It depends on several things. Your age, the condition of your bones, and your activity level are all important. The reason you need the hip replacement is also a factor. The older you are, the more likely your implant will outlive you. Younger, more active patients tend to wear out the implant much faster than older, more stable patients. Brittle bones from osteoporosis makes the decision more difficult. Hip implants after a failed hip fracture also don't last as long.

Finally, hip dislocation is common in patients who don't follow their doctor's directions. Certain motions and positions must be avoided in the first six weeks or the joint can dislocate.