Joint Reconstruction and Replacement Surgery

Expert treatment for joint pain and joint disease

A mature couple sitting on a doc and playing with their dog, illustrating the improvement in quality of life after joint reconstruction or replacement surgery.

Expert treatment for joint pain and joint disease

Scripps offers advanced orthopedic care for patients with chronic joint pain or serious injuries to the hips, knees, ankles, elbows or shoulders that require joint replacement or reconstruction.


Nationally recognized for their experience and ability to handle complex cases, Scripps orthopedic surgeons perform state-of-the-art hip replacement and knee replacement surgeries, including outpatient joint replacement surgery.

Nationally recognized for orthopedics

Scripps is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the top orthopedic programs in the country. Our physicians and surgeons who specialize in joint reconstruction and replacement are nationally recognized for their expertise.


Scripps is one of only two San Diego health care providers participating in the California Joint Replacement Registry, which was created to provide comprehensive scientific assessments of devices and patient outcomes in hip and knee replacement surgeries. Our orthopedic doctors are also pioneers in clinical research on cartilage transplantation and global adoption of new ways to repair or replace damaged cartilage.

Joint conditions and injuries that may require surgery

From traumatic sports injuries to degeneration of major joints to the onset of osteoarthritis, Scripps orthopedic teams diagnose and treat a host of musculoskeletal diseases and conditions that may be candidates for joint reconstruction or replacement.


Scripps orthopedic surgeons specializing in joint replacement and reconstruction help patients get back in the game, whether it’s on the field in front of cheering fans or in the backyard with family and friends.

Joint conditions and injuries treated at Scripps

Injuries or conditions that may require surgery to reconstruct or replace damaged joints in the hips, knees, ankles, elbow or shoulders may include:


  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, in which one of the main ligaments that helps stabilize and support the knee is partially or completely torn
  • Cartilage tears (also known as meniscus tears), in which the soft tissue between the joints is injured, causing pain
  • Fractures of the bone, which can lead to joint degeneration several years after the injury
  • Hip pain, which is the result of cartilage that has worn away, making the bones in the joint rub together and cause bone damage
  • Hip impingement, which is an abnormal wearing of the hip ball-and-socket that causes a bony "bump" to form along the end of the hip, resulting in friction that can damage the joint and limit activity 
  • Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries, in which the ligament located along the inner knee is completely torn
  • Osteoarthritis, which is usually associated with aging joints’ “wear and tear” and is most commonly seen in patients age 50 or older
  • Osteonecrosis (also known as avascular necrosis), which can be due to a dislocation or fracture injury that limits blood supply to the head of the femur (thigh bone), potentially causing severe degeneration that leads to arthritis and chronic joint pain
  • Patellofemoral syndrome, in which cartilage under the kneecap may be deteriorating, or the kneecap is no longer moving properly
  • Post-traumatic arthritis, which is a type of arthritis that can be due to a traumatic hip injury or fracture that damaged cartilage
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, in which the synovial membrane is inflamed and thickens, leading to potential cartilage damage, joint pain and stiffness
  • Rotator cuff injuries, in which the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint are partially or completely torn
  • Ulnar collateral ligament injuries, in which the ligament inside the elbow connecting the upper arm (humerus) with the forearm (ulna) is partially or completely torn

Joint replacement surgery and total joint care

Due to advances in surgical techniques, more people with severe and chronic joint pain are choosing to have knee replacement, hip replacement and other types of orthopedic surgery. With world-class hospitals, clinics and physician offices, Scripps provides advanced orthopedics care for various types of injuries and conditions. Learn about treatment options for joint replacement and repair, including diagnostics, surgery and physical rehab.

Joint diagnostic testing

Scripps offers more than 100 orthopedic doctors to provide comprehensive exams and diagnose causes of joint pain. Scripps has advanced imaging technologies and facilities to give our orthopedists the most accurate information to treat orthopedic injuries and conditions. Scripps also offers convenience for patients needing X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and other imaging technologies at various locations throughout San Diego County, from Vista to Chula Vista.

Hip surgery

Treatment options for the reconstruction and replacement of the hip joint may include:


  • Total hip replacement surgery (also called hip arthroplasty), in which the head of the femur (thigh bone) is removed and replaced with a metal stem and a metal or ceramic ball, while the worn hip socket (acetabulum) is removed and replaced with a metal socket
  • Minimally invasive hip replacement, in which a smaller surgical incision is made than during a traditional total hip replacement surgery
  • Hip resurfacing, in which the head of the femur is trimmed and capped with a smooth metal covering, while the hip socket is removed and replaced with a metal socket


Learn more about hip replacement surgery.

Knee surgery

Treatment options for the reconstruction and replacement of the knee joint may include:


  • Total knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty), in which the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) at the knee joint are removed and replaced with metal and strong plastic parts
  • Partial knee replacement, in which damaged tissue and bone in the inner knee or the outer knee are replaced with a metal and plastic part
  • ACL reconstruction, in which a torn anterior cruciate ligament is rebuilt using tissue — most commonly the kneecap tendon or hamstring tendon – from a donor or the patient’s body
  • MCL reconstruction, in which a torn medial collateral ligament that has not healed and restored stability to the inner knee is rebuilt using tissue from a donor or the patient’s body
  • Osteochondral allograft transplantation, in which cartilage from a donor is implanted to help restore stability in a patient’s knee, ankle or shoulder


Learn more about knee replacement surgery.

Shoulder surgery

Treatment options for the reconstruction and replacement of the shoulder joint may include:


  • Total shoulder replacement surgery (shoulder arthroplasty), in which the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is removed and replaced with a metal stem and ball, and the shoulder blade socket (glenoid) is smoothed and replaced with a strong plastic socket
  • Partial shoulder replacement (hemiarthroplasty), in which only the head of the upper arm bone, or the shoulder blade socket is replaced
  • Reverse total shoulder replacement, which is similar to a total shoulder replacement, but the end of the upper arm bone is replaced by a metal stem and plastic socket, and the shoulder black socket, is fitted with a metal ball
  • Shoulder resurfacing, in which the head of the upper arm bone is trimmed and capped with a smooth metal covering, and the shoulder blade socket may be smoothed and replaced with a strong plastic socket or tissue graft
  • Osteochondral allograft transplantation, in which cartilage from a donor is implanted to help restore stability in a patient’s knee, ankle or shoulder


Learn more about shoulder replacement surgery.

Elbow, hand and wrist surgery

Treatment options for the reconstruction and replacement of the elbow, wrist and hand may include:


  • UCL reconstruction, in which a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow is rebuilt using a tendon tissue from a donor or patient’s body
  • Total elbow replacement (elbow arthroplasty), in which an artificial elbow joint is inserted in the upper arm bone and lower arm bone (ulna)


Learn more about elbow, wrist and hand surgery.

Foot and ankle surgery

Treatment options for the reconstruction and replacement of the ankle joint may include:


  • Ankle replacement surgery (ankle arthroplasty), in which damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with metal and plastic parts
  • Osteochondral allograft transplantation, in which cartilage from a donor is implanted to help restore stability in a patient’s knee, ankle or shoulder


Learn more about foot and ankle surgery.

Sports therapy and physical therapy

Scripps offers sports therapy and physical therapy in San Diego with facilities in North County, South Bay, Central San Diego and La Jolla. Sports and physical therapy services are provided at more than half a dozen locations by a team of experts using the latest techniques and technologies to help patients regain strength and mobility to get back in the game.

Garry's new hip

Gary Collins patient story about his successful hip replacement performed by Scripps Health Orthopedics surgeons.

Garry's new hip

After Garry Collins underwent a successful hip replacement at Scripps, he was able to resume his favorite activities. Read his full story.

Lynn's new knee

Patient story about Lynn's partial knee replacement surgery at Scripps Health.

Lynn's new knee

Lynn Sago struggled with knee pain for most of life, until she chose to have partial knee replacement surgery. Read her full story.

Joint replacement surgery locations

Scripps Health offers joint reconstruction and replacement surgery and care at the following locations in San Diego County:


Support services and resources

As leaders in orthopedic care, we know what it takes to keep joints healthy. That’s why we equip our patients with support services and resources to help them achieve their best possible outcome. From connecting you with rehab services to empowering you with educational resources, Scripps offers a comprehensive lineup to help you along every step of your journey.

Support services

We are here for you — not only as your orthopedic surgeons, but as a team of experts who understands that your joint health is about much more than your medical treatment. Specifically, Scripps offers a variety of patient support services to ensure your physical and emotional well-being, as well as resources for dealing with the logistical aspects of your care.


Our services include:



For more offerings, please visit our patient resources section.

Glossary and other resources

Patient education is an important part of understanding your joint condition and treatment plan. To stay informed, we encourage our orthopedic patients to:


  • Bookmark the Scripps glossary of orthopedic terms for easy referencing.
  • Watch the pre- and post-surgery videos your doctor recommends.
  • Consult your orthopedic team for educational materials and a list of trusted online sources beyond the Scripps site. 


Always check with your orthopedic surgeon first to ensure that you have the most accurate information for your particular medical condition or need.