How Long Will Joint Replacements Last? (OTW)
Only a few years ago, joint replacements were performed, almost exclusively, on individuals in their 60s and 70s because, in the absence of compelling long-term wear data, most surgeons assumed that implants would not last more than 15 to 20 years. As a result, most surgeons encouraged their younger patients to postpone joint replacement until later in life in order to minimize the risk of a revision surgery. But a growing body of published, peer review studies are showing that up to 90% of primary knee and hip replacements are still functioning after 20 years. Clearly these implants are wearing down more slowly than general surgical opinion might expect. This is good news for the more active and often younger patient.