Famous Athletes With Hip Replacements & Their Outcomes

Key Takeaways

• Many famous athletes who have undergone hip replacements have returned to their active lifestyles thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, implant materials, and rehabilitation programs.
• Bo Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Andy Murray, and Mary Lou Retton are some of the most famous athletes with successful hip replacement stories.
• Both hip replacement for athletes and everyday patients can lead to significant improvements in mobility, pain levels, and quality of life.
• Learning about athletes’ recoveries will show everyday patients the importance of discipline, proper strength training, and personalized rehab for long-term joint protection.

Hip Replacement Outcomes for Athletes

Several decades ago, hip replacement surgery was almost exclusively associated with older adults, but that perception has changed dramatically thanks to significant advancements in orthopedic techniques, materials, and rehabilitation approaches. Even though the average age for a hip replacement is still around 65, this procedure can be transformative for adults of all ages, including high-profile athletes.

In fact, Bo Jackson, Andy Murray, and many other famous athletes underwent hip replacements at a young age to regain mobility and reduce pain. In turn, many of them were able to continue professional or competitive-level training, regardless of whether the athlete developed hip issues due to high-impact training, injury, or long-term joint wear and tear. Modern hip replacements can offer fewer limitations, faster recovery, and a strong return to activity.

This guide explores hip replacement for athletes, how it can affect performance, and what these outcomes mean for everyday patients considering the same treatment.

How Hip Replacement Impacts Athletic Performance

Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with artificial components designed to mimic smooth, stable movement. For athletes, this surgery can dramatically reduce pain, restore range of motion, and return stability to the joint they rely on for training and competition.

Read through the considerations below to understand what encourages famous athletes to get hip replacements and what the outcomes tend to look like.

Why Athletes Often Need Hip Replacement Earlier in Life

While hip arthritis is common with age, athletes experience intense, repetitive stress that accelerates joint deterioration. Early hip replacement in athletes may be warranted due to issues like:

• Sports injuries, including fractures or labral tears
• Avascular necrosis, which limits the blood supply to the femoral head
• Early-onset osteoarthritis, worsened by years of impact
• Congenital or structural hip abnormalities
• Overuse injuries from high-volume training

For individuals affected by the issues above, joint replacement surgery can be life-changing.

Expected Post-Surgery Outcomes for Athletic Patients

Some powerful benefits that people can expect after anterior hip replacement are:

• Pain reduction – One of the most immediate and profound improvements is relief from chronic pain, which often limits performance.
• Improved range of motion – Athletes can regain the flexibility they once relied on for sport-specific movements.
• Joint stability – A stable, resurfaced joint improves balance, gait, and comfort during daily activities and low-impact training.

Thanks to the benefits above, many athletes return to high levels of activity after surgery, though surgeons often recommend emphasizing low- or moderate-impact exercise. Their ability to return to competitive activities depends on factors like:

• Surgical approach
• Implant type
• Overall conditioning
• Sport-specific movement demands

With proper rehabilitation, results can be exceptional, as seen in the athletes below.

Well-Known Athletes Who Underwent Hip Replacement Surgery

The following four athletes have some of the most noteworthy hip replacement stories. It is essential to understand their treatment journey so you can tailor your expectations for your own.

Bo Jackson – NFL & MLB Legend

Even though he performed joint-protecting football warm-up drills to prevent standard wear and tear, Bo Jackson suffered a devastating hip injury during his NFL career that caused him to develop avascular necrosis later on. As this condition progresses, bones typically lose blood supply and begin to collapse, encouraging Bo Jackson to get hip replacement surgery at age 29.

His rehabilitation focused on rebuilding hip strength and restoring functional movement. While he did not return to professional football, he resumed a highly active lifestyle, regaining enough mobility to return to hunting, fishing, and recreational sports. His story and ability to remain active in public life are widely referenced when discussing famous athletes who have undergone hip replacements.

Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilder, Actor, & Governor

After decades of heavy lifting and high-intensity bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s hip joints had significantly degenerated. So, he underwent hip replacement surgery and began a rehabilitative program emphasizing gradual strength-building, lower-impact resistance training, and long-term joint-preservation strategies. In turn, Schwarzenegger remained highly active, continuing weight training, taking on action roles, and maintaining his fitness-focused public life.

Andy Murray – Professional Tennis Champion

Technically, Andy Murray underwent hip resurfacing rather than a hip replacement, though the procedures share many similarities; however, resurfacing is designed to preserve more bone, making it ideal for younger athletes—Murray was turning 31 around the time of his procedure, which made the resurfacing approach appropriate.

His rehab centered on flexibility, strength training, rotational movement control, and tennis-specific drills. Murray’s health rebounded, and his success reshaped public perceptions of hip replacement for athletes, making the procedure feel more hopeful. Remarkably, he was able to play tennis after hip surgery, even winning titles at elite, competitive levels.

Mary Lou Retton – Olympic Gymnast

Years of intense gymnastics created chronic hip issues that led to her eventual need for hip replacement. Her post-surgery rehabilitation plan focused on functional exercises, emphasizing balance, alignment, and gentle strength training rather than high-impact sports. As a result, she regained mobility, improved daily comfort, and enhanced her long-term quality of life.

Four Things These Recoveries Teach Us

On the surface, the success stories of professional athletes may be inspirational, but as you dig deeper, you can learn important lessons about the outcomes of modern hip replacement in general, including the four takeaways below.

1. Modern Surgical Techniques Are Highly Effective

Today’s technology has pushed hip replacement to new levels of success. Some examples of recent innovations that improve surgical outcomes are:

• Anterior hip replacement and other minimally invasive surgical approaches
• Advanced implant materials engineered for durability
• Precise, robot-assisted surgical tools
• Better pain management strategies

Compared to procedures from 20 to 30 years ago, modern hip replacement uses cutting-edge technology like Mako SmartRobotics™ and the CORI surgical system, which often means less pain, quicker mobility, and a more stable long-term outcome.

2. High-Level Activity Is Possible After Hip Replacement

Many famous athletes with hip replacements returned to activities like:

• Training
• Competition
• Endurance sports
• Strength conditioning
• Active public lives

While impact-heavy sports like football or competitive gymnastics may be limited, the overall message is clear: Hip replacement for athletes works well.

3. Mental Determination Influences Recovery Outcomes

Physical recovery is crucial, but mental resilience plays an equally powerful role.

Elite athletes model traits like:

• Discipline in sticking to rehab routines
• Consistency in strength training
• Patience with gradual progress
• Positive mindset, which supports healing

This mental approach helps maximize surgical outcomes.

4. Athletes Model Ideal Rehab Behavior

Successful rehabilitations tend to include:

• Regular physical therapy
• Progressive strength and mobility work
• Core stabilization
• Balance and gait training
• Joint-friendly activity modifications
• Close communication with surgeons and therapists

Athletes excel in this structured environment, which is why their recoveries often serve as examples.

What This Means for Everyday Patients

You don’t need to be a professional athlete to benefit from hip replacement surgery. The success of these high-profile cases highlights the powerful potential of modern joint replacement for people of all activity levels and ages, as illustrated below.

Better Mobility and Reduced Pain

The same outcomes athletes experience, such as relief from pain, restored motion, and smoother movement, are available to everyday patients.

In fact, many active adults report life-changing improvements like:

• Walking without pain
• Sleeping comfortably again
• Enjoying outdoor activities
• Returning to hobbies like gardening or travel

Returning to Active Lifestyles

Most hip replacement patients can return to a wide range of activities—many people can even golf after a hip replacement. Some other activities you may be able to return to after recovery include:

• Walking and hiking
• Cycling
• Swimming and water aerobics
• Low-impact strength training
• Yoga or Pilates (with modifications)

Although high-impact sports may need adjustment, maintaining an active lifestyle through joint-healthy low-impact exercises is common and actually highly encouraged by many medical providers.

Setting Realistic Personal Goals

Even if you are not training for Wimbledon like Andy Murray or returning to bodybuilding like Schwarzenegger, you can expect significant improvements in daily function.

Realistic goal-setting should strive for milestones like:

• Pain reduction
• Ability to walk longer distances
• Increased hip strength
• Improved balance
• Participation in low-to-moderate impact fitness

Physical therapists or surgeons, such as Dr. Shane Martin, can help create an attainable, goal-centered plan tailored to your specific lifestyle.

Key Factors That Influence Recovery Outcomes

While outcomes seen amongst famous athletes with hip replacements can be highly encouraging, individual results depend on several factors, such as:

• Age and overall health – Healthier patients with strong baseline mobility often progress faster.
• Pre-surgery mobility – Staying active before surgery helps protect muscle tone, which speeds recovery.
• Surgical approach and implant type – Anterior, posterior, or lateral techniques may influence early recovery and mobility.
• Rehabilitation quality – Therapy is essential, as patients who commit consistently achieve the best outcomes.
• Follow-up and long-term care – Visits with your surgeon ensure the implant remains stable and functioning well.
• Activity modifications – Protecting the joint by avoiding high-impact movements preserves long-term success.

Returning to an Active Lifestyle

The stories of famous athletes who have undergone hip replacements reflect what’s possible in today’s orthopedic industry. Still, dedication to rehabilitation, proper medical guidance, and a personalized activity plan are essential for hip replacements in athletes and people with less active lifestyles alike. With this level of commitment, a hip replacement can restore meaningful mobility and support you for years to come.

Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who wants to walk without pain, consider getting a treatment plan for your hip joint by consulting the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale. Our world-class facility offers top-of-the-line joint replacement surgery and alternative therapies to help you preserve your active lifestyle and work toward a healthier, more comfortable future.

If you’re considering hip replacement or simply want expert guidance, contact the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale for a consultation. Our staff is ready to help you move forward with confidence.