Hip replacement is related to need, not age. Total hip replacement is considered to be an effective procedure that can help patients resume a more active lifestyle.

Over 32.5 million Americans are diagnosed with osteoarthritis¹ and more than 540,000 hip replacements are performed each year.² Yet many Americans choose years of conservative care (physical therapy, drugs, injections) to lessen, but not eliminate, their joint pain. If everyday activities are causing pain and interfering with your daily life, you may benefit from talking with an orthopaedic surgeon, no matter what your age is.

Many patients who could benefit greatly from a hip replacement are worried that they will not be able to comfortably and confidently return to their normal activities of daily living. In fact, delaying surgery may lower patients’ quality of life not only before the operation, but even for up to two years following surgery, according to a study in Arthritis & Rheumatism.²³ However, there is a higher probability that younger patients may need to undergo a second hip replacement later in life.

Today, hip replacement patients have a choice of hip implant types as well as a variety of implant shapes and sizes designed to accommodate specific needs and different lifestyles. There are also a range of technologies available to assist with your surgery. Talk to your orthopaedic surgeon about your individual needs and the clinical history of the implant your surgeon recommends for you.

Hip replacement is one of the most successful surgeries today, with 89% of patients reporting overall satisfaction.³ Studies have also shown that 96% of hip implants still function 10 years post-surgery.⁴ One of the most common surgeries in the U.S., over 540,000 hip replacements are performed annually. This number continues to grow as our population ages.²

Potential benefits patients may experience after surgery include pain relief, improved mobility and more freedom to pursue everyday activities, such as walking and climbing stairs.⁵

Recovery is a gradual process, and each patient recovers differently. Many people achieve recovery in 3-6 months. You will continue the exercises you began in the hospital or surgery center and gradually increase the number and duration of the exercises. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to activities like walking without a cane, walker, or crutches; driving a car; and returning to work.

As you progress in your recovery, you may be ready to explore some hip-friendly sports or leisure activities, such as walking, bike riding, golf, moderate hiking, dancing, doubles tennis, rowing, bowling, yoga, boating/canoeing, or swimming (once your wound has completely healed). Before returning to activity, you should talk to your orthopaedic surgeon about whether these activities are appropriate for you. Review the Your Journey Through Recovery brochure for additional information.

Your Journey Through Recovery