The hip joint is one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints. A healthy hip joint lets you walk, squat and turn without pain. With a damaged hip joint, the cartilage in the joint is worn down, causing severe pain and stiffness.

Total hip replacement surgery, or hip arthroplasty, is one of the most common and effective forms of orthopedic surgery, resulting in excellent outcomes.

Palomar UC San Diego Health’s Orthopedic and Spine Center is recognized among top-performing hospitals and is a leading destination for hip replacement in North County San Diego. Our orthopedic surgeons are pioneers in their field, using surgical best practices and advanced pain reduction techniques to provide more rapid recoveries for patients.

As a leader in total hip replacement, Palomar UC San Diego Health provides:

• Leading surgeons with minimally-invasive surgery options
• Pre-operative educational classes to give you the tools you need throughout your journey
• A personalized joint replacement therapy plan with customized recommendations from your surgeon
• Comprehensive clinical support, from pre-operative tests and surgery to therapy and home recovery
• State-of-the-art facilities with minimally-invasive surgery options

Palomar UC San Diego Health’s Orthopedic and Spine Center demonstrates a significant commitment to the well-being of our patients by promptly discharging them to the comfort of their homes. In 2025, 96% of patients from Palomar UC San Diego Health Escondido and 91% from Palomar UC San Diego Health Poway experienced this timely transition, surpassing the national benchmark of 84%. This approach reflects Palomar UC San Diego Health’s understanding that there’s no better place to recover than in the familiar and reassuring surroundings of one’s own home.

Palomar UC San Diego Health uses a standardized survey (HOOS, Jr) to gauge how much surgery has improved our patients’ lives. Patients report their function and pain before their surgery (Pre-op) and after surgery (90 days and 12 months). Scores range from 0–100, with higher scores indicating better outcomes. In 2025, the average patient score improved from 51 before surgery (moderate disability) to 85 at 12 months after surgery (limited to no disability), demonstrating meaningful improvement in patient-reported outcomes following total hip replacement.