How Long Does a Hip Replacement Last?

What does the research say about how long hip replacements last?

One of the most widely cited long-term estimates comes from a 2019 systematic review published in The Lancet that pooled national registry data from Australia and Finland on more than 215,000 hip replacements. The results were:

In these studies, a hip counts as surviving if it has not needed a revision, meaning a second operation to replace some or all of the parts. That is a useful, practical measure, because it reflects whether the implant is still doing its job. It leaves out minor aches. Still, it answers the question most patients are really asking, which is how likely the operation will need to be done again.

• About 89 percent of hip replacements were still in place at 15 years.
• About 70 percent were still in place at 20 years.
• About 58 percent were still in place at 25 years.

What do those numbers mean for me?

The authors concluded that patients can expect a hip replacement to last 25 years in around 58 percent of cases. Published case series from individual centers showed even higher survival, about 78 percent at 25 years, though registry data is considered less likely to be biased.

Keep in mind that these implants were placed decades ago. A summary from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research notes that materials and techniques have changed since then, and average implant life is likely improving. For many people who have surgery in their 60s or 70s, that means a hip replacement may well last the rest of their lives.

What makes a hip replacement wear out or fail?

OrthoInfo describes several main reasons a hip replacement may need revision surgery:

• Loosening: the implant loses its bond with the bone over time, which can make the hip painful.
• Wear and osteolysis: tiny particles from the plastic liner can trigger bone loss around the implant, though modern plastics wear far less than older ones.
• Infection: bacteria can reach the implant during surgery or years later through the bloodstream, and usually require surgery to treat.
• Dislocation: the ball comes out of the socket, and repeated dislocations may need revision.
• Fracture: a break in the bone around the implant, most often from a fall.

What should younger, active patients know?

Younger patients have more years ahead of them and often use the hip harder, so they are more likely to outlive an implant and need a revision someday. MedlinePlus notes that younger people may put extra stress on an artificial hip, which can wear it out sooner. That is not a reason to live with years of disabling pain, but it is part of the decision.

For some patients younger than 60 with a larger frame and strong, healthy bone, hip resurfacing is an alternative. It caps the ball rather than removing it, saving more bone, and many surgeons believe a future revision may be easier. OrthoInfo also notes it carries specific risks, including thighbone fractures and reactions to metal particles, which is why it is done far less often than in the past.

Revision surgery is longer and more complex than the first operation, and results are often less predictable. Choosing an experienced hip surgeon and keeping the first replacement healthy is the most practical way to reduce that risk.

How can I help my hip replacement last?

Some factors are outside your control, but several habits help protect the implant.

Staying active is good for a replaced hip. Strong muscles help protect the joint and improve balance, which lowers the chance of falls. The goal is regular movement that you enjoy, chosen with the long life of the implant in mind. If you are unsure whether an activity is a good fit, ask your surgeon before you start.

• Favor lower-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, golf and doubles pickleball.
• Keep a healthy weight to reduce load on the joint.
• Build and maintain hip and core strength, and protect yourself from falls.
• Treat infections anywhere in the body promptly, and tell your dentist and other doctors about your hip replacement.
• Keep follow-up visits and X-rays as your surgeon recommends, even when the hip feels fine.

What are the signs of a failing hip replacement?

Loosening and wear can develop quietly, which is why routine check-ups matter. Call your surgeon if you notice new or increasing pain in the groin, thigh or buttock, especially pain with the first steps after rest, a new limp, a feeling of instability, clicking or grinding, or a leg that seems to be getting shorter.

Some symptoms need same-day attention. Go to the emergency room for a sudden pop with the leg turned or unable to bear weight, which may be a dislocation, or after a fall with new hip pain. Fever, redness, swelling or drainage around a replaced hip can mean infection and needs a prompt call.

What if my replaced hip hurts?

Pain after hip replacement does not always mean the implant has failed. Tendon irritation, back problems and other causes can all hurt in the same area. A careful exam, X-rays compared over time and sometimes blood tests or a joint fluid sample help find the reason.

Timing matters with a failing hip. Catching loosening or wear early, before it causes major bone loss, can make a revision simpler. That is one reason surgeons recommend periodic X-rays even when you feel well, and why a change in how the hip feels deserves attention rather than waiting.

Our team evaluates painful hip replacements and offers revision surgery when it is needed, and we see patients whose first surgery was done elsewhere. The Saturday Hip Pain Clinic is a convenient place for that conversation, and bringing your operative report and old X-rays helps.

Questions patients ask