A young person jogging, showing how long a hip replacement can last.

Let’s clear up an outdated idea: a hip replacement is not a sign to slow down. Today’s implants are engineering marvels, built from advanced ceramics and highly durable alloys designed specifically for the demands of an active life. But the world’s best technology is only as effective as the surgeon who puts it in place. This is where fighter-pilot precision and a data-driven approach become non-negotiable for achieving a superior outcome. When you combine these elements, how long does a hip replacement last in a young person? The answer is much longer than you might think. In this article, we’ll explore the latest in implant technology and explain why your surgeon’s technique is the single most important factor in your long-term success.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Surgeon Sets the Foundation: The single most important factor for long-term success is choosing a surgeon who specializes in treating active patients. Their precision, technique, and choice of advanced materials create a durable foundation designed to withstand decades of movement.
  • Your Habits Determine the Lifespan: You have direct control over how long your new hip lasts. Maintaining a healthy weight, committing to low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling, and completing your physical therapy are the most effective ways to protect your implant from premature wear.
  • Long-Term Care is Non-Negotiable: A successful outcome requires a long-term partnership with your medical team. Sticking to your rehabilitation plan ensures you heal correctly, while regular follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to monitor the implant and address any potential issues before they become problems.

How Long Does a Hip Replacement Last for Younger Patients?

If you’re in your 40s or 50s and facing hip replacement surgery, one of your biggest questions is probably about longevity. You have decades of active living ahead of you, and you need a solution that can keep up. The great news is that today’s hip implants are more durable than ever, specifically designed to withstand the demands of an active lifestyle. While older implants had a reputation for wearing out, modern materials and advanced surgical techniques have significantly extended their lifespan, making this a viable and lasting solution for younger adults experiencing debilitating hip pain.

Being younger and more active, however, does present a unique set of considerations. You’ll likely place more stress on your new hip over a longer period compared to an older, more sedentary patient. This doesn’t mean you have to give up the activities you love, but it does mean that the choices you make are critical for long-term success. Everything from your surgeon’s precision to the type of implant used and your commitment to rehabilitation plays a role. Understanding these factors helps you partner with your doctor to create a personalized plan that supports your goals, whether that’s returning to your sport or simply enjoying pain-free daily activities for years to come. It’s about finding the right balance to ensure your new hip serves you well for the long haul.

What’s the Average Lifespan?

Modern hip replacements have an excellent track record for durability. Most are designed to last between 15 and 20 years, and many perform well for even longer. In fact, one major study found that about 58% of hip replacements were still functioning well after 25 years. This is a huge leap forward from the implants used decades ago and offers incredible peace of mind for younger patients. These advancements mean you can confidently look forward to many years of improved mobility and quality of life without constantly worrying about the need for another surgery.

The Unique Challenges for Younger Patients

The primary challenge for younger patients is simple: you have more time and energy to put your new hip to the test. Higher activity levels naturally place more wear and tear on an implant over the years. Because you’ll be living with the replacement for a longer period, there’s a greater statistical chance you may eventually need a revision surgery down the road. This is why it’s so important to follow your surgeon’s guidance on activity. Maintaining a healthy weight and focusing on low-impact exercises will help reduce stress on the joint and maximize the lifespan of your implant, giving you the best shot at long-term success.

What Factors Influence Your Hip Replacement’s Lifespan?

Thinking about how long your new hip will last is a lot like planning a long road trip. The quality of your car matters, but so does the skill of your mechanic and how you drive it every day. Similarly, the longevity of your hip replacement isn’t determined by a single element. It’s a combination of the technology used, your surgeon’s expertise, and the lifestyle choices you make long after you leave the operating room. Understanding these key factors can help you set realistic expectations and take an active role in protecting your new joint for decades to come.

The Type of Implant Used

Not all hip implants are created equal. The materials and design of the device play a significant role in its durability. Modern hip replacements are engineered to be incredibly resilient, with many lasting 15 to 20 years or even longer. For younger, more active patients, surgeons often recommend implants made from the most advanced materials. Components made of highly cross-linked polyethylene and ceramic, for example, are exceptionally smooth and resistant to wear. These newer materials are showing incredible promise for lasting even longer, which is fantastic news if you have decades of activity ahead of you. The goal is to match the implant’s durability to your personal activity goals.

Your Surgeon’s Precision and Technique

You can have the most advanced implant in the world, but its success hinges on the skill of the person putting it in place. Your surgeon’s precision is paramount. The exact positioning and alignment of the implant components determine how forces are distributed across the joint with every step you take. A perfectly aligned implant functions smoothly and experiences less wear and tear over time. This is why finding a surgeon who specializes in hip replacements for active individuals is so important. An expert surgeon uses advanced techniques to ensure the implant is placed with fighter-pilot precision, creating a stable and durable foundation for your recovery and return to sport.

Your Body Weight and Bone Health

Your body is the environment where your new hip will function, so your overall health matters immensely. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective things you can do to extend the life of your implant. Extra body weight multiplies the amount of force and stress placed on the joint, which can accelerate wear on the implant’s surfaces over time. Think of it this way: less pressure means less friction and a longer-lasting joint. Strong, healthy bones are also crucial, as they provide a solid anchor for the implant. A balanced diet and appropriate exercise are key to supporting both your bone density and a healthy weight.

Your Activity Level

It’s a bit of a paradox: you’re getting a hip replacement to stay active, but your activity level can also affect how long it lasts. High-impact activities like running, jumping, and contact sports place significant stress on a hip implant. Over years, this repetitive impact can cause the components to wear down more quickly. This doesn’t mean you have to live a sedentary life—far from it. It simply means you need to be smart about your activities. Many patients can return to sports and an active lifestyle by focusing on low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and strength training, which build muscle and fitness without overloading the new joint.

How Your Activity Level Impacts Your New Hip

One of the biggest questions active people have is whether their lifestyle will wear out a new hip faster. It’s a valid concern, and the answer is nuanced. While it’s true that higher activity levels can place more stress on an implant over time, the goal of a hip replacement isn’t to slow you down—it’s to get you moving again without pain. The key is learning how to channel your energy into activities that protect your new joint for the long haul.

Modern hip replacements are incredibly durable and designed with active individuals in mind. The focus has shifted from what you can’t do to what you can do safely. Your surgeon’s precision during the procedure plays a huge role in setting you up for success, but your choices after surgery are just as important. By understanding the difference between high-impact and low-impact exercise, you can build a fitness routine that keeps you strong, healthy, and active for decades to come. It’s all about finding a new rhythm that works for you and your new hip.

High-Impact vs. Low-Impact Exercise

Think of your new hip implant like the tires on a car. Driving on a smooth, paved road causes far less wear than speeding down a bumpy, gravel path. The same principle applies to your joints. High-impact exercises involve repetitive, forceful contact with the ground—think running, jumping, or playing basketball. This jarring motion can create stress on the implant components, potentially leading to faster wear over time.

Low-impact exercises, on the other hand, are much gentler. Activities like swimming, cycling, and walking keep your muscles strong and your heart healthy without putting excessive strain on the new joint. Making the switch from high-impact to low-impact activities is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment and help your hip replacement last as long as possible.

Safe Exercises to Stay Active

Your new hip opens the door to a wide range of enjoyable, joint-friendly activities. Once your surgeon gives you the green light, you can explore exercises that build strength and endurance without compromising your implant. The goal is to stay active for your overall health while being mindful of your new joint.

Some of the best activities after a total hip replacement include:

  • Walking: An excellent way to build stamina and strength.
  • Swimming: The buoyancy of water supports your body weight, making it one of the safest and most effective exercises.
  • Cycling: Whether on a stationary bike or outdoors, cycling is a fantastic low-impact cardio workout.
  • Golfing: A great way to get outside and stay active.
  • Doubles Tennis: Less running and fewer sudden movements make it a safer option than singles.

Your Timeline for Returning to Sports

Getting back to the sports and activities you love is a primary goal, but it’s a process that requires patience and a smart approach. Your recovery timeline is unique to you and depends on the surgery, your fitness level, and how well you follow your rehabilitation plan. While advanced surgical techniques have significantly shortened recovery periods, your body still needs time to heal properly.

Working closely with your surgeon and physical therapist is essential. They will guide you through a phased return to activity, starting with gentle movements and gradually progressing to more dynamic exercises. A structured sports medicine recovery plan ensures you rebuild strength and stability around the hip, which is crucial for preventing injury and protecting the implant. Rushing back too soon can lead to setbacks, so listen to your body and trust the guidance of your medical team.

What to Know About Hip Revision Surgery

While we aim for your first hip replacement to be your last, it’s smart to understand what a “revision surgery” is, especially if you’re young and active. Think of it as a tune-up for your hip implant. Over many years and countless miles, parts of the implant can wear out or become loose, requiring a second procedure to repair or replace them. Hip revision is a more complex surgery than the initial replacement, which is why getting it right the first time with a specialist is so critical. A surgeon with fighter-pilot precision can ensure your implant is perfectly positioned for maximum longevity from day one. Understanding the long-term picture helps you partner with your doctor to make the best choices for a lifetime of healthy movement.

How Often Is Revision Surgery Needed?

For younger patients, the question isn’t just if a revision will be needed, but when. Because you have more active decades ahead of you, the implant is subjected to more stress over time. Some studies show that up to 30% of young patients may need a revision within 15 years. This statistic isn’t meant to worry you—it’s meant to empower you. It highlights why the initial choice of surgeon, implant technology, and surgical technique is so important. The goal is to push that timeline as far into the future as possible, giving you the maximum number of years on your first implant.

Why Do Hip Implants Sometimes Fail?

An artificial hip is a hardworking medical device, but it isn’t indestructible. Over time, a few key issues can arise that may lead to a revision. The most common reason is the implant becoming loose where it meets the bone. Other causes include gradual wear and tear on the moving surfaces, dislocation where the ball pops out of the socket, or a fracture in the bone surrounding the implant. A deep joint infection can also compromise the implant, sometimes years after the initial surgery. A surgeon’s meticulous technique is your best defense against many of these long-term complications.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Your body is great at telling you when something is wrong. If your hip implant is starting to have issues, you might notice some clear signals. Pay attention to new or worsening pain in your groin, hip, or down your leg, as well as any swelling around the joint. You might also feel a sense of instability, start to limp when you walk, or hear a grinding or clunking sound from the joint. More urgent signs like fever, chills, redness, or drainage can point to an infection, while sudden leg pain and swelling could indicate a blood clot. Don’t ignore these symptoms—contact your doctor right away to get things checked out.

The Latest in Hip Implant Technology for Active Adults

When you’re young and active, the thought of a hip replacement can feel daunting. You’re not just thinking about pain relief; you’re thinking about decades of running, hiking, playing sports, and living life to the fullest. Thankfully, implant technology has evolved dramatically. Today’s hip replacements are engineered for longevity and performance, using advanced materials and designs that can stand up to the demands of an active lifestyle.

The components chosen for your surgery—from the materials that rub together to the way the implant attaches to your bone—play a huge role in how long your new hip will last and how well it will function. Understanding these options is the first step toward having a confident conversation with your surgeon about a solution built for your specific goals. We’ve moved far beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Now, it’s about matching the right technology to the right patient to achieve the best possible long-term outcome. Let’s break down the key components that make up a modern hip implant.

Advanced Bearing Surfaces: Ceramic and Polyethylene

The “bearing surface” is where the ball and socket of your new hip joint meet and move against each other. Minimizing friction and wear at this point is critical for the implant’s lifespan. While older implants sometimes used metal-on-metal surfaces, modern advancements have given us far superior options. Newer materials, like ceramic-on-ceramic, are incredibly hard and smooth, showing great promise for lasting longer, especially for younger patients.

Another excellent option is a ceramic or metal ball paired with a socket made of highly cross-linked polyethylene. This isn’t your everyday plastic; it’s a medical-grade polymer that has been specially treated to be extremely resistant to wear and tear. This combination is one of the most tested and trusted in orthopedics, providing a durable, low-friction surface that helps your new hip function smoothly for years.

Durable Materials: Titanium and Cobalt Alloys

The structural parts of your hip implant—the stem that fits inside your femur and the cup that forms the new socket—need to be incredibly strong and biocompatible. This is where advanced metal alloys come in. Most modern implants are made from materials like titanium and cobalt-chromium alloys. These metals are the gold standard for a reason: they are exceptionally strong, resistant to corrosion, and integrate well with the body without causing adverse reactions.

These materials are also designed to become a part of you. Many implants feature a porous or textured coating that encourages your natural bone to grow onto and into the implant surface. This creates a stable, biological bond that gets stronger over time, providing a solid foundation for all your future activities.

Cementless vs. Cemented Implants

Fixation is all about how the implant is secured to your bone. There are two primary methods: cemented and cementless. Cemented implants use a fast-curing bone cement to hold the components in place. This is often a great choice for patients with softer or less healthy bone.

For younger, more active patients with good bone quality, a cementless approach is typically preferred. In fact, one study found that nearly 70% of hip replacements in patients under 55 were cementless. These implants have a special porous surface that acts like a scaffold, allowing your bone to grow directly into it. This process, called osseointegration, creates a durable, living bond between your bone and the implant. It’s a long-term solution designed to become a natural part of you.

How to Make Your Hip Replacement Last Longer

A successful hip replacement is a partnership between you and your surgeon. While your surgeon’s precision technique and the quality of the implant set the foundation, your daily habits are what truly determine how long your new hip will last. The great news is that you have significant control over its longevity. By making smart, consistent choices, you can protect your investment and keep your joint functioning smoothly for decades.

Think of it less as a list of restrictions and more as a proactive plan for long-term success. It’s about understanding how your body and your new hip work together. Focusing on three key areas—managing your weight, choosing the right activities, and staying connected with your medical team—will give you the best possible outcome. These steps help reduce unnecessary stress on the implant, prevent premature wear, and catch any potential issues long before they become serious problems. Taking ownership of your post-operative care is the most powerful thing you can do to ensure you stay active and pain-free for years to come.

Manage Your Weight and Nutrition

One of the most effective ways to protect your new hip is to maintain a healthy weight. Every extra pound you carry places additional stress on your hip joint—both natural and artificial. Over time, this constant pressure can accelerate the wear and tear on your implant’s components. By managing your weight, you directly reduce the daily load on your new hip, which can significantly extend its lifespan. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients also supports strong bones and overall health, creating the ideal environment for your implant to thrive. Think of it as giving your new joint the best possible support system for the long haul.

Choose the Right Exercises

Staying active is essential for your health, but how you move matters. The key is to swap high-impact exercises for low-impact alternatives that strengthen your muscles without jarring the joint. Activities like running, jumping, and high-intensity contact sports can put too much force on the implant. Instead, focus on hip-friendly activities like swimming, cycling, walking, and doubles tennis. These exercises build endurance and strength while keeping the motion smooth and controlled. This approach allows you to maintain an active lifestyle and support your new hip, rather than working against it. Your physical therapist can help you build a routine that’s both safe and effective.

Schedule Regular Check-ups

Your relationship with your orthopedic surgeon doesn’t end after your initial recovery. Think of your follow-up appointments as routine maintenance for your new hip. These regular check-ups, which often include X-rays, allow your surgeon to monitor the implant’s position, check for subtle signs of wear, and ensure everything is functioning as it should. This proactive approach helps catch potential issues early, when they are much easier to address. Don’t wait for pain to be your only indicator. By committing to your long-term monitoring plan, you and your surgeon can work together to keep your hip healthy and extend the life of your replacement.

How to Choose the Right Surgeon and Technique

Finding the right surgeon is arguably the most critical decision you’ll make in this process. The implant technology is important, but it’s the surgeon’s skill, experience, and approach that truly determine the long-term success of your new hip. For a young, active person, you’re not just looking for a doctor; you’re looking for a partner who understands your goals—whether that’s running marathons, playing with your kids, or getting back on the field. The right surgeon will use techniques that not only fix the immediate problem but also set you up for a lifetime of activity.

This means looking beyond a general orthopedic surgeon and finding someone with a deep focus on joint preservation and sports medicine for patients like you. Their entire practice should be geared toward helping you recover quickly and completely. They will consider not just the next year, but the next several decades of your life, choosing techniques and implants that offer durability and preserve as much of your natural anatomy as possible. This foresight is what separates a standard procedure from a truly specialized one designed for high performance and longevity. When you interview potential surgeons, think of it as building your team for a successful, long-term recovery.

Find a Specialist for Young, Active Patients

Your hip issue is likely different from that of a patient in their 70s. That’s why it’s essential to find a surgeon who specializes in treating active adults and athletes. These specialists understand the unique demands you place on your body and are experienced with the more complex joint problems younger patients often face. They are also more likely to use modern, bone-preserving implants, like cementless and modular designs, which are crucial for maintaining your natural bone structure. This approach is vital because it makes any potential revision surgery decades down the road much more straightforward. A specialist’s goal aligns with yours: a full and rapid return to your sport and lifestyle.

Ask About Minimally Invasive Options

When you discuss your procedure, be sure to ask about minimally invasive techniques. Unlike traditional open surgery, a minimally invasive approach uses smaller incisions and is designed to spare surrounding muscles and soft tissues. For an athlete, the benefits are huge: less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a significantly faster recovery. This means you can start your rehabilitation sooner and get back to your life with less downtime. Plus, preserving more of your natural anatomy from the start can make future procedures simpler, which is an important consideration when you have a long and active life ahead of you.

Look for Data-Driven, Precision Approaches

The best outcomes are no accident; they are the result of meticulous planning and precision. Look for a surgeon who takes a data-driven approach to your care. This means they use advanced imaging and technology to map out the surgery with fighter-pilot precision, ensuring your new implant is perfectly sized and positioned for your specific anatomy. This level of accuracy is critical for the implant’s longevity and your ability to perform at a high level. A surgeon who tracks patient outcomes with a system like the SIGMA Scoreboard demonstrates a commitment to results you can measure. This focus on precision and proven results gives you the best possible chance of a long-lasting hip replacement.

Your Recovery and Long-Term Care Plan

The success of your hip replacement doesn’t end when you leave the operating room—in many ways, that’s where your active role truly begins. The work you put in afterward is just as critical as your surgeon’s precision during the procedure. Think of your recovery as a partnership: your surgical team provides the expert repair, and you provide the commitment to healing correctly. A structured, data-driven recovery plan is your roadmap to not only getting back on your feet but also ensuring your new hip serves you well for decades to come. This journey involves diligently following your physical therapy, making smart lifestyle choices as you heal, and staying on top of long-term follow-up care. It’s about more than just checking boxes; it’s about understanding the “why” behind each step. By taking ownership of your recovery, you play a direct part in maximizing the lifespan of your implant and getting back to the activities you love, faster and stronger than you might have thought possible. This proactive approach is what separates a good outcome from a great one.

Follow Your Rehabilitation Plan

Your post-surgery rehabilitation plan is your single most important tool for a successful outcome. It’s tempting to either push too hard too soon or be overly cautious, but your prescribed plan is designed to strike the perfect balance. Following your doctor’s instructions after surgery is essential for making your hip replacement last as long as possible. This protocol isn’t just about managing pain; it’s about methodically strengthening the muscles around your new joint, restoring your range of motion, and teaching your body how to move safely with the implant. A personalized rehabilitation program ensures you’re building a strong, stable foundation for your new hip, which is crucial for its long-term durability and performance.

Adjust Your Lifestyle as You Heal

Getting a new hip is about returning to an active life, not sitting on the sidelines. However, protecting your implant means being smart about your activities, especially in the beginning. It’s best to avoid high-impact exercises like running and jumping, as these can place excessive stress on the new joint. Instead, focus on low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and strength training to stay fit without overloading the implant. Maintaining a healthy weight is also key, since extra pounds add more stress to the joint components. These adjustments aren’t about limitation; they’re about making intelligent choices that allow you to stay active while protecting your investment for the long haul.

Commit to Long-Term Monitoring

Once you’re fully recovered, it’s easy to forget you even have a hip replacement. But just like a high-performance car, your implant benefits from regular check-ups to ensure everything is running smoothly. Committing to long-term monitoring with your surgeon is a simple but powerful way to protect your hip. These appointments, which may include X-rays, help detect and address any potential issues—like subtle signs of wear—long before they become serious problems. This proactive approach is the best way to avoid complications and the need for future surgeries. With a data-driven approach to care, your surgeon can track your outcomes over time, giving you peace of mind that your hip is performing exactly as it should.

Avoid These Mistakes to Protect Your New Hip

Getting a new hip is a huge step toward reclaiming your active life, but the surgery itself is only part of the equation. Your habits and choices during recovery play a massive role in how well your implant performs and how long it lasts. Think of your new hip as a high-performance engine; it needs the right care to go the distance. Protecting this investment means being mindful of your actions and avoiding a few common pitfalls that can compromise your results. By staying committed to a smart recovery plan, you can ensure your new joint serves you well for decades.

Ignoring Activity Restrictions

I know how eager you are to get back to your life, but jumping back into your old routine too quickly is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Your surgeon gives you activity restrictions for a reason: to protect the implant while your body heals around it. High-impact activities like running, jumping, or contact sports can create excessive stress on the new hip joint, potentially leading to loosening, damage, or a shorter lifespan for the implant. This doesn’t mean you have to sit on the couch. It’s about choosing smarter, lower-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking that build strength without jarring the joint. Patience now will pay off with years of pain-free movement later.

Gaining Weight or Smoking

Your lifestyle habits are incredibly important for the long-term health of your new hip. Maintaining a healthy weight is critical because every extra pound you carry adds several pounds of pressure to your hip joint. Over time, this can cause premature wear and tear on the implant. Similarly, smoking is a major roadblock to recovery. It restricts blood flow, which can seriously slow down healing at the surgical site and increase your risk of infection and other complications. Quitting smoking and managing your weight are two of the most powerful things you can do to protect your investment and support a successful outcome.

Skipping Your Physical Therapy

After surgery, physical therapy isn’t just a suggestion—it’s an essential part of your recovery. Your new hip implant is strong, but it relies on the surrounding muscles for stability and smooth movement. PT is designed to safely and effectively strengthen your leg muscles, restore your range of motion, and retrain your body to walk correctly. Skipping sessions or neglecting your home exercises can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, and a limp that’s hard to get rid of. Sticking with your physical therapy plan is your ticket to a faster, stronger, and more complete recovery. It’s the work you put in now that ensures you can confidently return to the activities you love.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to stop being active to make my new hip last longer? Not at all! The entire point of a hip replacement for an active person is to get you back to doing what you love without pain. The key is to be smart about your activity. Modern implants are incredibly durable, but they respond best to low-impact exercises. This means you might swap out long-distance running for cycling or swimming, which build strength and endurance without the repetitive jarring. It’s less about limitation and more about channeling your energy into activities that support your new joint for the long haul.

Is a second ‘revision’ surgery unavoidable since I’m getting a hip replacement at a younger age? A revision surgery isn’t a certainty, but it’s a possibility we plan for. Because you have more active years ahead, your implant will naturally endure more use than an older patient’s. However, the goal of a great initial surgery is to push the need for a revision as far into the future as possible. By choosing a skilled surgeon who uses advanced, durable materials and precise techniques, and by committing to a healthy lifestyle, you give yourself the best shot at making your first hip replacement your last for a very long time.

With so many advanced implants available, how much does my choice of surgeon really matter? It matters immensely. You can have the best technology in the world, but its success depends entirely on the skill of the person installing it. A surgeon’s precision in positioning and aligning the implant is what ensures it functions smoothly and distributes force evenly, which minimizes wear and tear over decades. An expert surgeon who specializes in active patients understands how to create a stable, durable result that’s built for performance, making their technique just as critical as the implant itself.

What’s the single most important thing I can do after surgery to protect my new hip? If I had to pick just one thing, it would be to fully commit to your physical therapy program. Your new hip is a strong piece of hardware, but it needs a strong support system. PT is what builds up the muscles around the joint, providing the stability and control needed for smooth, powerful movement. Sticking with your rehab plan ensures you heal correctly, regain your strength, and learn how to move in a way that protects the implant for years to come.

Can I ever run again after a hip replacement? This is a common and important question for active people. While many patients can return to a high level of activity, most surgeons advise against routine, long-distance running. The repetitive, high-impact nature of running can place significant stress on the implant and potentially shorten its lifespan. However, your specific case depends on many factors. The best approach is to have an open conversation with your surgeon about your goals so you can create a realistic plan that balances your passion for activity with the long-term health of your new hip.

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