Understanding Hip Replacement - Is a new joint the answer to your pain?
MedMaven
The medical journal Lancet reported in February 2019 that, based on a literature review and metanalysis, patients and surgeons can expect a hip replacement to last 25 years in around 58% of patients.
In the USA, there is an estimated 400,000 total hip arthroplasties (THA) annually. Invesigators set out to answer the question all patients ask: how long does a hip replacement last?
They found that on average THA was performed between the ages were 58-74 yrs. Overall 55-58% were female and the majority (62-88%) of THAs were for osteoarthritis.
Using the available data, the authors conclude that three-quarters of hip replacements last 15–20 years and just over half of hip replacements last 25 years in patients with osteoarthritis.
Choosing a Doctor
If you are considering a joint replacement, what should you look for in a doctor or clinic?
- How many of these surgeries have you performed?
- Do you have outcomes data?
- Are you using the most recent technology?
Experience. Choose a doctor who specializes in and performs a lot of joint replacements.
Volume. Outcomes are consistently better at hospitals where a high number of procedures are performed and with doctors who perform a high volume of procedures.5
Outcomes. If possible, check outcomes data and choose a doctor with a high success rate and a low complication rate.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor When Considering Hip Replacement
- If I do not have this surgery, what can I expect?
- If I do have this surgery, what can I expect?
- What are the risks and the complications of this surgery?
- How invasive is this procedure?
- How large will the scar be?
- How much pain can I expect, and how will it be managed?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- How long will the implant last, and what can I do to ensure that it lasts as long as possible?
- How long is the recovery process? What can I expect in the days, weeks, and months following surgery?
- Will I have any limitations after surgery?
