At present, long term studies are showing that hip replacements may last 20-25 years, and knee replacements may last 15 years. The most common reason for failure for knee and hip replacements at 10-15 years is loosening due to wearing of the plastic component. Yes they can. Redoing of a hip or knee replacement, which is known as revision surgery, can be done and does require a surgeon with special training in this area. The Peninsula Joint Replacement Center offers revision replacement by highly trained revision specialists.
Most surgeries go well without any complications.
Infection and blood clots are two of the complications which concern us the most. To avoid these complications we give antibiotics and blood thinners before and after surgery. Recent studies have indicated that total joint replacements perform equally as well in the old, young, and overweight patient. These concerns should be discussed with your surgeon. The only absolute restrictions are no running or jumping sports.