Knee and Hip Replacements in Marbella: How Long They Last and When to Have Them Checked

How long does a knee or hip replacement last?

Joint replacements do not have an expiry date. Most modern hip and knee replacements are still working 15 to 20 years after surgery, and many last longer, although the real lifespan depends on each patient and each implant.

A replacement is a mechanical part that works every day inside a joint. Over time it can wear down or lose its fixation, which is why it should be checked regularly, even when it causes no discomfort.

At German Clinic Marbella, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ignatios Chatziandreou performs knee and hip replacements, including custom 3D-printed prostheses, and also carries out revision surgery when an earlier prosthesis stops working properly.

What determines how long a replacement lasts?

There is no single number that applies to every patient. Among other factors, it depends on:

• Age and activity level: the more load and movement, the more wear.
• Body weight and bone quality.
• The design, the material and the fit of the implant.
• The surgical technique and correct placement of the prosthesis.
• Rehabilitation and joint care after the operation.
• Other medical conditions and follow-up care.

That is why each case should be assessed before surgery. Dr. Chatziandreou, a pioneer in Spain in custom 3D-printed knee and hip prostheses, uses these implants to achieve a precise fit to each patient’s anatomy.

When should a replacement be checked?

See an orthopedic surgeon if you have a knee or hip replacement and notice any of these symptoms:

• New pain, or pain that is not improving, in the groin, thigh, knee or around the prosthesis.
• A feeling of instability, or that the joint “gives way”.
• Stiffness that keeps getting worse, or loss of movement.
• A limp, clicking or noises that were not there before.
• Swelling, warmth, redness or fever: these can indicate an infection and need assessment as soon as possible.
• Pain after a fall or a blow.

Even if you have no symptoms, it is advisable to attend the regular check-ups your orthopedic surgeon recommends, usually with X-rays, because some problems are detected before they cause discomfort.

Why can a replacement fail?

The most common causes are:

• Loosening: the prosthesis loses its fixation to the bone.
• Infection around the prosthesis.
• Instability or dislocation, especially in the hip.
• A fracture of the bone around the implant.
• Wear of the components, such as the part that cushions movement.

Identifying the cause correctly is essential, because the treatment depends on it.

What is revision or salvage surgery?

It is the operation that replaces an earlier prosthesis, partly or completely, when it no longer works properly. It is also known as a replacement of the prosthesis.

It is usually more complex than the first operation: there may be bone loss, scarring and a need for special implants, and it requires detailed preparation and specific experience.

Dr. Ignatios Chatziandreou, at German Clinic Marbella, has experience in more than 750 knee and hip revision surgeries. Prosthesis salvage surgery is part of the clinic’s orthopedic surgery and traumatology treatments.

How is the problem assessed before surgery?

The assessment depends on each case, but it usually includes:

• Medical history and examination of the joint.
• X-rays, compared with earlier ones.
• Blood tests, to rule out infection.
• Additional imaging when needed.
• In some cases, analysis of the joint fluid.

With this information, the surgeon decides whether treatment and follow-up are enough or surgery is needed, and which procedure is most appropriate.

What is recovery like after revision surgery?

It depends on the type of procedure and on the patient’s condition and bone. In general it takes longer and needs closer follow-up than a first replacement, with guided rehabilitation to regain strength and movement. Your orthopedic surgeon will explain the specific plan before the operation.

To learn what the process is like after a replacement, read recovery after knee surgery in Marbella and hip replacement in Marbella with Dr. Chatziandreou.

Can I have a consultation without travelling to Marbella?

Yes. German Clinic Marbella offers online consultations (telemedicine) in all specialties, including orthopedics, to continue treatments remotely. It is useful if you spend part of the year outside Spain or if you already have a prosthesis and want an assessment without travelling, although some decisions will require an in-person examination.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a knee replacement last?

Most modern knee replacements are still working 15 to 20 years after surgery, and many last longer. How long depends on age, activity level, weight, the implant and the surgical technique, and it is not guaranteed.

How long does a hip replacement last?

Most modern hip replacements are still working 15 to 20 years after surgery, and many last longer. How long depends on age, activity level, weight, the implant and the surgical technique, and it is not guaranteed.

When does a knee or hip replacement need to be replaced?

When it stops working properly: because of loosening, infection, wear, instability or a fracture around the implant. The orthopedic surgeon decides after examining the patient and running tests, usually X-rays and blood tests.

What symptoms suggest that a replacement is failing?

New or persistent pain, a feeling of instability, increasing stiffness, a limp or new noises and, above all, swelling, warmth, redness or fever, which can indicate an infection and need assessment as soon as possible.

What is revision surgery for a joint replacement?

It is the operation that replaces an earlier prosthesis, partly or completely, when it no longer works properly. It is also called replacement or salvage surgery of the prosthesis.

Is a second replacement operation harder than the first?

It is usually more complex than the first operation, because of possible bone loss, scarring and the need for special implants. That is why it should be performed by a team with specific experience in revision surgery.

Is there an orthopedic surgeon in Marbella with experience in revision surgery?

Yes. Dr. Ignatios Chatziandreou, at German Clinic Marbella, has experience in more than 750 knee and hip revision surgeries and is a pioneer in Spain in custom 3D-printed prostheses.

Can I have an online consultation before travelling to Marbella?

Yes. German Clinic Marbella offers online consultations (telemedicine) in all specialties, including orthopedics. Some decisions will require an in-person examination.

Do you see patients in English and German?

Yes. The team at German Clinic Marbella sees patients in Spanish, English, German, Greek, Norwegian, Italian, Hungarian and Russian, among other languages.

Where is German Clinic Marbella and how do I book?

German Clinic Marbella is at C/ Jacinto Benavente, 10, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, in the city center, and is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. You can book by phone (+34 951 413 103), WhatsApp (+34 637 806 085), email (info@german-clinic.com) or through the contact form.

Conclusion

A well-indicated, well-placed and well-monitored replacement can serve you for many years, but it is not forever. If you have a knee or hip replacement and notice new pain, instability or stiffness, or have not had it checked for a long time, ask for an assessment.

At German Clinic Marbella, Dr. Ignatios Chatziandreou offers prosthesis assessment and revision surgery. You can book here or call +34 951 413 103.

The clinic is at C/ Jacinto Benavente, 10, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, in the center of Marbella.

Last updated: October 2026. This article is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.