How Long Does a Hip Replacement Last?
If you are considering hip replacement, one of the most common questions is: how long will the new hip last?
Long-term registry data shows the large majority of hip replacements are still functioning well at 15 years after surgery, and well-performing hip replacements can last 20+ years.
That does not mean every implant will last the same length of time. Your age, activity, bone quality, implant materials and how the replacement is positioned can all influence its long-term performance.
If you are in Adelaide and considering hip replacement, Dr David Kitchen can discuss these considerations, your hip condition, lifestyle and what you want to return to after surgery.
What is the evidence around hip replacement longevity?
The Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, or AOANJRR, tracks joint replacement outcomes across Australia.
Registry data shows that the large majority of hip replacements continue to function well at 15 years, with revision rates improving across successive generations of implants and surgical techniques.
Individual implant tracking also suggest that well-performing hip replacements can continue functioning for 20 years or more in patients.
What affects how long a hip replacement lasts?
Several things can influence implant longevity.
Implant materials                                                                        Â
Hip replacements are available with different combinations of materials, including ceramic, metal and polyethylene bearing surfaces. Different materials have different wear characteristics and Dr Kitchen will consider your age, anatomy and activity level when selecting an implant and bearing surface.
Implant positioning and surgical technique                                  Â
The position and alignment of the hip replacement can affect how the components function and wear over time, and is why detailed pre-operative planning is an important part of hip replacement surgery. In selected patients, Dr Kitchen may employ robotic-assisted Mako technology to support surgical planning and implant positioning.
Your age                                                                                                Â
Age has associated with differences in anatomy and bone quality. Younger patients may have stronger, denser bone and higher muscle strength, which can place greater forces through the hip during walking, work, sport and other activities. Older patients may have more fragile bone, reduced muscle mass or changes in joint anatomy that influence implant selection, fixation and surgical planning. The choice of implant and surgical approach is based on each patient’s anatomy, bone quality, health, activity level and long-term goals.
Activity level                                                                                             Â
Staying active is an important part of life after hip replacement, but different activities place different loads through the joint. Walking, swimming and cycling place less repetitive impact through a hip replacement than activities involving frequent running, jumping or heavy contact. Dr Kitchen can discuss limitations and when you may return to activities more s
Body weight                                                                                        Â
The hip is a load-bearing joint and higher body weight increases the forces passing through the replacement during everyday movement. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce unnecessary load on the hip, which may increase longevity and other health benefits too.
Bone quality                                                                                          Â
The strength and condition of the bone surrounding the implant can also affect long-term stability.This is another reason hip replacement decisions are based on the individual patient rather than age or X-rays alone.
Am I too young for a hip replacement?
This is a common concern for patients that are in their forties, fifties and early sixties.
A younger patient has more years ahead in which the implant may wear, so the possibility of revision surgery later in life needs to be discussed. Revision hip replacement is more complex than a first hip replacement, and this long-term possibility should be understood.
But age is not the only part of the decision.
Waiting also has consequences if hip arthritis is already causing substantial pain, loss of movement, reduced activity or difficulty working and living normally.
The decision is not simply about waiting until you reach a specific age. Dr Kitchen will consider the severity of the arthritis, your symptoms, general health, activity level and what the hip is stopping you from doing.
What can you do to protect a hip replacement?
There is no way to guarantee how long an implant will last, but there are practical ways to look after the joint over time. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Staying active with lower-impact exercise such as walking, swimming and cycling
- Discussing higher-impact sport or heavy physical activity with your treating team
- Attending recommended follow-up appointments
- Reporting new pain, swelling or a noticeable change in how the hip feels
If your activity goals include demanding sport or physical work, it is worth discussing these before surgery so expectations can form part of the treatment plan.
Hip replacement in Adelaide with Dr David Kitchen
Dr David Kitchen is an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with subspecialty training in hip and knee surgery. He performs total hip replacement, robotic-assisted hip replacement using Mako technology and revision hip replacement surgery.
During consultation, Dr Kitchen will review your symptoms, imaging, hip anatomy, health and activity goals before determining if hip replacement is suitable and discussing what long-term considerations matter in your situation.
Dr Kitchen consults privately at sportsmed Stepney and Henley Beach, and The Specialist Clinic in Port Pirie.
Experiencing hip problems?
If hip pain, stiffness or reduced movement is affecting your walking, sleep, work, exercise or independence, speak with your GP about a referral to Dr David Kitchen.
A specialist assessment can help determine the cause of your hip symptoms and if hip replacement is suitable for you.
*This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. All surgical procedures carry risks and results vary between individuals. Consult with Dr David Kitchen MBBS MA (Cantab) BA Hons PhD FRACS FAOrthA (MED0001951664), Orthopaedic Specialist, for a personalised treatment plan.
References
Australian Orthopaedic Association. (2024). Hip, knee & shoulder arthroplasty: 2024 Annual report. https://aoanjrr.sahmri.com/documents/10180/1798900/AOANJRR%2B2024%2BAnnual%2BReport.pdf
Evans, J. T, Evans, J. P, Walker, R. W, Blom, A. W, Whitehouse, M. R, & Sayers. (2019). How long does a hip replacement last? A systematic review and meta-analysis of case series and national registry reports with more than 15 years of follow-up. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(18)31665-9
Sagar Telang, Amir Human Hoveidaei, Mayfield, C. K, Lieberman, J. R, Mont, M. A, & Heckmann. (2024). Are Activity Restrictions Necessary After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review. Arthroplasty Today, 30, 101576–101576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artd.2024.101576