Joint Replacement
Your joints are the areas where bone meets bone. Over time, the cushiony parts that keep the bones from rubbing together may wear away due to arthritis, injury or simply living life. This friction can cause pain, swelling and difficulty with movement.
Joint replacement may be an option when other methods of pain relief and mobility, such as medication and physical therapy, are unsuccessful.
If you're experiencing lack of movement or flexibility, or pain associated with the joints, you may wish to consult with a specialist.
The orthopaedic team at Main Line Health offers the most advanced techniques available for joint replacement, including minimally invasive procedures when possible.
Types of joint replacement surgeries
Any joints in the body may be replaced but most commonly are the hip and knee. Joint replacement is a surgery that involves resurfacing or smoothing of the joints and cutting away of cartilage so that a prosthetic joint made of plastic, metal or a combination of both can be implanted and rejoined to existing bone and cartilage. As the area heals, new bone, cartilage and blood vessels form to increase blood flow to the area, relieve pain and enhance mobility.
Most joint replacements last 10 to 15 years depending on the type of material used and the activity level and individual needs of the patient.
When you need knee surgery or hip surgery
If surgery is right for you, you'll be in good hands. The multidisciplinary team at Main Line Health, including Main Line Health doctors and independent providers, is made up of some of the best hip replacement doctors and knee replacement surgeons in the Philadelphia region. Working closely with orthopaedic experts, your hip and knee navigator will guide you through every step of the hip and knee replacement process — from educational classes before surgery to on-site physical therapy while you 're in the hospital to recovering soundly at home or in a rehabilitation hospital.
The joint replacement program is offered at our four hospital locations: Lankenau Medical Center (Wynnewood), Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital, and Riddle Hospital (Media).
Preparing for joint replacement surgery
We understand you may have a lot of questions about hip or knee pain. You may be wondering if hip surgery or knee surgery (or both) is necessary, or if there are other options available to you. That's why we recommend you start by attending one of our free hip and knee pain seminars, conveniently held at Main Line Health hospitals and health centers.
Led by hip and knee navigators, these one-hour seminars offer a fantastic learning experience around the causes of joint pain and ways to prevent injury. The seminars also include discussion of a variety of nonsurgical treatments available as well as the latest innovations in hip replacement surgery and knee replacement procedures performed by hip replacement experts and knee surgery specialists at Main Line Health.
Register for a free hip and knee pain seminar
We want you to have everything you need to be as comfortable as possible on your day of surgery. It's also important to plan and prepare in the days leading up to surgery and to know what to expect when you get home. These resources will help you mentally and physically prepare for surgery, know what to expect at the hospital and during your stay, plan for at-home assistance and rehabilitation and more.
You might also want to visit our frequently asked questions about hip and knee replacement.
View our guide to joint replacement surgery at Main Line Health
U.S. News & World Report has rated Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital and Riddle Hospital, all parts of Main Line Health, as High Performing for hip replacement and knee replacement for 2022-2023.
U.S. News & World Report has rated Paoli Hospital, part of Main Line Health, as High Performing for knee replacement for 2022-2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to commonly asked questions about knee and hip replacement. Read our FAQs about joint replacement and if it's right for you.
Your Guide to Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery
We want you to have everything you need to be as comfortable as possible on your day of surgery. You can find everything you need to know in our handbook.
Hip and Knee Pain Seminars
Learn about effective non-surgical treatments for joint pain and the latest joint replacement procedures performed at Main Line Health hospitals. Register for a seminar today.
Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery Pre-Op Classes for Patients
Join us for an upcoming in-person, online or on-demand class to learn more about what you can expect before and after your surgery.
Why Choose Main Line Health for hip and knee replacement
✓ Dedicated joint replacement specialists
Surgical expertise, superior outcomes.
✓ Private recovery rooms
So you can rest, relax and recover in peace — and rehab there, too, if you want.
✓ Rehab begins same day
Starting the recovery process right away with a physical or occupational therapist, working with you in your room or on our ortho-designated hospital floor.
✓ 1- to 2-day average hospital stay
Because home is where you'd rather be, getting you back to your life as soon as possible.
✓ Accredited by The Joint Commission
Recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to meeting certain performance standards.
Still not sure where to begin your hip or knee replacement journey?
We recommend attending one of our hip and knee pain seminars. If you're already scheduled for surgery, be sure to attend an educational, pre-op hip and knee replacement class.