How Long Does a New Joint Last?

Learning you might need joint replacement can be overwhelming. One of the biggest concerns orthopedic patients have is whether or not the initial surgery will lead to multiple joint replacements within their lifetime. 

Some people put off joint replacement surgery because of this, even though that often does more harm than good. Prolonging the procedure increases pain as the damaged joint continues to wear down.

The most important thing to know about joint replacements is that they often last well over 20 years. Given that the average age people receive a joint replacement is 70, it’s likely that you’ll only need one joint replacement in your lifetime. The theory that a new joint would only last around eight years was an initial assessment made by doctors before joint replacements became such standard procedures. 

Recovery from knee or hip replacements can be long and difficult, but with today’s advanced medical technology, and the support of world-class physicians, patients can make a full recovery. 

Taking Care of Your New Joint 

Modern physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques are part of the reason why modern joint replacements last so long. Immediately after surgery, most patients are on their feet and moving in order to quickly adjust to their new joints. This allows patients to return to their normal lives more quickly and adequately than in the past, when patients could remain bedridden for several weeks. 

Making sure to stay active while maintaining a certain level of impact on your legs is critical to ensuring that your new joints last. To do so, schedule regular checkups with your orthopedic provider to make sure you’re operating at peak capacity.