According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 193,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. As the U.S. population ages, especially the Baby Boomer generation, this number is estimated to increase to 572,000 by 2030.

Today, there have been many surgical and technical improvements in the area of hip replacements. The improved quality of implants has made hip replacements more durable than in years past.  Advancements in surgical techniques have also allowed for faster rehabilitation and recovery following surgery. As a result of these developments, hip replacements have become a fairly common way for both older adults and active younger people to relieve pain and restore motion.

Even with these improvements, prosthetics have their limits and patients should not have unrealistic expectations about what their new joint can do and how much activity it can withstand. As with any mechanical joint, the ball and socket components move against each other, which can cause a natural wearing down of the joint. The rate of wear is dependent upon on how the hip joint is used.

Being physically active is an essential part of recovery but certain activities should be avoided in order to prevent deterioration of the new joint. Patients participating in strenuous activities and “impact loading” sports such as jogging, basketball, downhill skiing and high-impact aerobics increase the likelihood of wear on the joint’s surfaces.

However, patients should not rule out exercise and sporting activities all together as physical activity is essential to the rehabilitation process. To increase range of motion, muscle strength and most importantly the durability of a hip replacement, patients should consider the following tips and activities post surgery:

• Begin a walking program to slowly increase mobility and endurance.

• Participate in low-impact sports such as swimming, rowing, cycling, hiking and moderate aerobics. This will improve the clinical outcome of the hip replacement and reduce the likelihood of revision surgery.

• Be mindful that any sport placing undue stress on the artificial joint should be avoided. It is better to be a spectator than to participate and run the risk of causing permanent damage or need for revision surgery.

Overall, the longevity of a hip replacement varies from patient to patient, and depends on many factors. These can include a patient’s physical condition, activity level, weight and accuracy of implant placement during surgery. Patients must remember that a prosthetic joint is not as strong or durable as a natural, healthy joint. Limiting physical activity and exercise to activities that put minimal stress on the joint will enable patients to maintain an active lifestyle without increasing the likelihood of revision surgery.

It’s estimated that approximately 850 hip fractures occur a day. The good news is there are a few simple measures that can be taken to reduce your chance of experiencing a break.

A bone is a living tissue, composed mainly of calcium and protein. Bones with high calcium content are strong. However, as a bone ages it begins to lose calcium and the density and mass of the bone is reduced.  As this occurs it becomes progressively weaker, increasing the risk that it may break. A gradual loss of bone mass generally begins around the age of 35, which is a fact of life for everyone.  After growth is complete, women ultimately lose 30 to 50 percent of their bone density, and men lose 20 to 30 percent. Women lose bone calcium and estrogen at an accelerated pace as they go through menopause, which makes them more prone to hip fractures than men.

Prevention of hip fractures is far better, and far less costly, than treatment after the bone is broken. So, consider utilizing the following ways to prevent a hip fracture:

• Eat a well balanced diet of calcium and vitamin D;

• Engage in weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, hiking, dancing and weight training;

• Utilize proper treatment and early diagnosis of osteoporosis;

• Take medications to help prevent menopausal bone loss, such as estrogen replacement therapy;

• Eliminate smoking and excessive alcohol use.

If you are diagnosed with a hip fracture you can expect to receive surgery almost immediately to help prevent further complications. There are different types of surgery for hip fractures depending on the location of the break, the position of the bone fragments, and your age.

Surgery for a hip fracture may include one of the following:

• Internal fixation – this involves stabilizing broken bones with surgical screws, rods, or plates.

• Hip replacement surgery – this involves replacing part or the entire joint with artificial parts. The extent of the damage will determine what portion of the hip will need to be replaced.

Typically, surgery is the most effective treatment option for a hip fracture.  Your age, the extent of your injury and your overall health will help your doctor to determine what surgery is right for you.