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Total knee replacement options

Total knee replacement resurfaces a worn knee joint with a precision-fit metal-and-polyethylene implant when arthritis pain no longer responds to non-surgical care. LAOSS offers robotic-assisted total knee with same-day discharge for many patients, plus traditional and partial knee replacement when those fit better.

Total knee at LAOSS orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles: board-certified specialists, same-day appointments

See a specialist this week

Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.

Book a visitOr call (323) 264-7600

Key takeaways

  • Total Knee Replacement is considered when pain keeps limiting daily function.
  • Candidacy is confirmed with exam findings and imaging.
  • Most plans include pre-op education and post-op rehab milestones.
  • You get a clear return-to-work and activity timeline.

About total knee replacement

Total Knee Replacement is part of the joint replacement care we offer at LAOSS. Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, who benefits from this service, what it looks like at our clinics, and the recovery and risk considerations to weigh.

Our specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

Watch: Total Knee Replacement

This procedure restores function to a severely damaged knee. Most commonly, it is used to repair a knee that has been damaged by arthritis. During the procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged portions of the knee with artificial parts. These parts consist of a metal femoral component, a metal tibial component and a plastic spacer. A small plastic patellar component may also be used.

Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Anatomical illustration of a joint replacement showing artificial components
Anatomy of joint replacement: worn cartilage replaced with metal and polyethylene.

Inside the knee.

A joint replacement removes the worn cartilage and replaces it with smooth artificial bearings sized to your anatomy.

What we offer with total knee replacement.

Common symptoms

  • Comprehensive joint replacement evaluation
  • Same-day imaging at most offices
  • Conservative-first care plan tailored to your goals
  • Coordinated specialty referrals when needed
  • In-network insurance for most major carriers

Common causes

  • New patients exploring an orthopedic complaint
  • Existing LAOSS patients continuing care
  • Patients seeking a second opinion
  • Athletes and active adults of every age

How we start treatment

When you book with LAOSS for total knee replacement, here's the flow:

  • Initial visit: detailed history, focused exam, on-site X-ray when needed
  • Diagnosis & plan: most patients leave with imaging-confirmed answers and a written treatment plan
  • Treatment: whether that's PT, an injection, or surgery, your specialist stays involved at every step
  • Follow-up: measured benchmarks, direct line to your care team, plan adjustments as recovery progresses

Joint replacement care, conservative-first.

We start with the least-invasive option that fits, and escalate only when it doesn't.

Conservative care
Step 1

Conservative care first

Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.

  • Physical therapy and quadriceps strengthening
  • Weight management and low-impact exercise
  • Anti-inflammatory medication, as your doctor advises
  • A knee brace or cane to take load off the joint
  • Steroid or hyaluronic acid (gel) injections
Surgical care
When needed

Surgical options when needed

Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.

  • Partial knee replacement when one compartment is worn
  • Total knee replacement
  • Robotic-assisted total knee replacement
  • Revision knee replacement for a worn or loose implant

Why experience matters.

Why experience matters

Joint replacement care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you feel six months later.

  • Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
  • Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
  • Technique refined over thousands of cases
  • On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider

The LAOSS approach

Our joint replacement specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

  • Same-day imaging at most offices
  • PT coordinated in your insurance network
  • Board-certified specialists performing the procedures themselves
  • Direct access to your specialist between visits

Am I a candidate?

If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a joint replacement specialist is the next step.

You may be

You may be a candidate if

These signs typically point toward this service being a good fit.

  • Knee pain or stiffness from arthritis that has not improved with non-surgical care
  • Swelling, instability, or noticeable change in function
  • Symptoms that limit walking, lifting, sleep, or work
  • Previous treatment that didn't fully resolve the problem
  • Imaging or exam findings that suggest an underlying issue
Evaluation

What evaluation includes

Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.

  • Detailed history: onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
  • Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
  • On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
  • Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
  • Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests

ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).

Your joint replacement recovery roadmap.

Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.

  1. Days 0 to 14

    Right after care

    In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the joint replacement, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.

    • Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
    • Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
    • Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
    • Follow-up scheduled to track healing
  2. Weeks 2 to 8

    Rehabilitation

    Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the joint replacement.

    • Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
    • Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
    • Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
    • Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
  3. Months 2+

    Long-term care

    Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there, and catching any recurrence early.

    • Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
    • Home program tailored to your sport or job
    • Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
    • Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations

What to weigh before you decide.

We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient. Informed consent is a conversation, not a form.

General

General considerations

Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.

  • Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
  • Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
  • Reaction to anesthesia or medications
  • Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific

Considerations specific to joint replacement

Some risks are specific to joint replacement surgery. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.

  • Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
  • Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
  • Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
  • Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function

Meet our joint replacement specialists

At LAOSS, our joint replacement specialists are board-certified and treat these problems every day. From minimally invasive techniques to coordinating your rehab, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. We have cared for Los Angeles patients since 2007, with one goal for each: less pain, better movement, and a return to the activities you love.

Specialists, not generalists.

View all providers
Compare up to 34 providers
  • Accepting new patients

    Kevin Pelton, MD

    Orthopedic Surgeon · Founder

    • East Los Angeles
    • Encino
    • Valencia
  • Accepting new patients

    David Barba, MD

    Hip & Knee Surgeon

    Speaks English and Spanish

    Habla español

    • Wilshire
    • East Los Angeles
  • Accepting new patients

    Erik Dworsky, MD

    Hip & Knee Surgeon

    Speaks English and Spanish

    Habla español

    • Santa Fe Springs
  • Accepting new patients

    Matthew Longacre, MD

    Sports Medicine · Knee

    • Glendale
    • Encino
    • Valencia
    • +1 more

Reliable total knee replacement care starts here

With same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, we plan it with you and coordinate each step.

Call or schedule online today to see a joint replacement specialist in Los Angeles.

Find care by body area.

Jump to a nearby condition page and compare treatment paths across the body.

From our Google reviews

What patients say

Read all 9,626 reviews on Google
  • “God bless this doctor he gave me two New knees and i have recovered after 2 months from te surgery. Thank you dr stepanyan youre te best! Magnificent work!”

    Toribio M.Google reviewAug 2026

  • “Dr. Dworsky took on my very difficult case that no other doctor wanted to take on. He did my knee replacement 3 weeks ago, and I feel great! I have a great future ahead, pain free thanks to him. Also, his whole staff is amazing. I highly recommend him.”

    Lilian C.Google reviewSanta Fe SpringsSep 2025

  • “Excellent and very professional. Dr. E. Dworksy along with his two excellent assistants, gave me back my life. I had a full knee replacement and I was up and about within 3 weeks.”

    Guadalupe Q.Google reviewEast Los AngelesSep 2025

  • “Excellent third post-op follow-up with Dr. Cyran. She’s attentive and detail-oriented, making sure my knee replacement continues to heal properly.”

    Allison B.Google reviewGlendaleNov 2025

Selected 5-star reviews from Google, shown as written. Individual results vary.

Common questions

You asked. We answered.

  • It is usually considered when pain or functional limits persist after non-surgical treatment and imaging supports a procedural solution.

Don't wait on pain.

Ready to move with less pain? Schedule your consultation today and explore advanced knee replacement options.

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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network
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