I have hip arthritis
Hip pain, stiffness, limping, trouble with shoes or socks, and difficulty walking may mean the hip joint needs evaluation.
Adult reconstructive surgery in Beirut
Hip and knee replacement care for pain, stiffness, and complex joint problems.
Dr. Rida Adel Kassim is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in total hip replacement, total knee replacement, complex hip and knee reconstruction, revision surgery, and infected prosthesis care.
Training
AUB + University of Minnesota
Medical school and orthopedic residency at AUB, followed by adult reconstruction fellowship training in the United States.
Special Focus
Complex hip and knee cases
Total joint replacement, revision reconstruction, and infected total joint care.
Choose your situation
Find the path that sounds most like your problem.
Patients usually arrive with one of four concerns. Pick the closest situation, then book a consultation with your imaging and reports.
I have knee arthritis
Knee pain with stairs, standing from a chair, swelling, deformity, or reduced walking distance may need treatment planning.
I already had a replacement
Persistent pain, instability, loosening, wear, or functional decline after a prior implant may require revision assessment.
I may have an infected prosthesis
New pain, wound drainage, fever, swelling, or abnormal blood tests after joint replacement should be reviewed urgently.
When to visit
Consider an orthopedic consultation when joint pain starts changing your life.
Leading orthopedic centers explain hip and knee replacement around the same patient signs: persistent pain, stiffness, loss of motion, difficulty walking, trouble climbing stairs, and symptoms that no longer respond well to nonsurgical treatment.
Hip or knee arthritis
Osteoarthritis can gradually wear away cartilage, causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement.
Walking and stairs are harder
Patients often seek help when pain affects walking, stairs, getting out of chairs, or daily routines.
Treatment is not enough anymore
Medication, physical therapy, injections, rest, or walking aids may help for a time. Surgery is considered when conservative treatment no longer gives acceptable relief.
Previous implant problem
Revision surgery may be needed for loosening, wear, instability, infection, or persistent pain after a prior joint replacement.
Your first visit
Arrive prepared so the consultation can lead to a clear plan.
A strong first visit should clarify the diagnosis, review previous treatment, and decide whether the next step is nonsurgical care, more testing, or surgery.
Bring with you
- Recent X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or imaging CDs if available.
- Prior operation reports if you already had joint replacement.
- Medication list, allergies, and medical history.
- Insurance or third-party payer information.
Expect during the visit
- Discussion of pain, function, walking, stairs, and daily limitations.
- Physical exam of strength, movement, stability, and gait.
- Review of imaging and possible request for updated X-rays or labs.
- Treatment options and a practical next-step plan.
Specialized care
Care pathways for hip, knee, revision, and infected prosthesis cases.
Total Hip Replacement
Hip replacement removes damaged bone and cartilage and replaces the joint with prosthetic components. The goal is to reduce pain, improve movement, and make daily activity easier.
Total Knee Replacement
Knee replacement resurfaces damaged joint surfaces with metal and plastic components. It is considered when severe arthritis or injury limits function and other treatments are no longer enough.
Revision and Infected Prosthesis
Dr. Kassim takes special interest in complex hip and knee reconstruction, including infected total joints. These cases often require detailed planning, staged treatment, and close follow-up.
Patient journey
What to expect before surgery, in the hospital, and at home.
This section combines Dr. Kassim's original patient instructions with patient-friendly guidance modeled on major orthopedic hospital resources.
First visit and decision
Your symptoms, medical history, walking, strength, range of motion, X-rays, and goals are reviewed. The consultation should clarify whether surgery is appropriate now or whether nonsurgical care should continue.
Pre-op preparation
Testing may include bloodwork, urine testing, chest X-ray, EKG, and anesthesia assessment. You may be asked to stop certain medicines before surgery and complete any hospital or insurance requirements before the operation date.
Prepare your home
Arrange a walker or cane, a ride home, help with meals and bathing, secure handrails, remove loose rugs, and consider a raised toilet seat or shower chair if recommended.
Surgery and hospital stay
Hip and knee replacement commonly take around one to two hours, depending on complexity. With fast protocols, most patients stay in the hospital for one day.
Early movement
Breathing exercises, pain control, antibiotics, anticoagulation, wound care, and physical therapy begin early. Walking usually starts with support from a walker or crutches.
Recovery at home
Follow the therapy plan, keep the wound protected, change dressings as instructed, and progress gradually from walker to cane. Recovery varies; many patients need weeks to months to rebuild strength and confidence.
Recovery timeline
Recovery is gradual. The plan should be clear before you go home.
Every patient is different, but most people need a structured plan for wound care, walking support, physical therapy, and follow-up.
First days
Pain control, breathing exercises, anticoagulation, wound monitoring, and assisted walking begin early.
First 2 weeks
Focus on safe walking, swelling control, keeping the wound protected, and following therapy instructions.
Around 3 weeks
Dr. Kassim's original instructions note suture removal around three weeks, depending on healing and wound status.
6-12 weeks
Many patients continue building strength, balance, range of motion, and confidence with walking.
Safety and recovery
Clear instructions matter after joint replacement.
Call the clinic for
Wound drainage, increasing redness, unusual soreness, significant leg swelling, difficulty breathing, fever, or sudden worsening pain.
Hip precautions
Depending on the surgical approach, patients may be told not to cross the legs, bend the hip too far, twist, or sit on low chairs during early recovery.
Activity expectations
Low-impact activities are usually preferred after recovery. High-impact activity should be discussed directly with the surgeon.
About Dr. Kassim
Fellowship-trained adult reconstructive orthopedic surgeon.
Dr. Kassim completed undergraduate studies, medical school training, and orthopedic residency at the American University of Beirut. He then completed a fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery at the University of Minnesota in the United States.
His main interest is complex hip and knee reconstruction with special emphasis on infected total joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions before surgery and recovery.
These answers are based on the previous clinic FAQ and have been reorganized into a simpler format.
Is joint replacement the best treatment for me right now? What other treatments should I think about?
The decision depends on your pain, mobility, imaging, and response to non-surgical treatment. The Surgery Journey section outlines the usual decision process.
How well does this surgery work for someone my age and with any of the medical problems I may have?
Results vary by diagnosis, age, overall health, and readiness for surgery. These factors are reviewed during consultation before a recommendation is made.
Will I be able to walk without pain? How far?
You will be able to walk freely with minimum pain, not pain free.
Will I be able to do other activities, such as golf, swimming, tennis, or hiking? When can I do them?
Six months post-surgery, although hiking is not advisable.
Is there anything that I can do before the surgery so it will be more successful for me?
Read our instructions in the Surgery Journey section and follow them.
Are there exercises I should do to make my muscles stronger?
Yes, you will be taught to do them prior to the surgery.
Can I learn to use crutches or a walker before I have the surgery?
Yes, it is advisable.
Do I need to lose weight before surgery?
Weight loss is not always required, but it may reduce stress on the joint and support recovery.
How much help will I need when I come home? Will I be able to get out of bed?
Most patients can manage basic transfers and reach the bathroom by discharge, but help at home is still useful.
How can I make my home safer for me?
Avoid slippery floors and footwear, remove loose rugs, and keep essential items within easy reach.
How can I make it easier for myself in the bathroom and shower?
Many patients need help with showering at first. Keep the wound protected from water as instructed and use a chair if recommended.
What type of supplies will I need when I get home?
You may need a walker, a cane, and in some cases a raised toilet seat, especially after hip replacement.
Do I need to rearrange my home?
No.
What should I do if there are steps that go to my bedroom or bathroom?
You may need assistance at first, but a small number of steps is often manageable with the right support and instruction.
Do I need a hospital bed?
No, unless requested by your physician.
Do I need to go to a rehabilitation facility?
No, a physiotherapist will be on a scheduled visit.
What are the risks or complications of the surgery?
Risks can include infection, blood clots, wound problems, anesthesia-related complications, and issues related to the implant. These are discussed before surgery.
What can I do before surgery to make the risks lower?
Stopping smoking and alcohol, following pre-op instructions, bathing as instructed, and doing recommended exercises may help reduce risk.
For which of my medical problems (diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure) do I need to see my doctor?
All significant medical conditions should be reviewed before surgery so the operation can be planned safely.
Will I need a blood transfusion during or after the surgery? Isn't there a way of saving my blood before the surgery so it can be used during the surgery?
Auto-transfusion is not routinely used. If blood arrangements are needed, the clinic will tell you what to do in advance.
How long will the surgery last?
Surgery is around one hour and 30 minutes for primary surgery and around three hours for revision. As for hospital stay, it is usually one day.
What type of anesthesia will be used? Are there choices to consider?
Anesthesia options are discussed with the anesthesiologist before surgery.
Will I be in a lot of pain after surgery?
Some pain is expected after surgery, but pain control is part of the recovery plan.
What will be done to relieve the pain?
Pain is usually managed with medication, early movement, and guidance from the care team.
How soon will I be getting up and moving around?
The second day after the surgery.
How do I get to the bathroom after surgery? Would I have a catheter in my bladder?
Most patients do not need a urinary catheter after surgery unless there is a specific medical reason, such as difficulty urinating afterward.
Will I have physical therapy in the hospital?
Yes. Physical therapy starts early as part of the fast recovery protocol.
What other types of treatment or therapy will I have at the hospital?
Hospital treatment may include IV antibiotics, pain control, assisted walking, and monitoring during early recovery.
How long do I need to be in the hospital?
Most patients stay one day in the hospital with fast protocols.
Will I be able to walk when I leave the hospital? Will I be able to go home after being in the hospital, or will I need to go somewhere else to recover more?
Most patients leave the hospital able to walk with support. The discharge plan depends on safety, mobility, and transportation needs.
Do I need to stop taking any medicines before my surgery?
Yes. Anticoagulants and some other medicines may need to be stopped before surgery. Review this with your nurse manager when your case is scheduled.
How to become a patient
The booking process should be simple and visible.
Use the current clinic numbers below to schedule a consultation and arrive prepared with your records.
Call or email
Call AUBMC ext. 5860, call +961 (03) 526-229, or email rk244@aub.edu.lb.
Confirm clinic day
Clinic hours are Monday and Wednesday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, and Friday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM.
Prepare your records
Bring imaging, prior reports, medication list, medical conditions, and insurance information.
Book an appointment
AUBMC clinic, by appointment.
Clinic venue: American University of Beirut Medical Center, 4th floor, Phase 1, OPD entrance.
Clinic Hours
- Monday
- 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Friday
- 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
AUBMC: +961 (01) 350-000 ext. 5860
Mobile: +961 (03) 526-229
Email: rk244@aub.edu.lb
LinkedIn: Dr. Rida Kassim
Facebook: Dr. Rida Kassim
Practice location
AUBMC
4th floor, Phase 1, OPD entrance
+961 (01) 350-000 ext. 5860