Projections for primary hip and knee replacement surgery up to the year 2060: an analysis based on data from The National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man

Introduction We estimated the number of primary total hip and knee replacements (THR and TKR) that will need to be performed up to the year 2060. Methods We used data from The National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man on the volume of primary THRs (n=94,936) and TKRs (n=100,547) performed in 2018. We projected future numbers of THR and TKR using a static estimated rate from 2018 applied to population growth forecast data from the UK Office for National Statistics up to 2060. Results By 2060, THR and TKR volume would increase from 2018 levels by an estimated 37.7% (n=130,766) and 36.6% (n=137,341), respectively. For both males and females demand for surgery was also higher for patients aged 70 and over, with older patients having the biggest relative increase in volume over time: 70-79 years (44.6% males, 41.2% females); 80-89 years (112.4% males, 85.6% females); 90 years and older (348.0% males, 198.2% females). Conclusion By 2060 demand for hip and knee joint replacement is estimated to increase by almost 40%. Demand will be greatest in older patients (70+ years), which will have significant implications for the health service requiring forward planning given that morbidity and resource use is higher in this population. These issues, coupled with two waves of COVID-19, will impact the ability of health services to deliver timely joint replacement to many patients for a number of years, requiring urgent planning.

Automated summary

According to projections, the demand for total hip and knee replacements will increase by nearly 40% by 2060, with the highest demand coming from older patients (70+ years). This will have significant implications for the health service and calls for urgent planning, especially in light of the impact of two waves of COVID-19.