I have had total replacements of both hips; the right in 1998 and the left in 2008. When the pain and loss of range of motion start to affect your life, it is time to join the club. Members will testify that "it doesn't hurt any more and I should have had it done a long time ago."
I disagree with the idea that "A hip replacement only lasts 10 years." My first replacement was done 13 years ago and the wear layer (highly cross-linked UHMW polyethylene) shows no discernible loss. The second replacement is metal on metal and wear should never be an issue. My orthopod says there is no reason to expect either replacement to fail with normal activities.
I am not a runner, but I certainly can. My doctor officially advises against skiing and tennis, but he knows that is part of the reason I had the replacements done. For me, being physically active now is worth the possibility of needing revision surgery in the future.
Last edited by Barry in GA; 07-29-11 at 07:04 PM.