Although we might want them to last a lifetime, it’s important to be aware that an artificial hip joint is only ever a temporary solution. This can be caused by wear and tear on the sliding pair, especially if plastic or metal is used, or by the natural progression of the ageing process (osteoporosis), which can have a significant impact on the stability of the artificial joint.
Until now, artificial hip joints were expected to have an average lifespan of at least 10 to 15 years. Thanks to the tissue-sparing surgical method and the materials available today (e.g. ceramic-ceramic sliding pairs), we are confident that the lifespan of an artificial hip joint is now significantly longer. Of course, this is assuming that infections, fall-induced fractures or rapid progression of osteoporosis do not cause premature degeneration of the artificial hip joint.