How Long Do Joint Replacements Last?
At a Glance: The bottom line, joint replacements are lasting longer because of improved implant materials and surgical accuracy from robotic surgery and computer navigation.
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Most people who undergo joint replacement surgery want to know one thing: how long will it last?
Decades of research show that most modern joint replacements last 15–25 years, and many function well beyond that when properly maintained. Longevity depends on factors such as age, activity level, body weight, and the surgical technique used.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How long hip and knee replacements last based on the latest data
- What affects implant lifespan
- How to protect your new joint
- What revision surgery involves
- Key questions to ask your orthopedic surgeon
Learn more about joint replacement at CHRISTUS.
Why Joint Replacement Longevity Varies
While most implants last decades, outcomes vary from person to person.
- Age & Activity: Younger, highly active individuals place more stress on the joint.
- Body Weight: Additional weight increases wear.
- Implant Material: Ceramic and cross-linked polyethylene show better long-term performance.
- Surgical Technique & Alignment: Correct positioning reduces uneven stress.
- Post-Op Care: Physical therapy and regular imaging help detect early wear.
Hip Replacement Lifespan
The most comprehensive analysis to date (Evans JT et al., The Lancet, 2019) examined over 215,000 hip replacements from international registries. It found that 85% of hip replacements remain in place after 20 years and about 58% last 25 years.
More recent research confirms continued improvement. A 2023 global meta-analysis reported ~90% survival at 15 years, reflecting advances in implant materials and surgical precision (Chauhan et al., J Clin Med, 2023).
Common Hip Replacement Questions
How many times can a hip be replaced?
Most hips can be revised once or twice. Each revision is more technically demanding but often successful in restoring mobility.
What can you never do again after a hip replacement?
Avoid high-impact or twisting activities such as running, deep squatting, or contact sports. Low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling is ideal.
Why might my hip hurt 10 years after surgery?
Possible causes include implant wear, loosening, minor infection, or bone remodeling. Imaging and clinical evaluation can pinpoint the reason.
How will I know when a replacement is wearing out?
Watch for persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, or instability—early indicators of loosening or wear.
What’s the leading cause of hip revision?
Registry analyses identify aseptic loosening, infection, and dislocation as the most common reasons (Evans et al., 2019).
More about yours hips
Understanding hip replacement recovery
Learn what to expect during hip replacement recovery week-by-week. Explore timelines, side effects, and expert care from CHRISTUS Health. Understand average timelines for recovery and what to expect with recovery.
Knee Replacement Longevity
The companion Lancet analysis on knees (Evans JT et al., 2019) reviewed 299,000 total knee replacements (TKR) and found that 82% lasted 25 years, while ~90% survived at 15 years.
Later registry data show similar or slightly improved results, with certain high-flexion designs achieving 96–98% survival at 10–12 years (Kim et al., J Orthop Surg Res, 2024).
Partial vs. Total Knees
Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacements tend to have shorter lifespans — about 70% survival at 25 years (Evans et al., 2019) — but may offer faster recovery for select patients.
What to Expect 20 Years After Surgery
Most individuals still have good function and pain relief after two decades. Some experience stiffness or minor wear symptoms, which imaging can monitor.
Signs Your Knee Replacement May Be Wearing Out
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Clicking or grinding sensations
- Decreased range of motion
- Feeling of instability
Can You Have a Knee Replacement Twice?
Yes. Revision surgery is possible, though each operation becomes more complex and may require specialized implants.
How Often Should a Knee Replacement Be Checked?
Most orthopedic surgeons recommend imaging every 3–5 years, even if you feel well, and sooner if new symptoms appear.
What Is the Longest a Knee Replacement Can Last?
Long-term registry studies document patients maintaining the same implant for 30 years or more, especially those who maintain healthy weight and moderate activity levels (Evans et al., 2019).
More about your knees
Understanding knee replacement recovery
Learn what to expect during knee replacement recovery week-by-week. Explore timelines, side effects, and expert care from CHRISTUS Health. Understand average timelines for recovery and what to expect with recovery.
Lifespan of Other Joint Replacements
Data for smaller joints are more limited, but research suggests durable outcomes:
- Shoulder: 10–20 years (Fevang et al., Acta Orthop, 2019)
- Ankle: 10–15 years (Henricson et al., Foot Ankle Surg, 2022)
- Elbow: 10–15 years (Voloshin et al., J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 2021)
- Finger / Toe / Jaw: typically ≥10 years depending on load and implant material
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When Revisions Are Needed
Even well-functioning implants can eventually wear down. Revisions are typically performed for:
- Implant loosening or migration
- Infection around the prosthesis
- Bone loss or fracture
- Chronic pain or stiffness
Revision procedures are complex but can restore comfort and motion when handled by experienced orthopedic surgeons.
How to Make Your Joint Replacement Last Longer
You play the biggest role in your implant’s lifespan.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Prioritize low-impact exercise
- Avoid repetitive twisting or jumping
- Keep up with physical therapy
- Attend regular follow-up visits
“Long-term implant survival improves dramatically when patients adhere to post-surgical rehabilitation and weight-management plans,” notes a CHRISTUS rehabilitation specialist.
Explore outpatient rehabilitation and joint replacement physical therapy.
Why People Choose CHRISTUS for Joint Replacement Surgery
CHRISTUS orthopedic surgeons use advanced implant designs proven in long-term studies to last decades. Integrated rehabilitation, personalized care, and ongoing monitoring help individuals regain movement and confidence that endure. Search locations to find a CHRISTUS orthopedics clinic near you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Many implants last 20–25 years or more. Longevity depends on individual health and activity level.
High-impact activity, excess body weight, infection, or skipping follow-ups.
Pain, swelling, or instability are common signs. Imaging confirms wear or loosening.
Yes. Modern implants are safe and airport security is accustomed to detecting them.