A hip replacement is a surgical procedure that's necessary when osteoarthritis or injury damages the joint so much that it no longer functions properly. It's an invasive operation that results in a better quality of life — but for how long?
Hip replacements are durable, but they do have a lifespan that varies due to multiple factors. If you're tired of living with unbearable hip pain, Dr. Omar Osmani provides total hip replacements at his practice, Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico.
Located in Roswell, New Mexico, our office has the latest technology and prosthetics to give your new hip the longest possible life.
A hip replacement consists of a prosthetic that replaces damaged bone and acts like your natural hip joint. The prosthetic is made from medical-grade plastics, ceramics, and metals so that it can last as long as possible.
According to the National Library of Medicine, many people with hip replacements get 25 years out of the prosthetic — but that's not true for everyone. The majority of people will get over 10 years out of the prosthetic, and some will get at least 15.
Most people will fall in the 15- to 20-year mark with a hip replacement. Those who are in good shape and take extra care of their hips can get 25 years out of them. There are both changeable and non-changeable factors that contribute to the lifespan of your artificial hip.
Many factors affect the life of the hip prosthetic, including those that you can change and those that you can't. We discuss these factors before you go in for surgery so you know what to expect and how to care for the new hip to extend its life.
Several key factors influence how long the hip will last, and they include:
Age plays a significant role in the lifespan of the hip. Older patients tend to get more life out of their new hip because they're typically less active, which puts less strain on the implant.
Younger patients with hip replacements tend to be more active, putting daily stress on the joint, shortening its lifespan.
Excess weight puts strain on the prosthetic hip, shortening its lifespan. Obesity can cause the new joint to break down faster than usual or can lead to dislocation over time.
Your activity level is a significant indicator of the longevity of your new hip. High-impact activities are detrimental to the hip, causing wear and damage over time. Low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are best because they limit stress on the joint.
Overall health and medical conditions affect how long the joint lasts. Diabetes and obesity are two issues that may shorten the lifespan of the artificial joint, especially when they're uncontrolled.
The implant materials also play a role in how long the hip lasts. Although most newer implants are highly durable, some materials are better than others, including ceramics and metals. How the implant attaches to the existing bone also plays into its lifespan.
Proper post-operative care and adherence to a rehabilitation program are crucial to extending the life of the implant. Avoiding activities too soon and avoiding injury to the new hip helps extend its life.
Discussing concerns before the procedure is an essential step in planning the lifespan of a hip replacement. Dr. Osmani discusses what you can do to ensure you get the maximum life out of your prosthetic.
We offer the following tips to our patients undergoing a hip replacement to help them extend the life of the prosthetic:
Following our post-op care instructions and participating in rehabilitation are the best ways to start enjoying your new hip for a long time.
To learn more about our hip replacement surgery, please call our Roswell, New Mexico, office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Osmani or request one online through our website.
