How Many Hip Replacements Per Year? (UK)
Hip replacement procedures are not uncommon, especially in older age groups, and more are typically carried out on female patients. A hip replacement will be recommended to a patient if their hip joint is damaged or especially weak, and they are designed to last for 15 years before natural degradation requires them to be replaced again.
This type of surgery plays a key role in aiding mobility and protecting the health of older people, as well as those affected by certain conditions affecting the joints. As such, they have become a common and routine procedure, with many thousands of operations taking place in the UK each year.
The NHS and the National Joint Registry produce regular reports and analysis of how many hip and knee replacements there are per year in the UK. In this blog post, we will share some of the most recent statistics taken from NHS England's annual Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) reports, to highlight just how common hip replacements have become in modern medicine.
Why hip replacements are necessary
Hip replacement surgery, a type of joint replacement surgery, is a major operation usually required when the hip joint is significantly worn or damaged, leading to reduced mobility and persistent pain, even while resting. The need for hip replacements arises from the desire to restore quality of life by alleviating hip pain and improving the function of the hip joint, and the number of hip replacements performed in the UK reflects the high demand for this procedure.
The most prevalent condition necessitating hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a condition that leads to the deterioration of the joint cartilage and the underlying bone, resulting in a damaged hip joint. Other medical conditions that can lead to significant hip joint damage include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: this autoimmune condition causes inflammation and thickening of the joint lining, leading to pain and reduced movement.
- Hip fractures: severe impacts or falls can lead to fractures that might require hip replacement surgeries, especially among older age groups.
- Hip dysplasia: this condition arises when the hip socket does not fully cover the ball portion of the upper thigh bone. This condition usually affects people from birth, but often does not become symptomatic until adulthood.
- Septic arthritis: infection in the joint can destroy the cartilage and bone, leading to urgent needs for replacement to prevent further health complications.
- Osteonecrosis: also known as avascular necrosis, this occurs when the blood supply to the cartilage or bone tissue is decreased or stopped, resulting in the tissue breaking down and dying.
- Bone dysplasia: unusual bone growth can lead to structural problems in the hip joint, necessitating surgery.
Hip replacement surgery is more common in females, as there are higher rates of arthritis observed in women, whereas joint surgeries for men are more likely to be the result of an injury.
The modern artificial hip joint has been designed to mimic the natural motion of a hip, allowing for a significant reduction in pain and improvement in mobility. When utilised correctly, an artificial joint can help older and younger patients alike to experience much more active and healthy lives.
Nevertheless, total hip replacements are significant procedures that are not without potential complications. Hip replacement surgery complications can include hip dislocation, infection, or a longer-term risk of wear and tear on the artificial hip joint, especially if metal-on-metal implants are causing deterioration. Such cases might require revision surgery.
Organisations like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) aim to monitor outcomes and establish guidelines to ensure patient safety and the effective performance of hip implants. By paying close attention to long-term data trends on the performance of joint replacements - including total knee replacements and hip replacements - they can improve patient care and surgical outcomes.
For individuals suffering from hip pain or hip joint damage, understanding the causes and potential treatments, including hip replacement surgery, is vital. Patients are encouraged to discuss their medical history, concerns and expectations with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate course of action, whether it be hip replacement, knee replacement, or other treatments. Rehabilitation, including gentle exercise and possibly working with an occupational therapist, plays a significant role in recovery and regaining mobility post-surgery.
As advancements continue in the development of artificial joints and surgical techniques, the number of hip replacements per year in the UK is likely to continue changing, as patient needs, technology and healthcare practices evolve.
How many hip replacements per year? (UK) - 2018 to 2019
There were a total of 81,130 hip replacement procedures recorded between April 2018 and March 2019.
The most common age range that received hip replacement surgery over these 12 months was 75-79 year olds, of which there were 823.7 hip operations per 100,000 female patients and 551.9 per 100,000 males. When looking at the full range of hip replacement patients between 15-75 years old, 52 per cent were aged over 70 years old and 41.9 percent were aged between 50-69.
The number of hip replacements per 100,000 people across all age groups were:
| Age Group | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Age 10-14 | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Age 15-19 | 2.3 | 2 |
| Age 20-24 | 2.9 | 3.4 |
| Age 25-29 | 4.8 | 4.1 |
| Age 30-34 | 9.1 | 8.3 |
| Age 35-39 | 15.3 | 15.5 |
| Age 40-44 | 33.8 | 33.7 |
| Age 45-49 | 64.8 | 63.7 |
| Age 50-54 | 123 | 109.9 |
| Age 55-59 | 200.5 | 182.5 |
| Age 60-64 | 355.6 | 285 |
| Age 65-69 | 512.1 | 391.4 |
| Age 70-74 | 702.9 | 475.2 |
| Age 75-79 | 823.7 | 551.9 |
| Age 80-84 | 717 | 501.1 |
| Age 85+ | 323.1 | 282.7 |
How many hip replacements per year? (UK) - 2019 to 2020
There were a total of 76,401 hip replacement procedures recorded between April 2019 and March 2020.
Between April 2019 and March 2020, the number of hip replacements performed on people aged between 75 and 79 years old were 732.9 per 100,000 female patients and 496.7 per 100,000 male patients. This was a decrease in the number of hip replacement operations compared to the previous year, which is likely due to the start of the coronavirus pandemic and the initial lockdown enforced in March 2020.
The number of hip replacements per 100,000 people across all age groups were:
| Age Group | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Age 10-14 | 0.7 | 0.2 |
| Age 15-19 | 2.3 | 1.9 |
| Age 20-24 | 2.4 | 3 |
| Age 25-29 | 4.8 | 4 |
| Age 30-34 | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| Age 35-39 | 15.7 | 14 |
| Age 40-44 | 29.7 | 30.8 |
| Age 45-49 | 60.1 | 60.2 |
| Age 50-54 | 114.5 | 104.7 |
| Age 55-59 | 201.7 | 168.2 |
| Age 60-64 | 335.3 | 277.2 |
| Age 65-69 | 481 | 351.5 |
| Age 70-74 | 640.9 | 439.5 |
| Age 75-79 | 732.9 | 496.7 |
| Age 80-84 | 669.4 | 466.8 |
| Age 85+ | 286.5 | 265.3 |
How many hip replacements per year? (UK) - 2020 to 2021
There were a total of 30,937 hip replacement procedures recorded between April 2020 and March 2021.
During the pandemic, hospitals became very busy, requiring a large proportion of the NHS workforce to help COVID-19 sufferers. The pandemic and its fallout had a significant impact on the number of hip replacement operations performed between April 2020 and March 2021. The number dropped significantly over this period with 271.1 per 100,000 female patients and 186 per 100,000 males aged between 75 and 79 undergoing the procedure.
The number of hip replacements per 100,000 people across all age groups were:
| Age Group | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Age 10-14 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Age 15-19 | 1.8 | 1.1 |
| Age 20-24 | 0.8 | 2 |
| Age 25-29 | 3.3 | 2.4 |
| Age 30-34 | 4 | 4.4 |
| Age 35-39 | 7.4 | 6.6 |
| Age 40-44 | 14.3 | 14.1 |
| Age 45-49 | 28.4 | 28 |
| Age 50-54 | 54.5 | 47.2 |
| Age 55-59 | 84.3 | 76.9 |
| Age 60-64 | 136.9 | 114.8 |
| Age 65-69 | 192.2 | 139.6 |
| Age 70-74 | 241.1 | 164.3 |
| Age 75-79 | 271.1 | 186 |
| Age 80-84 | 255.3 | 168.7 |
| Age 85+ | 108.7 | 94.9 |
How many hip replacements per year? (UK) - 2021 to 2022
There were a total of 68,335 hip replacement procedures between April 2021 to March 2022, representing a significant increase from the COVID-impact figures from the previous year.
Of these, a majority of patients were 50 years old or older (93.9%), with patients aged 50-69 accounting for 43.4%, and 50.4% being over 70 years old. Meanwhile, 58.9% of all hip replacements were carried out on female patients. The NHS data also showed that 95% of patients felt their hip problems improved after the operation, while 93% of hip replacement patients described the results of the surgery as excellent, very good or good.
The number of hip replacements per 100,000 people across all age groups were:
| Age Group | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Age 10-14 | 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Age 15-19 | 1.8 | 1.3 |
| Age 20-24 | 2.9 | 1.7 |
| Age 25-29 | 4.1 | 3.7 |
| Age 30-34 | 7.2 | 8.0 |
| Age 35-39 | 13.5 | 14.0 |
| Age 40-44 | 27.1 | 28.5 |
| Age 45-49 | 52.0 | 53.8 |
| Age 50-54 | 106.6 | 99.0 |
| Age 55-59 | 178.0 | 160.9 |
| Age 60-64 | 299.9 | 249.9 |
| Age 65-69 | 412.6 | 316.1 |
| Age 70-74 | 541.5 | 371.6 |
| Age 75-79 | 621.8 | 420.6 |
| Age 80-84 | 567.0 | 400.6 |
| Age 85+ | 265.9 | 240.6 |
Where can I find the latest hip replacement statistics for the UK?
For those interested in the most current data and trends regarding hip replacement surgeries in the UK, several authoritative sources provide comprehensive statistics and insights:
- NHS Digital: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs)
undefined - National Joint Registry (NJR): Reports and Publications
undefined
The information provided by these resources allows healthcare professionals, patients and researchers to gain key insights into the volume, outcomes and effectiveness of hip replacement surgeries. This helps to inform decisions and improve understanding of the broader context of hip replacement care and outcomes.
What can I do if I experience hip replacement surgery complications?
Experiencing complications after hip replacement surgery can be distressing and may significantly impact your quality of life. Complications vary widely, ranging from minor issues that resolve with time and care, to serious complications requiring additional surgeries or leading to long-term health problems. Common complications include infection, hip dislocation, blood clots, and problems related to the wear and tear of the artificial hip joint.
When this happens, consult with a healthcare professional to assess and address any immediate health issues. This may involve your GP, the surgeon who performed your procedure, or emergency medical services if you are experiencing severe symptoms.
If you believe your complications have arisen due to medical negligence - such as surgical errors, mismanagement of postoperative care, or incorrect placement of hip implants - consider seeking legal advice. You may be entitled to compensation to help with your recovery and any financial losses you have incurred.
To find out more about making a claim for hip surgery negligence, visit our dedicated page. For a free consultation on a no win, no fee claim, contact our team today on 0345 872 6666, or fill out our online enquiry form.
