How long does a joint implant last?

“How many years does an implant last?” Most patients, especially if they are still fairly young, ask this first of all. The most honest answer is: there is no exact figure for each person. But we can look at what reliable sources say and what makes durability longer or shorter.

What do reliable sources say?

• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) writes about the knee that more than 90 percent of modern knee implants are still working well after 15 years. About the hip, it writes that with adjusted activity a hip implant can last many years.
• The UK National Health Service (NHS) writes that a knee implant usually lasts about 25 years and that a second replacement is not often needed.

These are statistics for groups of patients. They say “among the group, this percentage lasted”, not “how many years your implant will last”. For you it may be less or more. No promise can be made.

Why does an implant age?

An implant is made of metal and plastic. With every step, the plastic surface wears a tiny amount, like a car tyre. Over the years it may happen that:

• The parts wear (wear)
• The parts separate from the bone or become loose (loosening)
• Sometimes an infection or a fracture around the implant occurs

If wear or loosening causes pain, the surgeon may suggest a second operation (called a “revision”).

What changes durability?

• Weight. Extra weight adds strain and increases wear.
• Amount and type of activity. A lot of activity, or high-impact activity (running, jumping), speeds up wear. Low-impact activity (walking, swimming, cycling, dancing) is better for an implant.
• Age at the time of the operation. Someone who has the operation younger will use the implant for longer and may need one more replacement in their lifetime.
• Bone quality and long-term conditions. Such as osteoporosis or diabetes.
• Infection. An infection can ruin an implant sooner.
• The type of implant and the accuracy of its placement. This depends on the surgeon’s decision and experience and the state of your bone. You should ask your own surgeon about it.

What can I do?

• Follow your surgeon’s advice on exercise and activity.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Avoid falls. Be careful at home and outside.
• Treat any serious infection in the body (such as in a tooth or the skin) early, and tell the dentist you have an implant before dental work. The doctor decides whether preventive antibiotics are needed.
• Even if the joint is fine, go for check-ups and X-rays as your surgeon plans. Some problems start before pain does.
• If you get new pain, a limp, looseness or swelling, do not wait; let them know.

What if I am young?

If you are younger, the surgeon may raise other options before a joint replacement, or discuss more with you the type of implant and your future activity. This decision is entirely personal and must be made in discussion with the surgeon.

Summary

For many patients an implant works well for many years, but “how many years” differs for each person. Instead of worrying about a figure, think about what you can control: weight, suitable activity, follow-up and telling the doctor in good time. To get an answer about your own situation, talk to your doctor.