If your doctor has mentioned total joint replacement, you might be feeling overwhelmed, or even a little scared. Whether it’s your knee, hip or shoulder, this is a big decision, and it’s normal for your head to be spinning with questions.
VIDEO: Dr. Kusnezov on Hip Replacement
Maybe you've been searching for the best orthopedic doctor near you, wondering how long the recovery will take, or looking for a walk-in orthopedic clinic that can get you answers fast. You're not alone.
We hear these questions all the time. This guide is for you, the patient, looking for honest answers — not medical jargon.
If you're going to get a new hip replacement surgery or a knee prosthesis, you probably want to know: Will it last?
The short answer is yes, most joint replacements last 15 to 20 years or more. With newer materials and techniques, many people only need surgery once in their lifetime. If you’re active or younger, you may need a revision surgery down the line, but even that has improved over time.
Whether you're seeing the best knee surgeon or a top orthopedic hip specialist, ask about the expected lifespan of your implant.
Recovery depends on which joint is being replaced and what methods are used. Here’s what we typically tell patients at DISC:
Yes, and depending on your condition, your orthopedic surgeon might recommend trying these more conservative treatment options first. Options include:
But if conservative treatment no longer helps, total joint replacement is the best long-term solution.
No surgery is without risks—but for most healthy patients, the odds of serious complications are low. Risks include:
We hear from a lot of patients that total joint replacement is liberating. Most patients report less pain, better mobility, and a huge improvement in quality of life. Whether you're getting help from a knee orthopedic surgeon or a back and hip specialist, the goal is always the same: to get you back to doing the things you love without chronic pain.
After surgery, many people return to walking, biking, golfing, swimming, and even light hiking. A leg and knee doctor may suggest limiting high-impact sports, but most activities are fair game.
A little preparation goes a long way. Before your procedure:
If you’re living with daily pain, stiffness, or limited motion, don’t wait. An orthopedic specialist can talk to you about your options. You don’t need a referral for many clinics. Our walk-in orthopedic clinic offers evaluations without the wait.
Joint replacement isn’t just a surgery—it’s a major step toward reclaiming your life. And with the right care team, including medical orthopedic surgeons, knee implant specialists, and expert physical therapists, you will be in good hands.
Whether you're searching for the best knee surgeons in Southern California or just wondering if you need an orthopedic surgeon, remember: you have options. Relief is possible. Healing is possible. And your mobility can come back.
Looking for same-day care or a second opinion? Learn more about DISC Express Clinics at DISC Sports & Spine and meet with an orthopedic doctor today—without the long wait.
This is the second installment of DISC's series on Total Joint Replacements. Click here to read A Comprehensive Guide to Total Joint Replacement.