Arthritis & Joint Replacement
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Why choose UCSF Health for arthritis care and joint replacement?
Our specialists work with you to find the right treatment for knee and hip osteoarthritis and related conditions. Using a personalized approach, we help you get relief from pain and regain your mobility with nonsurgical and surgical options.
UCSF Health is a high-volume program, performing more than 2,000 joint replacements per year. You can trust that you're in experienced hands.
If you've previously had a joint replacement procedure and need it redone, our surgeons can help. Because of our expertise in these complex procedures, people turn to us to revise their hip or knee implants.
Why choose UCSF Health for arthritis care and joint replacement?
Our specialists work with you to find the right treatment for knee and hip osteoarthritis and related conditions. Using a personalized approach, we help you get relief from pain and regain your mobility with nonsurgical and surgical options.
UCSF Health is a high-volume program, performing more than 2,000 joint replacements per year. You can trust that you're in experienced hands.
If you've previously had a joint replacement procedure and need it redone, our surgeons can help. Because of our expertise in these complex procedures, people turn to us to revise their hip or knee implants.
Get care
Evidence-based treatments
Our surgeons follow evidence-based practices, meaning your care is guided by the latest literature to support safe and effective treatments.Personalized approach
We offer a wide range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments, helping you find a solution that meets your goals and relieves your pain.Minimally invasive surgery
We use minimally invasive techniques and the latest technology, including robotic surgery, when needed. Our comprehensive approach supports a quicker recovery with less pain.Thorough follow-up care
A team of skilled providers keeps your recovery on track with coordinated, informed postoperative care.Joint revision surgery expertise
We perform more than 2,000 joint replacement surgeries per year, including many complex primary and joint revision surgeries to replace an implant that isn't working well.Convenient locations
You can get specialized joint care in convenient locations across the Bay Area.
Arthritis and joint replacement at UCSF Health
Our hip and knee specialists help you find pain relief and restore comfortable movement in your joints. We consider several factors when creating your care plan, including:
Severity of arthritis
Previous joint surgeries
Health history
Goals and preferences
Nonsurgical treatments
When used early, nonsurgical options can slow the progression and reduce pain associated with arthritis in the knee and hip joints. We may recommend:
Orthotics (such as a brace)
Topical medication
Physical therapy
Oral medications
Injections
Joint replacement surgeries
For severe osteoarthritis that doesn't respond to nonsurgical therapies, joint replacement surgery is an option.
When possible, we use minimally invasive techniques to lower the risk of infection and quicken your recovery. Your surgeon will discuss surgical options with you and what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
Knee replacement surgery
You and your provider will decide if a total knee replacement or a partial knee replacement is right for you.
During knee replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone in your joint. They replace it with an implant that mimics your natural joint, using the latest biomaterials.
Hip replacement surgery
Your surgeon may recommend a partial or total hip replacement. During the procedure, your surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone in the hip joint. They replace it with an implant that mimics your natural joint, using the latest biomaterials.
Joint revision surgeryUCSF Health is a regional leader and referral program for joint revision surgery. If you need your hip or knee implant revised, our surgeons have the expertise to perform this complex procedure.
Ongoing care after joint replacement surgeryYou'll have several follow-up appointments with your surgeon to make sure you're healing well. We also offer services to support your recovery:
Locations
Providers
Explore what we do
Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery
Learn how to get ready for knee replacement surgery, including attending preoperative appointments, organizing your home and packing for the hospital.
Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery
Learn how to prepare for hip replacement surgery, including attending preoperative appointments, organizing your home and packing for the hospital.
Recovering from Knee Replacement Surgery
The typical hospital stay after knee replacement is one night, but some patients stay longer, while others go home on their surgery day. Learn more here.
Orthopedic Glossary
Use this glossary to understand the medical terms associated with orthopedic care and orthopedic conditions.
Recovering from Hip Replacement Surgery
After hip replacement surgery, you’ll participate in physical therapy. Learn what else to expect after surgery, including how to care for yourself at home.
Award-winning joint care
2,000+
joint replacements per year
Best in Northern California and No. 6 in the nation for orthopedic care
Rated high-performing hospital for knee replacement
Rated high-performing hospital for hip replacement
Related services
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Arthritis
- Arthritis of Knee
- Bilateral Osteoarthritis of the Hip
- Hip Osteoarthritis
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Osteoarthritis
Treatments
- Hip Replacement
- Joint Replacement
- Joint Revision
- Partial Knee Replacement
- Total Hip Replacement
- Total Knee Replacement
Research initiatives
UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery ResearchOpens in a new window
The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has several research programs dedicated to investigating different areas of musculoskeletal health care, such as hip, knee and spine surgery.
Clinical trials
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections In Young And Old Human SubjectsOpens in a new window
Recruiting
The protein changes from a single autologous PRP injection (5 mL) vs normal saline control, using proteomic analysis of' venous blood samples. For proteomic…