How long does hip arthroplasty last

In the US alone, surgeons perform more than , knee replacements and about , hip replacements each year.

These operations can provide a major improvement in quality of life and function for those with severe arthritis. So, if the first joint replacement is unsuccessful for some reason such as infection or loosening , a second or even third operation may be necessary. Unfortunately, no one can be sure that a hip or knee replacement will be the last operation needed on that joint.

In addition, a number of factors, including surgical technique and surgeon experience, how many operations a particular hospital or surgeon performs each year, and patient factors including age, weight and activity level can all have powerful effects on how long a replaced joint lasts.

But we do have an idea of how long a joint replacement will last based on data from past surgeries. For 42 years, until , my knee operated bone on bone with no cartilage to cushion the bone ends. I got around pretty well, but after too much walking my knee ached, and I could never kneel, bend my knee too much, or sit with my knee bent.

I found a surgeon I liked, Dr. He also said that over the years I had damaged the bones so his device might not have been my answer. Hallock replaced my knee, and I recovered pretty well. Unfortunately, my knee replacement lasted two years. I knew instantly that the new knee had failed and that my kneecap had dislocated.

Later Dr. Hallock determined that the spacer that goes between the top and bottom halves of the new joint — basically like a thick cartilage — broke loose. In a macabre kind of way I wanted to keep it.

For some months before the failure I had noticed that my replacement knee was kind of wobbly and audibly clickety-klackety — and it makes sense now that those symptoms might have meant that the spacer was loose or coming loose. Still discomfort if I overdo it, but better than the 40 years of being bone-on-bone.

It was very interesting to see how the device and its parts work as well as to handle it, and also to see their other devices.

At this point I expect at least years — well more than 2 — from it. I had both knees done at the same time. YES, same time. That was 14 years ago. NO problems. I had a wonderful Ortho Doc on Cape Cod and he had another doctor assisting. Most important on the agenda for several months. Now at 77 years young, it is absolutely true, use it or lose it…The pain prior to the surgery was worse than the recuperating pain.

Somebody is laughing all the way to the bank as usual…. Ella Craig. As a complimentary issue to the above, what is the timeline and level of stress related to the recovery process from a hip and knee replacement?

I tapered off the opioids as quickly as possible and got on Tylenol. At nine weeks we were off to France with the family for two weeks.

Lots of walking and did pretty well. Now scheduled for one year checkup with no discomfort. Best of luck. I had a knee replacement done in October He and his staff told me repeatedly that I had bones like butter and Mush. I have osteopenia and everything he said was Untrue to cover the fact that he fractured my femur. I was in rehab for four months daily and because of wearing the immobilizer for a few weeks, I have limited bending ability and.

Constant pain. The shoulder has NOT done well; was told recovery was to be a year. Well, guess what? I never did get full mobility or strength back, the rotator cuff is gone, a chip off the humerous shoulder bone was on all of the x-rays. Now I am getting bills 2 yrs. Was tested for osteoporosis and had x-rays done by another doctor. Very sorry for your horrid experience. Even if it seems you have a good one, I guess the outcome is unpredictable….

Yes I have had both thumb joints replaced using part of my tendon for the joint replacement-nothing artificial. They were done in and by an excellent surgeon. I am very pleased with the results. Using the ligaments in the area, it keeps the bones from grinding on each other. Works pretty well. Same range of motion, no pain. Wish they could do it for a shoulder.

For many years most replacements went into the elderly who died well before the replacement wore out. My mother had a hip done at 81 and died at Would they recommend it and how successful was the end result? Thanks Patrick. Hello, I had a total knee replacement in I could not be happier. Two important recommendations… choose your orthopedic surgeon wisely and do all the PT recommended.

It would be desirable to learn about the US results for knee injury surgeries. All countries listing successfully knee surgeries are small countries. What are they doing differently? Patrick McCullan…. In response to your question re: ankle replacement… I had my ankle replacement surgery at Stanford University Med, Center in l…28 years ago!! Good luck!

Patrick, I had total ankle replacement about 3 years ago, best decision I have ever made. I am now 65 years old, I just retired from nursing but had a desk job.

I expect my new ankle joint to function probably the rest of my life. I was out of work about 10 weeks, then went back on part days using a knee scooter. I did post op physical therapy once weekly for 4 weeks then was back to baseline. I started range of motion at home as soon as I could. Mine is a device that has 2 separate ends in the bones with a ball center. This allows that the only replacement that may be needed is the ball itself. My walk is no different that anyone else now.

Do your knees or hips hurt? Most people will at some point have knee or hip pain because these large joints have a demanding task: they must bear the full weight of your body while at the same time allowing for a wide range of motion. Wear and tear, injury, and simple genetic predisposition can all contribute to knee or hip pain. This Special Health Report, Knees and Hips: A troubleshooting guide to knee and hip pain , covers a wide range of knee and hip conditions and describes in detail treatments, preventive strategies, and surgeries.

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Health news headlines can be deceiving. In a healthy hip, soft-tissue called cartilage covers the ball and the socket to help them glide together smoothly. If this cartilage gets worn down or damaged, the bones scrape together and become rough.

This condition, osteoarthritis , causes pain and restricts motion. An arthritic hip can make it painful to walk or even to get in or out of a chair. If you have been diagnosed with hip arthritis, you may not need surgery.

But, if these efforts do not relieve symptoms, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon. The most common type of hip replacement surgery is called a total hip replacement also called total hip arthroplasty. In this surgery, worn-out or damaged sections of your hip are replaced with artificial implants.

The socket is replaced with a durable plastic cup, which may or may not also include a titanium metal shell. Your femoral head will be removed and replaced with a ball made from ceramic or a metal alloy. The new ball is attached to a metal stem that is inserted into the top of your femur. Learn more about types of hip implants.

Two other types of hip replacement surgeries are each generally appropriate for patients of specific age groups and activity levels:.

X-ray of a total hip replacement showing the ball, socket and stem implants. To begin the operation, the hip replacement surgeon will make incisions on either the back posterior or front anterior of the hip. Both approaches offer pain relief and improvement in walking and movement within weeks of surgery.

There are certain steps patients can take both before and after surgery to improve recovery time and results. It is important to follow the instructions and guidance provided by your orthopedic surgeon, medical team and rehabilitation therapist. Visit Preparing for Your Surgery to get information on preoperative hip replacement classes and patient education materials about joint replacement surgery. Most patients will stay in the hospital one or two nights after surgery. Some patients may be able have same-day hip replacement and return home after an outpatient procedure.

Total hip replacement surgery takes about one and a half hours. Most patients also stay in the hospital for one or two days after the procedure. Your rehabilitation will begin within 24 hours after surgery.

Most hip replacement patients progress to walking with a cane, walker or crutches within day or two after surgery. As the days progress, you will increase the distance and frequency of walking. Yes, healthy patients younger than 75 years old who have no history of cardiopulmonary disease may be able to have both hips replaced at once.

In some cases, however, it may be better to stage the surgeries. The surgery is very safe, but every surgery has risks, and infection is the most serious.