For anyone living with severe arthritis, the thought of walking without pain or climbing stairs without thinking twice can be pretty appealing.
And for many people, joint replacement surgery makes that possible.
But before committing to surgery, you may be wondering: How long will my new joint actually last?
“Joint replacement surgery is one of the most successful procedures we perform, but patients understandably want to know how long that new joint is going to last,” says Ryan Thacher, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Hartford HealthCare. “The good news is that many modern hip and knee replacements are very durable and can last for decades. But an implant is still a mechanical part, so longevity depends on several factors.”
Here’s what affects how long your new joint lasts, and what you can do to get the most out of it.
1. Most joint replacements are built to last for decades
Modern joint replacements aren’t short-term fixes. In many cases, they can last 20 years or longer.
“Today’s implants are designed to be durable,” says Dr. Thacher. “For many people, we’re talking about decades of improved function, not a procedure that only buys them a few years.”
Studies suggest that:
- About 58% of hip replacements last at least 25 years.
- About 82% of total knee replacements last at least 25 years.
“But those numbers are averages, not guarantees,” says Dr. Thacher. “The important thing is to think in realistic ranges, not exact expiration dates. Your outcome will also depend on your age, health, activity level and the type of joint being replaced.”
> Related: 7 Everyday Habits That Wreck Your Joints
2. Hip and knee replacements don’t last the same amount of time
You might assume that replacing a hip and replacing a knee are pretty similar procedures. But the two joints work differently, and that can affect how they hold up over time.
Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint, while your knee has a more complex structure that allows it to bend, straighten and rotate slightly.
And the joint itself is only part of the equation.
Other factors that can affect how long a replacement lasts include:
- Whether you have a total or partial replacement.
- The materials used in your implant.
- The strength and quality of your bones.
- Your activity level after surgery.
“Hip and knee replacements are both very successful, but we don’t think about them in identical terms,” says Dr. Thacher. “The mechanics are different, the recovery is different and the long-term wear patterns can be different. Averages are useful, but they don’t replace a one-on-one conversation.”
> Related: Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement: Which Is Right for Me?
3. The younger you are, the more likely it is that you’ll need another joint replacement
There’s no magic age for joint replacement surgery.
Some people need a new hip or knee in their 40s or 50s, while others don’t have surgery until their 70s or 80s.
But your age can affect how long your replacement needs to last.
“Younger patients are more likely to outlive their implant,” says Dr. Thacher. “That doesn’t mean surgery is wrong for them, but it does mean we have to think carefully about the long game.”
Someone who has a knee replaced at 45 could have 40 or more years of activity ahead of them, and in turn, more years of wear and tear on the implant.
That doesn’t mean you should put off surgery for as long possible though.
“The goal is to choose the right time, when symptoms clearly justify the procedure and the patient understands the long-term plan,” says Dr. Thacher. “Age matters, but it’s not the only factor. Pain, mobility and quality of life matter too.”
> Related: 5 Signs You’re Ready for Joint Replacement
4. Your health before joint replacement surgery matters
You don’t need to be in perfect shape to have joint replacement surgery.
But the healthier you are going into the procedure, the better prepared your body may be for recovery.
“The body around the implant matters just as much,” says Dr. Thacher. “Your muscles, bones and overall health all help support the new joint.”
Factors that can affect recovery and long-term results include:
- Weight
- Muscle strength
- Diabetes control
- Smoking
- Nutrition
- Bone health
- Other medical conditions
“That doesn’t mean you need to be in perfect health before joint replacement,” says Dr. Thacher. “It means your care team may help you prepare in ways that make surgery and recovery safer. And small improvements before surgery can make a meaningful difference.”
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5. You can still exercise after joint replacement, but some activities are better than others
If you love staying active, you might wonder what life will look like after joint replacement.
Will you still be able to ride your bike? Play golf? Go hiking?
.For most people, getting back to those activities is a big part of why they have surgery in the first place.
“In fact, staying active is one of the best ways to protect your strength, balance, heart health and independence,” says Dr. Thacher. “Just aim for lower-impact activities since they’re often easier on replacement joints.”
Some activities that are generally easier on your new joint include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Strength training
- Elliptical workouts
- Golf or doubles tennis, depending on the patient
“Higher-impact activities may place more stress on the implant over time,” adds Dr. Thacher. “That can include repetitive running, jumping or high-impact sports, but not every patient has the same restrictions.”
> Related: 6 Must-Do Exercises After Knee Replacement Surgery
6. New pain years after surgery isn’t something to ignore
Once you’ve recovered from surgery and your new joint feels great, it’s easy to forget there’s an implant in there.
But even years later, it’s worth paying attention to how your joint feels.
“But long-term follow-up still matters, even if you’re feeling great,” says Dr. Thacher. “Sometimes we can see early changes on imaging before a patient has major symptoms.”
Call your orthopedic team if you notice:
- New or worsening pain.
- Swelling.
- Instability.
- Clicking or popping with pain.
- Difficulty bearing weight.
- A major change in how the joint feels.
- Redness, warmth or symptoms that could suggest infection.
“Not every symptom means something serious is wrong,” says Dr. Thacher. “But new changes should be checked, especially if they happen years after surgery.”
> Related: 6 Signs You Need a Hip Replacement
7. If your replacement wears out, revision surgery is an option
Even with the best care, some joint replacements eventually wear out or develop problems. When that happens, you may need what’s called revision surgery.
“Revision surgery isn’t simply doing the same operation again,” says Dr. Thacher. “It means replacing part or all of the existing implant.”
There are several reasons someone might need a revision, including:
- Implant loosening
- Wear over time
- Infection
- Instability
- Bone loss
- Fracture around the implant
“Revision surgery can still help many people,” says Dr. Thacher. “But it’s usually more complex since it often requires more planning, special implants and a longer recovery.”
> Related: 7 Best Exercises After Hip Replacement Surgery
How to get the most out of your joint replacement
For most patients, modern joint replacements are durable, effective and long-lasting. And for some older adults, the implant may last the rest of their life.
But the best results aren’t just from the implant itself.
“Joint replacement isn’t just about getting through surgery,” says Dr. Thacher. “It’s about helping patients move better for many years. That starts with a conversation about the right timing, the right plan and the habits that can help protect the new joint afterward.”
