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How Long Does a Hip Replacement Last?
Ceramic Technology & The Era of 'Lifetime Use'
The main reason patients suffering from hip pain avoid surgery is often this sentence: "My neighbor had surgery, and 10 years later the implant loosened. I am only 50; I am afraid it will wear out."
This fear was justified for 1990s technology. But we have great news: That era is over. Thanks to today's technology and "Tribology" (the science of friction), our goal is no longer 10-15 years, but artificial joints you can use for 25-30 years, or even a lifetime.
1. Old Myth vs. New Reality
In older implants, plastic (polyethylene) parts would wear out over time, limiting the lifespan. However, advanced materials used today have dramatically extended this period. We can now produce surfaces that withstand 100-200 million steps.
2. Material Revolution: Why is "Ceramic" Precious?
The biggest problem with older generation implants was "friction." The new technology is built on Ceramic.
Ceramic surfaces are so smooth and hold water so well (hydrophilic) that the movement inside the joint is like "an ice skate gliding on wet ice." Friction drops to almost zero.
3. Our Clinic's Choice: Dual Combinations
We use two main combinations depending on our patient's age and bone quality:
- Ceramic-on-Ceramic (CoC): The most durable. The wear rate is 4000 times less than metal-on-plastic. Ideal for young and active patients.
- Ceramic-on-Polyethylene (CoP - Cross-linked): The Gold Standard. A ceramic head moves in a highly durable plastic liner. There is no risk of fracture, making it the most reliable combination.
4. Material Alone isn't Enough: "Wheel Alignment"
Even if you buy the world's best tire (Ceramic Implant), if your car's wheel alignment is off, that tire will wear out quickly. The same applies to hip replacement.
Dr. Sedat and Dr. Muhammed Duman place the implant cup (acetabular cup) with millimetric precision at the correct angle. A wrong angle causes "edge loading," which can wear out even the best material.
5. Good News for Young Patients
It used to be said, "Grin and bear it, have surgery when you're 60." This is no longer valid. Thanks to ceramic technology, a patient operated on at 45 can use the same implant well into their 75s or 80s.
Frequently Asked Questions
While no guarantee can be given, 25-30 year survival rates are over 90%. This means 'lifetime' for most patients.
It was a risk in the past, but with the new generation 'Biolox Delta' (Pink Ceramic) technology, the risk is nearly impossible (0.04%).
In case of loosening, the implant can be changed with Revision Surgery. However, doing the first surgery correctly minimizes this risk.