7 Warning Signs Your Hip Replacement Might Be Wearing Out
- Emma Glynn
- Sep 7, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 8, 2025
By Emma Glynn - The Hip & Knee Physio
Hip replacements have transformed the lives of many Australians, restoring mobility and relieving pain when osteoarthritis or injury has taken its toll. But even the best implants don’t last forever.
If you’ve had a hip replacement whether 5 years ago or 20, it's important to know what warning signs to look out for as the implant ages. Recognising early issues can help avoid major complications down the track.
👇 Here are seven signs your hip replacement may be wearing out, and what to do next.
Understanding Hip Replacement Longevity
Hip replacement surgery (total hip arthroplasty) involves replacing a damaged joint with a prosthetic implant. While success rates are high and most modern implants last 15–20 years, wear-and-tear, mechanical complications, and infections can shorten their lifespan [1].
If you’ve had your hip replaced and are noticing changes, even years later, don’t ignore them. Below are the key red flags to watch for.
1. Persistent or Worsening Pain
Pain that doesn’t settle or gets worse over time is a major red flag. While some discomfort is normal after surgery, new or chronic pain years later may indicate:
Loosening of the implant
Wear and tear of components
Inflammation or infection
Pain might be felt in the hip itself or radiate to the groin, buttock, or thigh. Don’t wait to see if it settles, early investigation is key.
👉 Book a hip assessment if this sounds like you.
2. Decreased Range of Motion
Are you finding it harder to bend, walk, or rotate your leg like you used to?
Loss of flexibility and stiffness may point to:
Scar tissue formation
Component loosening or impingement
Wear debris causing joint inflammation
This may start subtly but it’s a sign to act before things deteriorate.
3. Swelling or Inflammation
Swelling around the hip joint that lingers or worsens over time may suggest:
Implant loosening or instability
Inflammatory reaction to wear particles
Joint infection
Infection is one of the more serious causes, and can present months or years post-op. Left untreated, it can damage bone and surrounding tissue [2].
4. Noises from the Joint (Clicking, Popping, Grinding)
While some minor crepitus is normal, persistent or new noises, especially with pain may suggest:
Component loosening or malalignment
Material wear
Soft tissue catching or inflammation
If your hip starts “talking” to you more than usual, get it checked out.
5. Changes in Walking Pattern or Balance
A sudden limp, new instability, or difficulty bearing weight may indicate:
Component failure or fracture
Muscle weakness or neurological changes
Leg length discrepancy developing due to implant issues
Any noticeable change in your gait deserves a proper physio or surgical review.
6. Fever or Systemic Symptoms
Fever, chills, fatigue, or warmth around the joint may indicate a deep joint infection even years after surgery.
This is a medical emergency. If left untreated, periprosthetic joint infection can destroy the implant and surrounding bone [3].
7. X-Ray Changes or Poor Implant Position
Often, signs of wear or loosening show up on imaging before symptoms begin. Common findings include:
Radiolucent lines (gaps around implant)
Component migration
Peri-implant osteolysis (bone loss)
This is why regular follow-up (even years after surgery) is critical to detect issues before they progress.
What To Do If You're Concerned
If any of these warning signs sound familiar, don’t panic but don’t ignore them either.
A skilled physiotherapist can:
Identify whether symptoms are truly implant-related or due to soft tissue or mechanical factors
Test strength, gait, and function to isolate causes
Refer for imaging or surgical opinion if needed
👉 Book a consult with a hip physio
👉 Take our free Hip Quiz to get immediate insights
Take-Home Message
Your hip replacement was an investment in your quality of life, don’t wait until it fails to protect that investment.
Persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, noise, gait changes, or systemic symptoms can all signal problems with your implant.
Early intervention = better outcomes, less invasive treatments, and more years doing what you love.
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Disclaimer
The content provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
While The Hip and Knee Physio strives to present accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee results or outcomes based on the information provided. Any exercises, strategies, or recommendations featured on this site should not be considered a personalised treatment plan.
Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider before starting any exercise program, particularly if you are experiencing pain, injury, or a pre-existing medical condition.
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References
Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR). (2022). Annual Report. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org.au
D'Apuzzo, M., et al. (2023). Late periprosthetic hip infection: Symptoms, evaluation, and treatment. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9981607/
NSW Health ACI. (2020). Periprosthetic Joint Infection Clinical Guide. Retrieved from https://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au