How Long does a Hip Replacement Last Today?
“Hip implants are like cars, where mileage can vary”
With gaining popularity of Total Hip replacement, today even younger patients are coming for this surgery. When conservative treatments fail and patients consider a joint replacement, they want to know how long they can expect their new joint to last. Let’s know about How long does a Hip Replacement last today.
Hip replacements can last 10 to 20 years or 30 years. However, some may last even longer, while others may require revision surgery sooner. A new Hip implant in a 40-year-old super active is probably going to wear out faster than the same implant in a 65-year-old who enjoys strolling in evening.
Hip replacements can last 10 to 20 years or 30 years. However, some may last even longer, while others may require revision surgery sooner. A new Hip implant in a 40-year-old super active is probably going to wear out faster than the same implant in a 65-year-old who enjoys strolling in evening.
Three factors play the largest role in hip implant longevity
New generation implant biomaterials like ceramics, oxidized zirconium articulating with strengthened plastic (using Vit E or cross linked) are expected to wear less, so last longer and thus increase durability. There is good reason to suspect that implants made from this material will last longer than plastics that were previously used, but only time can tell.
In general, try to remember:
“Weight, activity, and implant type have the most significant impact on how long a joint replacement will last.
- Avoid repetitive heavy lifting
- Avoid excessive stair climbing
- Maintain an appropriate weight
- Stay healthy and active
- Shy away from low seating surfaces and chairs
“We tell patients to expect 20 to 25 years on their new joint,” for majority of cases. We may win more time if activity level doesn’t put demands on implant. For patients who are at least 60 years of age, a hip replacement will probably last for a lifetime.
The newer materials, the novel technical procedures, enhanced surgical accuracy and the new knowledge that is being applied to today’s surgery should impact and enhance implant longevity.