Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Why choose UCLA Health for a joint replacement?

Since 1969, when we performed our first total hip replacement, UCLA Health orthopaedic surgeons have been recognized leaders in joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty). We provide comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment for patients with joint disease.

Highlights of our program include:

National designation: We are a Blue Distinction® Center for Hip and Knee Replacement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield. This recognition highlights our expertise in delivering high-quality, evidence-based health care that leads to excellent outcomes.

Full team of experts: Our orthopaedic surgeons have specific fellowship training in joint replacement surgery. We collaborate with anesthesiologists, nursing staff and physical therapists to facilitate faster recoveries with less postoperative pain.

Leaders in complex procedures: In addition to offering every joint replacement option, our specialists are also experts in complex procedures and revision surgeries for failing implants. We educate each patient on all treatment options, helping them make informed decisions.

Conditions joint replacement surgeons treat

Patients who may benefit from a joint replacement include those with:

Osteoarthritis: Joint pain that occurs when the tissue between bones (cartilage) wears away, causing the bones to rub together

Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis): Disrupted blood flow to the bones, which causes bone tissue to break down and leads to osteoarthritis 

Rheumatoid arthritis: A condition in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue, leading to joint inflammation, swelling and stiffness

Severe joint injuries: Traumatic injuries, often caused by a fall or accident, that can lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis

History of failed arthroplasty: Infected, damaged, loose or improperly positioned implants from a previous joint replacement surgery

Types of joint replacement we offer

In general, joint replacement involves removing the damaged portion of a joint or the entire joint and replacing it with artificial parts. Our surgeons perform all types of joint replacements, including:

• Hip replacements
• Knee replacements
• Shoulder replacements

We use the full spectrum of advanced arthroplasty techniques, including:

Total joint replacements: A surgeon removes the entire joint and replaces it with a prosthetic joint. We use advanced techniques that offer excellent outcomes, such as anterior hip replacements. With this option, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the hip, which avoids cutting through major muscles or tendons and leads to a quicker recovery.

Joint resurfacing: Depending on the extent of joint damage, surgeons may replace only a portion of the joint. They may place an implant in only one compartment of the knee (unicompartmental or partial knee replacement). Or they may replace the hip socket with a prosthetic, then reshape and place metal over the existing hip ball (bone-conserving surface hip replacement).

Osteotomy: Surgeons remove a portion of bone or add a piece of bone near the damaged joint. They may use this technique to reduce pressure on the damaged part of a knee or correct hip misalignment.

Joint revision surgery: Our surgeons may offer revision surgery for a failed or failing implant. Some patients who get implants when they’re young may need revision surgery, as joint implants typically last about 15 to 20 years.

Meet our team

Our orthopaedic surgeons use a wide range of advanced joint replacement techniques. We educate each patient on treatment options, creating an individualized plan that offers optimal outcomes. Our surgeons have specific fellowship training in joint replacements, underscoring our expertise in these procedures.

Contact us

Your Pediatric Medical Home team coordinates your child’s care while offering your family guidance and support. Call 310-206-0514 to connect with us.