More than 300,000 hip implant surgeries are performed each year and most are performed because the patient has a condition like arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, or an old injury like a fracture or dislocation. But one of the most common questions surrounding this procedure is how long a patient can expect their implant to last. The other question is why people are filing Stryker hip replacement lawsuits across the nation.
Unfortunately, all article hip devices will eventually wear out because no matter what they are made of, they will never be as durable as the human body. However, even though they don’t last forever, you may be surprised at how long they can.
Before an implant even hits the market, studies are conducted to ensure they are safe, and to determine how effective they are over time. Once on the market, the FDA tracks how well they perform. Most studies show that the average artificial hip can last for 20 years or more. However, the results of these studies may vary greatly depending on the device used and the age and health of the patient. At least one study has found about 80 percent of patients who were under the age of 65 when they received their hip implant were still functioning after 15 years on that device, and almost 95 percent of patients over the age of 65 were.
However, some patients may be forced to undergo surgery to remove, replace, or repair an implant within five years of receiving the device. This is called revision surgery and it tends to be more complicated with less positive results than the original surgery.
Influential Factors
Several factors can influence how long a hip device may last. These include:
Age – younger patients are generally more active therefore putting more demands on the device. However, younger patients are counting their device lasting as long as possible. Even still, if you are under 60, it’s a pretty safe bet that you will need to undergo a second implant surgery at least once during your life.
Weight – The heavier a patient is, the more stress is put on the joint potentially causing it to wear faster. It is important that hip recipients maintain a healthy weight so that the device can reach it longevity potential. Your physical therapist will be able to help you create a healthy exercise plan.
Activities – There are certain activities that you shouldn’t do after receiving an artificial hip because of they may affect the joint. Some of these activities may cause pain, others may be difficult to perform, while others simply move the hip in way that puts it under undo stress, or are simply not something the hip was designed to handle. Most recipients shouldn’t go running or jogging, and stationary bicycling is more advised than actually riding.
Sometime a device prematurely fails due to no fault of the patient. Some devices, though promoted as better than other similar devices, have actually been found to have increased failure rates, as well as increased rates of dislocation and fracture. Metal-on-metal devices have also been found to shed metal particulates into nearby tissue and into the bloodstream where they can cause tissue and bone destruction and can accumulate in the patient’s blood and organs. Those affected can speak to a Stryker hip replacement law firm to learn more about these risks.
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