Top Orthopedic Hospitals in the USA for Joint Replacement Surgery

Choosing a hospital for hip or knee replacement is not simply a matter of finding the most famous medical center. Joint replacement outcomes can depend on the surgeon’s experience with the exact procedure, the orthopedic team’s ability to manage complex cases, infection-prevention practices, rehabilitation support, anesthesia planning, and how well the hospital coordinates care before and after surgery.

The United States has several prominent orthopedic hospitals and academic medical centers with dedicated programs for total hip replacement, total knee replacement, revision surgery, and other joint reconstruction procedures. Some centers also evaluate patients who have complicated implants, previous joint surgery, significant bone loss, or medical conditions that can make surgery more challenging.

The hospitals below are presented as leading institutions worth researching rather than as a definitive numerical ranking. The best choice for an individual patient depends on the joint involved, diagnosis, surgeon expertise, insurance network, travel requirements, expected rehabilitation needs, and personal medical circumstances. Hospital programs, physicians, insurance participation, and treatment options can change, so current details should always be confirmed directly with the hospital and insurer.

Leading U.S. Hospitals to Research for Joint Replacement

Hospital	Location	Orthopedic Areas to Research	Official Website
Hospital for Special Surgery	New York, New York	Hip and knee replacement, joint reconstruction, revision surgery	HSS
Mayo Clinic	Rochester, Minnesota	Hip and knee replacement, complex reconstruction, revision procedures	Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic	Cleveland, Ohio	Total joint replacement, complex orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation	Cleveland Clinic
NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital	New York, New York	Adult reconstruction, hip and knee replacement, orthopedic surgery	NYU Langone Health
Rush University Medical Center	Chicago, Illinois	Hip and knee reconstruction, joint replacement, orthopedic specialty care	Rush University Medical Center
Massachusetts General Hospital	Boston, Massachusetts	Joint replacement, orthopedic reconstruction, complex musculoskeletal care	Massachusetts General Hospital
Duke University Hospital / Duke Health	Durham, North Carolina	Hip and knee replacement, orthopedic reconstruction, complex joint disorders	Duke Health
UCSF Health	San Francisco, California	Hip and knee replacement, complex orthopedic surgery, revision care	UCSF Health
Stanford Health Care	Stanford, California	Joint replacement, orthopedic surgery, multidisciplinary medical care	Stanford Health Care
Cedars-Sinai	Los Angeles, California	Hip and knee replacement, orthopedics, complex musculoskeletal treatment	Cedars-Sinai

Selection note: This list is not an ordinal ranking. Patients should compare the orthopedic program, surgeon, procedure-specific experience, insurance arrangements, and rehabilitation plan that apply to their individual case.

Understanding Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement, also called arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which damaged portions of a joint are replaced with prosthetic components. Hip and knee replacements are among the procedures most commonly discussed, although replacement surgery can also involve the shoulder and other joints.

Patients commonly explore joint replacement after conditions such as osteoarthritis have caused substantial pain and loss of function and less-invasive management has not provided adequate relief. Surgery is not automatically appropriate simply because arthritis is visible on an X-ray. The decision usually considers symptoms, mobility, overall health, imaging findings, treatment history, personal goals, and the risks and benefits of surgery.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ OrthoInfo provides patient education about orthopedic conditions and surgical procedures, including hip and knee replacement.

Primary vs. Revision Joint Replacement

A primary joint replacement is the first replacement procedure performed on a particular joint. Revision surgery involves removing or replacing some or all components of an existing artificial joint.

Revision cases can be considerably more complicated. The surgeon may need to address implant loosening, instability, bone loss, infection, fracture, implant wear, or other problems. Patients facing revision surgery may therefore benefit from researching orthopedic centers with surgeons who specifically concentrate on revision hip or knee reconstruction rather than choosing only on the basis of general orthopedic reputation.

1. Hospital for Special Surgery — New York City

Hospital for Special Surgery, commonly known as HSS, is a specialty hospital focused on orthopedics and rheumatology. Its New York City location attracts patients seeking evaluation for a broad range of musculoskeletal problems, including hip and knee arthritis and joint reconstruction.

Joint Replacement Services to Research

Patients considering HSS can investigate its hip and knee programs, adult reconstruction services, primary joint replacement, and revision procedures. Because the institution is strongly focused on musculoskeletal care, orthopedic surgery is supported by related services including imaging, anesthesia, rehabilitation, and management of medical issues surrounding surgery.

Who May Consider HSS?

HSS may be worth researching for patients considering a first hip or knee replacement, people seeking another opinion before surgery, and patients with failed or complicated previous joint replacements. The exact physician and service should be selected according to the diagnosis rather than the hospital name alone.

Practical Questions

Ask how frequently the surgeon performs your exact procedure, which hospital location will be used, how rehabilitation is organized, and what parts of the episode are expected to be billed separately. Patients traveling to New York should also determine how long they may need to remain nearby after surgery.

Official website: Hospital for Special Surgery

2. Mayo Clinic — Rochester, Minnesota

Mayo Clinic is a large nonprofit academic medical organization with major campuses in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. Its orthopedic departments evaluate a wide range of joint and musculoskeletal conditions, including patients considering hip or knee replacement.

Why Mayo May Be Relevant

A potential advantage of a multidisciplinary medical center is access to physicians from several specialties when a patient’s general health affects surgical planning. This can matter for people with cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, neurological conditions, complex medication regimens, or other medical issues requiring coordination before surgery.

Patients can research Mayo’s orthopedic surgery and joint replacement services as well as its approach to difficult revision cases.

Verify the Campus

Mayo Clinic operates in more than one state, and services or surgeons available at one location should not automatically be assumed to be available at another. Ask which campus is appropriate for your condition and procedure.

Official website: Mayo Clinic

3. Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland Clinic is a large nonprofit academic health system with substantial orthopedic services. Patients researching hip or knee replacement can explore its orthopedic surgery programs, joint reconstruction services, rehabilitation resources, and treatment for complex musculoskeletal conditions.

Who May Consider Cleveland Clinic?

The institution may be relevant for patients seeking primary joint replacement as well as those who have other medical conditions requiring coordination between orthopedic surgeons and medical specialists.

For someone comparing multiple hospitals, the key questions should focus on the specific surgeon and treatment pathway. Ask who would perform the operation, what procedure is recommended, what alternatives remain reasonable, and where post-operative physical therapy will take place.

Financial Planning

Verify the network status of the hospital and surgeon before elective surgery. An insurance company’s name alone does not establish that a particular facility, physician, or procedure is covered under your specific policy.

Official website: Cleveland Clinic

4. NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital — New York City

NYU Langone Health operates extensive orthopedic programs in New York, including NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. Its orthopedic services include evaluation and surgical treatment of hip, knee, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Joint Replacement Care

Patients can research surgeons specializing in adult reconstruction, total hip replacement, total knee replacement, and revision procedures. Large orthopedic programs may also offer access to physical medicine, rehabilitation, pain management, imaging, and other related services.

What to Ask Before Choosing a Surgeon

Ask how much of the surgeon’s practice is devoted to your specific procedure. Someone requiring a standard first-time knee replacement may have different needs from a patient requiring a complicated revision after previous surgery.

Because NYU Langone operates multiple locations, confirm the exact facility where consultations, surgery, and follow-up will take place.

Official website: NYU Langone Health

5. Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, Illinois

Rush University Medical Center is an academic medical center in Chicago with a substantial orthopedic program. Patients researching joint reconstruction can explore services for hip and knee conditions, primary replacement, and complex orthopedic care.

Why Patients May Research Rush

Rush may be practical for patients in the Midwest who want treatment at a major academic center without traveling to the East or West Coast. As with any institution on this list, the relevant consideration is the expertise of the surgeon and team treating the particular condition.

Beyond the Operation

Ask about preoperative medical evaluation, anesthesia, physical therapy, discharge planning, home support, and follow-up visits. Joint replacement should be viewed as an episode of care rather than a single surgical event.

Official website: Rush University Medical Center

6. Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts

Massachusetts General Hospital is a major Boston teaching hospital within the Mass General Brigham system and is affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Its orthopedic services cover joint disease, musculoskeletal injury, reconstruction, and other complex conditions.

Patients Who May Consider Mass General

Patients who need hip or knee replacement can investigate its joint replacement and adult reconstruction services. A large academic medical center can also be useful when orthopedic surgery needs to be coordinated with other medical specialties.

Travel Considerations

Patients coming from outside Massachusetts should ask how many in-person appointments are expected before and after surgery. Accommodation, ground transportation, caregiver expenses, and time away from work can materially affect the real cost of treatment even when the procedure itself is covered by insurance.

Official website: Massachusetts General Hospital

7. Duke Health — Durham, North Carolina

Duke Health provides academic orthopedic services through its medical system in North Carolina. Patients with advanced hip or knee arthritis, previous joint surgery, or complicated musculoskeletal conditions can investigate its orthopedic and joint reconstruction programs.

Why Duke May Be Worth Researching

Duke may be particularly convenient for patients in the Southeast seeking evaluation at an academic medical center. Patients can compare options for primary replacement, reconstruction, and management of complicated joint conditions based on the relevant surgeon’s clinical focus.

Insurance and Referral Questions

Ask whether your insurance plan requires a primary-care or specialist referral and whether preauthorization is needed before imaging, surgery, or hospitalization. These requirements vary by insurance product.

Official website: Duke Health

8. UCSF Health — San Francisco, California

UCSF Health is the clinical health system associated with the University of California, San Francisco. Its orthopedic services include evaluation and treatment of hip, knee, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Complex Joint Problems

Patients seeking primary joint replacement or another opinion about an existing artificial joint can research UCSF orthopedic specialists whose practices focus on adult reconstruction and relevant procedures.

For revision surgery, ask specifically how the surgeon evaluates problems such as loosening, instability, bone loss, fracture, or suspected infection. Different causes can require very different treatment strategies.

Planning for Care in San Francisco

Out-of-area patients should clarify how much preoperative testing can be completed locally and whether follow-up can eventually be shared with a physician or physical therapist closer to home.

Official website: UCSF Health

9. Stanford Health Care — Stanford, California

Stanford Health Care is an academic health system associated with Stanford Medicine. It provides orthopedic and surgical care for patients with joint disease and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Joint Replacement Evaluation

Patients researching Stanford can look for orthopedic specialists whose practices include hip and knee reconstruction, arthritis surgery, and revision procedures. Academic centers may also provide access to specialists in anesthesia, internal medicine, rehabilitation, and other areas relevant to surgical planning.

Choosing Between Nearby California Centers

Northern California patients may have several major academic hospitals within reach. Rather than selecting only by institutional reputation, compare the surgeons who treat your particular diagnosis, available treatment approaches, insurance status, waiting and travel logistics, and post-operative rehabilitation arrangements.

Official website: Stanford Health Care

10. Cedars-Sinai — Los Angeles, California

Cedars-Sinai is a nonprofit academic healthcare organization in Los Angeles with orthopedic and musculoskeletal services. Patients seeking hip or knee replacement can investigate its orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, and rehabilitation programs.

Who May Consider Cedars-Sinai?

The institution may be especially practical for Southern California patients who want specialist orthopedic care while remaining close to home. Patients traveling from elsewhere should assess whether a particular surgeon or program provides expertise that justifies the additional travel burden.

Planning the Complete Episode of Care

Ask where physical therapy will occur, when patients are typically expected to return for follow-up, and how complications would be handled if you return home soon after surgery. These logistical questions can be as important as the operation itself for long-distance patients.

Official website: Cedars-Sinai

How to Compare Joint Replacement Surgeons

Hospital reputation provides context, but the surgeon performing the operation deserves equally careful research. Joint replacement techniques and patient circumstances differ, so a surgeon who is highly experienced with one type of reconstruction may not necessarily be the ideal specialist for another.

Useful questions include:

How much of your practice focuses on hip or knee replacement?
How frequently do you perform the exact procedure being recommended?
Do you routinely treat complex or revision cases like mine?
What are the reasonable alternatives to surgery?
What type of implant and surgical approach do you recommend, and why?
How will my medical conditions affect surgical planning?
What rehabilitation program is usually required?
Who should I contact if I have concerns after discharge?

Patients may also verify a physician’s medical license through the relevant state medical board and ask about board certification and fellowship training. Credentials are only one part of evaluation, but they help patients understand a surgeon’s professional background.

Robotic and Computer-Assisted Joint Replacement: Does Technology Matter?

Hospitals frequently discuss robotic assistance, navigation systems, customized planning, and other technologies used in orthopedic surgery. These systems can help surgeons with certain aspects of planning or component positioning, but technology should not be treated as a guarantee of a superior result.

The better question is how the surgeon uses the technology in the context of your anatomy and diagnosis. Ask why a particular system is being recommended, whether the surgeon also performs the procedure without it, and what evidence supports the proposed approach for patients like you.

A technologically advanced operating room does not replace careful patient selection, experienced surgical judgment, infection prevention, anesthesia management, and structured rehabilitation.

Joint Replacement Costs in the United States

There is no single reliable nationwide price that accurately predicts what every patient will pay for a hip or knee replacement. Hospital charges, negotiated insurer rates, cash prices, surgeon fees, implant costs, anesthesia, imaging, medications, physical therapy, and the length and setting of care can all affect the total.

Cost Component	Why the Amount Can Vary
Hospital or facility fee	Depends on facility, services provided, negotiated rates, and whether the procedure is inpatient or outpatient when clinically appropriate.
Surgeon fee	Professional charges can be billed separately from the hospital.
Anesthesia	Depends on the anesthesia services provided and applicable insurance arrangements.
Implant	Implant requirements can vary by procedure and clinical circumstances.
Imaging and laboratory testing	Preoperative and postoperative testing differs among patients.
Physical therapy	Costs depend on the amount, location, insurance coverage, and duration of rehabilitation.
Revision surgery	Complexity, implant removal, bone loss, infection management, and hospital stay can substantially change resource needs.

Hospital Price Transparency

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides information about federal hospital price-transparency requirements. Hospital pricing resources can help patients research costs, but published prices should not automatically be interpreted as the amount an insured patient will owe.

Negotiated insurer rates, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, network status, and the services actually received can change patient responsibility.

Request an Estimate Before Elective Surgery

Before scheduling a planned hip or knee replacement, contact the hospital’s patient financial services department. Ask for an estimate based on the planned procedure and your insurance details.

Then ask whether the estimate includes:

Hospital facility services
The orthopedic surgeon
Anesthesia
Imaging
Laboratory testing
Implant-related charges
Medications
Physical therapy
Other professional services

Estimates are not necessarily guarantees. Additional care can become necessary based on clinical findings or complications.

Health Insurance and Joint Replacement Surgery

Insurance should be verified before elective surgery whenever possible. Even if a hospital participates with an insurance company, your particular health plan may use a different provider network.

Insurance Term	What It Generally Means
In-network	A provider or facility participating in the applicable network for your plan.
Out-of-network	A provider outside the plan’s contracted network; coverage and patient costs may differ substantially.
Deductible	The amount a patient generally pays toward covered services before certain plan payments apply, subject to plan rules.
Copayment	A fixed patient payment that may apply to a covered service.
Coinsurance	A percentage of an allowed cost that a member may owe after applicable plan rules are applied.
Prior authorization	Approval that may be required from the health plan before certain services are covered.
Out-of-pocket maximum	A plan-defined limit for qualifying covered costs during the relevant plan period, subject to the plan’s terms.

What to Confirm Before Surgery

Is the exact hospital or surgical facility in-network?
Is the orthopedic surgeon in-network?
Is the proposed procedure covered under the plan?
Is referral or prior authorization required?
Are anesthesia and other expected services in-network?
What deductible, copayment, and coinsurance may apply?
What is the estimated out-of-pocket responsibility?

Medicare beneficiaries can review general benefits and coverage information through Medicare.gov. People obtaining private coverage through the federal Marketplace can use HealthCare.gov for general plan information.

Outpatient vs. Inpatient Joint Replacement

Some appropriately selected patients may undergo joint replacement with a short hospital stay or in an outpatient setting, while others require inpatient care. The appropriate setting depends on the procedure, overall health, home support, surgical plan, anesthesia considerations, and the judgment of the treating team.

Do not choose outpatient surgery solely because it sounds cheaper or more convenient. Ask how the hospital determines whether a patient is suitable, what medical support is available after discharge, and what happens if unexpected problems arise.

Patients should also confirm how the chosen surgical setting affects their insurance benefits and estimated costs.

Preparing for Joint Replacement

Preparation can begin well before the operation. The orthopedic team may evaluate medical history, medications, mobility, home support, and other factors that influence surgery and recovery.

Patients should provide an accurate medication list and follow the treating team’s instructions about preoperative testing and medicines. Do not stop prescription medications independently because recommendations can differ according to the drug and medical condition.

Questions About Recovery

Ask when walking typically begins for patients undergoing your procedure, what assistive equipment may be needed, how physical therapy is organized, and what level of caregiver help is expected after discharge.

Recovery does not progress identically for everyone. Age, health, type of procedure, complications, previous mobility, muscle strength, and adherence to the rehabilitation plan can all affect progress.

International Patients Considering U.S. Joint Replacement

International patients evaluating orthopedic surgery in the United States should contact the hospital before arranging travel. Some large medical centers provide dedicated international patient services, but processes and financial requirements vary.

Patients may be asked to provide imaging, reports, previous surgical records, medication lists, and details of earlier treatment. A surgeon may need to review these materials before confirming that an in-person consultation or operation is appropriate.

International patients should also budget for accommodation, local transportation, a caregiver, follow-up appointments, and a longer stay if medically necessary. Ask when air travel may be considered appropriate after surgery; that decision should come from the treating medical team because individual risk factors vary.

When a Second Orthopedic Opinion Can Be Useful

A second opinion may be worth considering if you have been advised to undergo major joint surgery but remain uncertain about the diagnosis or treatment plan. It may be particularly valuable before complicated revision surgery or when different surgeons recommend substantially different approaches.

A second specialist may agree with the first recommendation, suggest additional nonsurgical management, recommend a different surgical technique, or identify information that needs further evaluation. Seeking another opinion does not by itself mean the first surgeon’s recommendation is incorrect.

Bring or transfer relevant imaging, operative reports, implant information, laboratory results, and previous treatment records so the second physician can evaluate the case properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hospital is best for knee replacement surgery in the USA?

There is no single knee replacement hospital that is medically best for every patient. Institutions such as Hospital for Special Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, NYU Langone, Rush, and several major academic centers have substantial orthopedic programs. A better comparison focuses on the surgeon who treats your specific knee condition, the procedure proposed, experience with primary or revision surgery, insurance coverage, rehabilitation services, and your individual medical risks.

What is the best hospital for hip replacement in the United States?

The appropriate hospital depends on whether you need a straightforward primary hip replacement, complex reconstruction, or revision of an existing implant. Research surgeons whose practices focus on hip reconstruction and ask about their experience with cases similar to yours. Hospital reputation can help identify major centers, but surgeon expertise, medical support, insurance arrangements, and follow-up logistics should influence the final decision.

How do I choose a good joint replacement surgeon?

Look for an orthopedic surgeon whose clinical practice substantially involves the procedure you need. Ask how frequently the surgeon performs it, whether they treat complicated cases, what surgical approach they recommend, why that approach is appropriate, and how postoperative care is organized. You can also verify licensing through the applicable state medical board and ask about board certification and orthopedic fellowship training.

Does Medicare cover hip and knee replacement surgery?

Medicare may cover medically necessary services that meet applicable program requirements, but the amount a patient owes depends on the type of Medicare coverage, the setting, participating providers, deductibles, coinsurance, and other plan rules. Patients with Medicare Advantage plans may also have network and authorization requirements. Review current benefits through Medicare.gov and confirm coverage with the plan and healthcare providers before elective surgery.

Does private health insurance cover joint replacement?

Coverage varies by insurance plan and medical circumstances. A plan may require that the hospital and surgeon be in-network, that clinical criteria be met, or that prior authorization be obtained. Deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance may still apply. Before scheduling surgery, confirm the exact hospital, surgeon, procedure, anesthesia services, and expected rehabilitation with the insurer rather than relying only on general information from a hospital website.

How much does a knee or hip replacement cost in the USA?

No single figure accurately represents every U.S. patient. Costs depend on the hospital, surgeon, implant, anesthesia, insurance contract, inpatient or outpatient setting, imaging, laboratory services, medications, rehabilitation, and whether complications occur. Revision procedures can involve additional complexity. Patients should use hospital price-transparency resources and request a personalized estimate from the hospital and insurer before planned surgery.

Is robotic joint replacement better than traditional surgery?

Robotic or computer-assisted systems can support surgical planning and execution in selected procedures, but the use of technology alone does not guarantee a better outcome. The value of a particular system depends on the procedure, patient anatomy, surgeon experience, and available evidence. Ask the surgeon why the technology is recommended for your case and how it changes the proposed operation.

How long does recovery take after joint replacement?

Recovery varies considerably and should not be reduced to a single timeline. The joint replaced, surgical technique, age, health, muscle strength, previous mobility, complications, and rehabilitation progress all matter. Some activities may resume relatively early while strength, endurance, and function continue improving for much longer. Your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist can provide a more individualized recovery plan.

Can I travel to another state for joint replacement?

Yes, patients sometimes travel for specialist orthopedic care, but travel creates additional planning requirements. Ask how long you should remain near the hospital, how postoperative checks will be handled, where physical therapy will occur, and who will manage problems after you return home. Verify out-of-state insurance coverage before scheduling because some plans have limited networks outside a patient’s home region.

When should I seek a second opinion before joint replacement?

Another orthopedic opinion can be useful when you are uncertain about the need for surgery, have received conflicting recommendations, face a complex revision procedure, or want to understand alternative treatments. It is also reasonable before a major elective operation if you want additional confidence in the diagnosis and plan. A second opinion should be based on complete medical records and imaging whenever possible.

What is revision joint replacement surgery?

Revision surgery involves removing, replacing, or reconstructing part or all of a previous artificial joint. It may be considered for problems such as implant loosening, instability, fracture, infection, bone loss, or other complications. Revision procedures can be more complex than first-time joint replacement, so patients may want to research surgeons and centers with specific experience in revision hip or knee reconstruction.

Can international patients have joint replacement in the USA?

Major U.S. academic hospitals may evaluate international patients, but acceptance, scheduling, payment arrangements, and documentation requirements vary. Contact the hospital directly before making travel plans. Ask which records must be reviewed, how costs are estimated, how long you may need to remain in the United States, and how rehabilitation and follow-up will be managed after you return home.

Choosing the Right Orthopedic Hospital for Your Joint Replacement

A successful hospital search should become more specific as you move forward. Start with reputable orthopedic centers, then narrow your options to surgeons who regularly treat the exact hip or knee problem you have. For a revision case, look specifically for revision expertise rather than assuming that every joint replacement surgeon handles the same level of complexity.

Compare the proposed treatment, surgeon credentials, hospital services, anesthesia and medical support, rehabilitation plan, location, and travel requirements. Then verify the financial side: hospital network status, physician network status, prior authorization, estimated patient responsibility, and any services that may be billed separately.

No hospital name can guarantee an individual result. The most appropriate choice is the institution and clinical team that match your medical needs while providing a realistic plan for surgery, rehabilitation, insurance, and follow-up. Discuss treatment decisions with a qualified orthopedic professional who has reviewed your medical history, imaging, symptoms, and personal goals.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hospital services, physicians, treatment approaches, prices, and insurance participation can change. Confirm current information directly with your orthopedic healthcare team, hospital, and insurer before making treatment decisions.