How long will it last?

The prostheses which were used in the early 1990s have lasted about 15 years. The materials and design have improved considerably since then and we expect to see the implants used today lasting much longer. In particular, the ceramic components we now use are showing far less 'wear' than the components that were used in the early 1990s. However, it is difficult to know what the lifespan will be for implants being used today. There are many factors which will influence the outcome. When making decisions about implants we always take into consideration the extent of the joint degeneration, bone quality, patient anatomy, the age of the patient and the stresses the patient is likely to put upon the joint. You should talk to your orthopaedic surgeon directly if you have specific questions about implant design and materials used.