Prevalence of artificial hips in the United States

This report summarizes information about adults with artificial hips as derived from a national survey, the 1988 National Health Interview Survey Medical Device Implant Supplement. Based on extrapolation to the United States population from the survey sample, it is estimated that 674,000 adults are currently using 811,000 artificial hips. The prevalence rate is 3.8 persons per thousand (95% confidence interval, 3.2, 4.4). 91.5% of the implants are primary implants and 8.5% are revisions, with the predominant reason for revision being loosening. Arthritis and injury are the most common reasons for hip implantation. Almost 60% of the implants have been in use for 5 years or less. This prevalence information about adults with artificial hips is unique in that it represents the first such estimates based on a probability sample of the United States population.