Virginia, I don't know where you are, but any age rules about hip surgery are strictly for guidance here in UK. I had a full replacement just over 4 years ago, age 70, but a friend of mine had 2 of the first resurfacings aged about 40. Both have now reached the end of their life, and he had a full replacement of one hip just over a year ago, and is waiting for the other.

He probably wore the replacements as fast as anyone would - he continues with karate even now.

There is a reluctance to carry out replacements at too young an age, but the old 65+ rule was based on an expected life of the replacement of 15 years max. My surgeon now expects 20 to 25 years from the metal/metal joint I have. My neighbour had a replacement last year, age 58.

Resurfacing isn't automatically an option - it depends on the surface of the bone being in good condition, but that's more likely in a younger patient, such as you!

It is now quite common to carry out a resurfacing at 50+, with a replacement when it wears out at about 65+.

For more information than you could ever need, have a look at Evert Smith's site He carried out my surgery (and also that on 5 of my friends).

Phil