I've been told repeatedly that I'm "too young" for a hip replacement. I'm 51-years old and can no longer enjoy the activities I once did for fun because of severe hip pain. Isn't what I'm missing out today important enough to warrant a hip replacement now?

Good point. Doctors know that with today's current implant materials, the hip replacement may only last 10 to 15 years. It may be less if you are highly active in sports and other physical activities.

This means you'll likely need another hip replacement when you are only 65 years old and maybe a third before your 75th birthday. You'll lose some bone and height with each operation. There are many other problems that come with revision operations.

On the other hand, pain and disability are hard to live with. If you wait too long, you may not gain back what you've lost in terms of strength, function, and physical ability. The patient's symptoms and ability to tolerate pain for a long time should be considered.