What Is the Average Age for a Hip Replacement?

Executive Summary

• The average age for hip replacement is about 65 years old; however, there is a rising trend of younger patients undergoing this procedure.
• The ideal timing of hip replacement surgery depends on several factors, including the patient’s activity level, joint damage severity, and overall health.
• Younger patients are typically worried about implant longevity, while older patients are concerned about surgical readiness and recovery impediments.
• If you are experiencing persistent hip pain, stiffness, limited mobility, or poor response to other forms of treatment, consider a hip replacement, regardless of your age.

Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery Timing

Thanks to decades of medical innovations, hip replacement surgery has become one of the most common and successful orthopedic procedures. This surgery is designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve the overall quality of life for anyone suffering from hip joint damage caused by injuries or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis.

The average age for hip replacement hovers around the mid-sixties. However, there is no perfect age to get this procedure, since there are so many factors at play. Still, timing plays a significant role in surgical outcomes, since age can influence everything from the condition of the patient’s bones to their recovery speed and potential implant longevity.

The guide below explores recent changes in the average age for hip replacement, how age can affect surgical outcomes, and the factors that truly determine the best time to get the procedure.

Why Age Matters for Hip Replacements

Although hip replacement surgery can be performed safely no matter how old someone is, age remains an important consideration. The condition of your bones, muscle mass, and overall health is bound to change over time, which can influence your surgical outcome and the smoothness of recovery. 

Read through the following considerations to understand how age can shape the hip replacement experience.

Younger Patients Who Are Under 60

Some examples of unique traits younger patients may have that can shape their surgery are:

• Stronger bones
• Faster healing capacity
• Higher physical demands

Keep in mind that hip implants do not last forever. Therefore, having surgery too early can increase an individual’s likelihood of needing a hip revision surgery later in life, especially if they have highly active lifestyles that accelerate wear and tear. Nevertheless, advances in surgical techniques and implant materials have resulted in improved longevity, causing many modern implants to last a couple of decades.

Older Patients Who Are Over 70

For older adults, joint degeneration from conditions like arthritis often becomes more advanced, making surgery more urgent. However, some factors that can affect older patients’ recovery time and rehabilitation success are:

• Heart health
• Bone density
• Mobility 

In general, surgeons try to perform hip replacements when the benefits, such as pain relief, restored movement, and improved quality of life, clearly outweigh the risks of waiting for a hip replacement or trying to manage pain non-surgically.

Average Age Statistics for Hip Replacements

Even though every patient’s situation is unique, research helps uncover the demographics of who is getting hip replacements today. For instance, Brown University, a private Ivy League research university in Providence, Rhode Island, declared that the average age for hip replacement surgery is approximately 65 years old. 

Nevertheless, the average age for hip replacement seems to be decreasing. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzing inpatients aged 45 and over who received total hip replacements showed that the percentage of total hip replacements increased for younger age groups and decreased for older age groups over the course of 10 years.

Why Are Younger People Getting Hip Replacements?

The rising trend in hip replacements among patients in their 40s and 50s is likely due to factors like:

• Greater awareness
• Active lifestyles
• Improvements in medical technology

The shift toward earlier hip replacements illustrates a growing understanding that treating joint damage when it is still moderate can lead to better long-term outcomes. 

Nevertheless, age alone should not dictate timing. On one hand, some people can wait until their 70s or 80s for a hip replacement. For others, earlier surgery is the best way to maintain mobility and independence.

Factors That Influence the Timing of Hip Replacement Surgery

Assessing the best time for a hip replacement surgery requires patients and their medical providers to consider more than just age. In fact, orthopedic surgeons must evaluate a combination of physical, lifestyle, and medical factors, including the four below, to determine readiness for surgery.

Severity of Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint conditions can cause cartilage to wear down prematurely, making bones rub together and causing chronic pain and stiffness. With so many people wanting to alleviate these symptoms, it is no wonder that osteoarthritis is the leading cause of hip replacements worldwide. 

If you have osteoarthritis and your medical imaging results show severe joint deterioration or bone spurs, surgery may be the most effective solution, especially if conservative treatments no longer help.

Activity Level

Active individuals often want to postpone hip replacement surgery because they worry about movement-related restrictions they may face during and after recovery. However, delaying surgery for too long can actually worsen joint damage and make recovery more difficult. 

Modern implants are designed to accommodate moderate physical activity, including walking, biking, and golf, allowing active individuals to return to many of their favorite hobbies after a short recovery period.

Overall Health

Conditions like obesity, diabetes, or heart disease have historically affected patients’ surgical readiness and ease of recovery. In some cases, optimizing your health through dietary changes, exercise regimens, or medical management may be necessary before proceeding with a hip replacement surgery.

Previous Injuries or Trauma

If you have had a past hip fracture or traumatic injury that has accelerated joint deterioration, you may need earlier surgical intervention. Unfortunately, even minor injuries can create long-term imbalances in the hip’s mechanics, which are known to worsen with age.

Signs You May Need a Hip Replacement

If you are unsure whether it’s time for surgery, you can look for certain signs to help guide your decision. Hip replacement can restore mobility and improve daily comfort, especially if you are experiencing symptoms like:

• Persistent pain – If you have ongoing pain in the hip, thigh, or groin that limits your ability to sit, walk, or rest, surgery may be necessary.
• Reduced mobility – If you have difficulty climbing stairs, standing up, or performing normal daily activities, a hip replacement can help.
• Sleep disruption – If you have pain that keeps you awake or causes you to wake up throughout the night, you may need surgical intervention.
• Limited response to treatment – If you are experiencing minimal relief from medications, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections, consult a qualified surgeon.
• Stiffness or joint locking – If you notice a catching feeling in your hip or if that joint has lost its normal range of motion, consider a prosthesis.

In short, if you have symptoms that significantly interfere with your quality of life, most orthopedic surgeons will recommend exploring hip replacement as a next step.

Considerations for Younger Patients

As mentioned earlier, hip replacements have become more common among people in their 40s and 50s due to better implant technology, less invasive surgical techniques, and patients’ desire to maintain active lifestyles for as long as possible.

However, younger patients face unique challenges, making it important to take the following considerations into account before committing to a treatment plan.

Implant Longevity

Most modern hip implants are designed to last 20 to 25 years. This means a patient in their 50s will have an increased likelihood of needing a revision surgery later in life compared to someone who receives their first implant at age 70 or older.

Revision surgeries are still considered highly successful, but they may be more complex than the initial replacement due to bone and tissue changes over time.

Lifestyle Modifications

Younger, more active patients may need to make adjustments to specific activities to extend their implant’s life. High-impact sports or repetitive motion through activities like running or heavy lifting can accelerate wear and should be avoided. Instead, focus on doctor-approved, low-impact exercises, such as swimming, cycling, and yoga, to safely maintain strength and flexibility.

Delaying Surgery Safely

For some younger patients, less-invasive treatments like injections can delay the need for joint replacement surgery. Aside from injections, some examples of popular non-surgical treatments are:

• Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles
• Weight management to reduce the amount of joint stress
• Anti-inflammatory medications for temporary relief

Nevertheless, delaying the surgery too long can cause further joint deterioration, leading to more pain and a more complicated surgery later on.

Long-Term Outcomes

Younger patients who choose surgery earlier in their lives may experience better overall mobility and life satisfaction because they regain most of their function while they are still physically resilient. Work with your medical provider to balance short-term relief with long-term planning.

Supporting a Successful Hip Replacement at Any Age

Regardless of when you undergo surgery, preparation and recovery strategies can make a big difference in your outcome. Prioritize the following elements to encourage a successful hip replacement, no matter your age.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Many surgeons now recommend prehabilitation programs, which include pre-hip replacement exercises, to help you heal faster and strengthen the muscles around the hip joint. Having stronger muscles helps stabilize the joint and improve post-op mobility.

Some examples of categories that make up most hip-related prehab routines are:

• Targeted hip and gluteal exercises, such as squats and hip thrusts
• Light stretches to maintain flexibility
• Balance and posture training

Patients who start prehab before surgery often report shorter recovery times and less post-surgical pain.

Post-Surgery Recovery

After a minimally invasive hip replacement, patients can typically leave the surgical facility on the same day. Still, they have to follow a structured rehabilitation program with aspects like:

• Physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength
• Pain management through medication and cold compressions
• Home modifications like grab bars, higher toilet seats, and slip-resistant mats

Closely following your surgeon’s recovery plan and attending all follow-up appointments is the best way to guarantee proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Mind-Body Connection

To many people’s surprise, mental health plays a significant role in recovery. Anxiety, stress, or depression can slow healing and make it harder to stay motivated for physical therapy. Prioritize building a support network and maintaining a positive mindset to improve outcomes dramatically.

Nutrition and Lifestyle

Nutrition plays a large role in joint replacement surgery recovery. Eat a nutrient-rich diet that includes protein, vitamin D, and calcium to support bone and muscle healing. You should also avoid inflammatory foods that cause joint pain, like red meat and processed baked goods.

Moreover, it is essential to cut out smoking and excessive alcohol usage, as both can interfere with blood flow and tissue regeneration.

Hip Replacement Outcomes Patients Can Expect

Regardless of their age, many patients experience remarkable improvements after their orthopedic surgery. In fact, modern hip replacements boast success rates above 90%, meaning patients report significant pain reduction and restored mobility, whether they are in their 50s or their 80s. Most people can return to light activities, such as walking and driving, about 4 to 6 weeks after their surgery, and they can resume most normal routines within 3 to 6 months.

Finding the Right Path to Hip Replacement

While it’s helpful to know the average age for hip replacement surgery, which is around 65, there is no one-size-fits-all time to get this orthopedic procedure. Sometimes, patients need surgery early in their lives due to sports-induced injury or aggressive joint conditions. In contrast, other patients can maintain mobility well into their 70s before requiring surgical intervention.

Therefore, the best time to get the surgery depends on your body’s condition, not necessarily how old you are. So, if hip pain is hindering your ability to enjoy everyday life and alternative therapies no longer help, it may be time to speak with an orthopedic specialist about surgery.

At the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, Dr. Shane Martin and his top-of-the-line team provide patients with personalized evaluations that consider more factors than just age, including lifestyle, bone health, and long-term goals. Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs, ensuring that surgery, if recommended, is performed at the optimal time for success.Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and find out if now is the best time to start your hip replacement journey.