Are you someone who is struggling in daily life due to pain in Hip joints? Or do you know someone who is unable to do simple tasks like walking, using stairs and even standing for a longer time period? Don’t worry you can do everything again and live a life free of pain with Hip replacement surgery. Whenever we talk about Hip replacement, the most common question people ask is what is the average age for a hip replacement? Let’s see the details about the average age of Hip replacement.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which the doctors will treat the damaged part of the hip joint by replacing it with an artificial implant. It is also called total hip arthroplasty. People with arthritis, fractures, or chronic pain in the hip are suggested to take this treatment if they don’t see any improvement in their conditions with other treatments.
You will see improvement in mobility and quality of life right after the procedure. Especially if you are suffering from chronic pain. After the hip replacement you don’t need to be dependent on others for your daily tasks.
What Is the Average Age for a Hip Replacement?
The normal age for a hip replacement is about 65 years old. This means that the most patients getting the surgery are within the 60–70 age group. But as the techniques of surgery and implant longevity improve, more young patients are considering this surgery.
Though 65 is the average number, the age may fluctuate. It depends on lifestyle, medical profile, or degree of hip injury. Some people may need the surgery in their 40s or 50s because of premature arthritis or trauma. While others in their 80s might still qualify if they’re otherwise healthy.
450,000 hip replacement surgeries are done in the USA annually. Average age for hip replacement in the USA is 65 years, same as the global trend. If you are looking for experts in the USA, Canada, and Mexico for total hip replacement you can connect to the Swift surgeries team.
Why Is the Average Age for Hip Replacement 65?
Now some people want to know why the average age for total hip replacement is around 65? The answer is so many factors are involved in this
Osteoarthritis Progression
One of the causes of hip replacements is Osteoarthritis. And it usually gets worse with age. When people are in their 60s, the pain caused by arthritis is at its peak, it also affects mobility. That is why people opt for surgery at this age.
Longevity of Implants
The life of the latest hip implants is about 20-30 years. But after that they will deteriorate. When the surgery is done in a patient after 60s it will help them with the pain. And it will also reduce the risk of second surgery later in life.
Health and Fitness Levels
Most people can heal from the surgery when they’re in their 60s. They are usually healthy and in a state where they can recover from a major surgery effectively. This age group can take the maximum benefit from the improved mobility that a surgery of hip replacement provides.
Average Age for Male Hip Replacement vs. Female
There is a difference between male and female average age of surgery. Gender has some difference in the average age for Hip replacement. It is because of biological factors, activity levels. Another reason for the difference in age can be osteoporosis that is common in females at older age. In a study it is revealed that the average age for male hip replacement is less than females. For males it is 64 years. However for females it is 66 years.
Factors That Affect the Timing of Surgery
The average is 65 but it can be changed because of many factors. Some people can have a surgery earlier or later than this age depending on following factors:
Severity of Hip Damage
Anyone who has arthritis and has severe pain in hip joints can have surgery way before the average age. Or someone with fractures, or injuries can also go through the surgery before they reach the average age.
Activity Levels
High activity level can raise the need for early procedure of hip replacement. Athletes or people who have very high activity levels can have hip issues before they turn 65.
Overall Health
People who have a lot of other health related problems can have a delay in procedure, due to high risk.
Technological Advancements
People of younger ages also get hip replacement surgery since the advancement in implant technology. Because now the life of implants have increased and there is less risk or wearout
Signs You Might Need a Hip Replacement
Some people are not aware of the severity of their condition. This might delay their surgery and increase complications as well as pain levels. Some signs that help you or your loved ones:
- Pain in the hip joint that affects daily activities.
- Problems in using stairs and difficulty in walking too.
- Pain in the hip joint that doesn’t go with medicines or any physical therapy.
- Less mobility that affects the quality of life.
Consult an orthopedic as soon as you can if you experience symptoms to discuss your condition.
What to Expect from Hip Replacement Surgery
People like to know what they should expect if they get the procedure of hip replacement done. Few things that can help you if you are preparing to get surgery:
- Pre-Surgery Assessment
Before you get an actual surgery doctors will have a detailed assessment of your overall health to know if they can perform a surgery on you. It includes various tests, by which they identify that you are not a high risk patient. - Surgical Procedure
The procedure is not very long; it usually takes only 1–2 hours in which the doctors will remove the hip joint that is damaged and they will replace it with an artificial implant. - Recovery and Rehabilitation
Doctors keepmost patients for 1–3 days in hospital, after that you can go home and come for regular checkups as per your doctor’s instructions. You may also have to go for physical therapy for a few weeks. Many people will be back to their routine in 6–12 weeks.
Are Younger Patients Getting Hip Replacements?
Yes, patients in younger age are increasingly going for hip replacements. The average age for hip replacement surgery is 65, some people get it when they are below 50. In a study it is shown 10% of people that are going through hip placement surgery are under 50 years. This is because of:
- Improved implant durability.
- Awareness among people of hip arthritis and different treatment options.
- Young patients want to get a lifestyle with mobility.
Longevity of Hip Implants: A Key Consideration
The major thing which young patients were concerned about was the life of the implants. They wanted to know how long an implant will hold up. Hip implants with modern technology can last 20–30 years. This gives opportunity to younger people with hip joint issues to go to surgery and still enjoy decades free of pain.
Conclusion: Timing Matters
The average age for a hip replacement is 65. But the decision of going to surgery is highly personal and depends on the patient. Age is a factor but other things like level of pain, issue in mobility and health of patients are also important. If you’re considering a surgery for hip replacement, contact Swift surgeries. Our best doctors will help you with everything, from initial consultation to the timing best suitable for you.
FAQs
- What is the youngest age for a hip replacement?
In some cases hip replacement is done on patients from 20s or 30s. That is usually due to injuries or severe arthritis. - How long does an artificial implant last if a patient has a replacement?
Implants are now advanced and can last 20–30 years if patients take proper care and go for check-ups regularly. - Is 70 too old for a hip replacement?
No. People in their 70s as well as 80s have gone through successful surgeries if their overall health is good. - Why is hip replacement important?
Because it can improve the quality of life for a patient. It helps in pain relief and improved mobility. - Is there a way to delay the need for hip replacement?
If you’re overweight, you remain active, and can manage arthritis with medicines or physical therapy you can delay surgery.
