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Leading Joint Replacement Centers
MemorialCare helps you return to the activities you love with less pain and greater confidence. Whether you need an ankle, hip, knee, or shoulder replacement, our leading orthopedic program delivers advanced technology and experienced surgeons. From consultation through recovery, you will receive personalized support right in your community, from Long Beach to Laguna Hills. Our Patient Pathway Navigator can help guide you at 562-933-4014.
Nationally Recognized Joint Replacement Care
MemorialCare hospitals have earned recognition for orthopedic and joint replacement care from organizations including U.S. News & World Report and Healthgrades. These recognitions reflect our commitment to high-quality outcomes, patient safety and exceptional orthopedic care.
Joint Replacement Services
Andrew J. Wassef, M.D.
Dr. Wassef is the medical director of the MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Medical Center and specializes in advanced hip, knee and shoulder replacement, including complex reconstruction, revision and robotic-assisted surgery. He has led roughly 2,200 Mako procedures, including the first in the world using Mako Total Hip 5.0 robotic hip revision.
At MemorialCare, our Joint Replacement Centers bring together highly experienced, integrated teams of specialists to care for patients with a variety of joint conditions.
Have Questions? We Are Here to Help.
Locations Offering Joint Replacement
MemorialCare offers joint replacement care across multiple hospitals, giving patients access to a connected system of orthopedic expertise, advanced technology and personalized treatment approaches. Each location provides high-quality care, with some offering distinct capabilities based on patient needs and clinical specialization.
Joint Replacement Resources
Patient Story
Bev, always active, was determined to not let her hip pain rule her life. She’s pain-free today, after undergoing hip replacement surgery using advanced MAKO technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
If joint pain is making it hard to walk, climb stairs, sleep comfortably or enjoy daily activities — and conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, exercise or injections are no longer providing relief — it may be time to consider joint replacement surgery. After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis of your specific joint condition, your doctor can help determine whether joint replacement is the right next step. For many people, it is an elective procedure they can choose to move forward with when the time feels right.
During surgery, damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with artificial components called implants or prostheses made of durable medical-grade metal, plastic or ceramic. These implants are designed to help restore movement, reduce pain and improve joint function.
Your joint replacement care team may include orthopedic surgeons, nurses, pain management physicians, rehabilitation specialists, physical and occupational therapists, joint care navigators and other providers who work together to support your care before, during and after surgery.
Recovery varies by patient and procedure, but many patients begin standing or walking with assistance on the same day as surgery. Many people return to some normal daily activities within a few weeks, while fuller recovery can take several weeks to months.
Physical therapy is an important part of recovery and helps improve strength, flexibility and mobility after surgery.
Many patients also benefit from having a family member or friend assist with meals, transportation and daily tasks during the first few days at home.
Most patients can return to driving several weeks after surgery, depending on the joint replaced, pain levels, mobility and whether prescription pain medication is still being used.
Your surgeon will guide you on when it is safe to resume everyday activities.
Some discomfort and swelling are normal after surgery, especially during the first few weeks. Your care team will create a personalized pain management and recovery plan to help keep you comfortable and moving safely.
As with any surgery, there are risks including infection, blood clots or implant wear over time. Your orthopedic care team will discuss potential risks and steps taken to support a safe recovery.
Joint replacement surgery is considered one of the most successful orthopedic procedures for relieving pain and improving mobility. Many patients experience significant improvements in quality of life after recovery.
Modern joint replacements are designed to be durable and long lasting. Many implants can last 15 to 20 years or longer depending on activity level, overall health and other factors.
Joint replacement recommendations are based more on pain, mobility and quality of life than age alone. Many adults of varying ages can benefit from surgery if joint damage is significantly affecting daily activities.
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Located throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County, MemorialCare-affiliated physicians are locally and nationally recognized in their area of expertise. We've made it easy to find a quality healthcare provider right in your own backyard.