Surreal illustration of hip joint diagrams forming a blooming flower in an operating room.

Hip Replacement Trends: What the Numbers Tell Us About Your Future Mobility

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 3 min read.

"A Deep Dive into Korean Data Reveals Key Insights for Patients and Healthcare Providers Alike"

Hip replacement surgery has become a standard and effective treatment for end-stage hip disease, significantly improving the quality of life for millions. As the procedure's popularity grows globally, understanding the epidemiological trends—who is getting hip replacements, why, and how often—becomes increasingly vital for both patients and healthcare providers. These trends not only reflect the changing demographics and health needs of populations but also influence healthcare policies and resource allocation.

While Western data has largely dominated the discussion, insights from Asian countries offer a unique perspective, shaped by different genetic predispositions, lifestyles, and healthcare systems. South Korea, with its advanced healthcare infrastructure and comprehensive national health insurance, provides a rich dataset for analyzing these trends. By examining the patterns of hip replacements in Korea, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the global picture and tailor healthcare strategies to better meet the needs of diverse populations.

This article delves into a detailed analysis of hip replacement epidemiology in South Korea from 2007 to 2011. Drawing on data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), we'll explore the procedural numbers, prevalence rates, and revision burdens associated with different types of hip replacements. We will also discuss what these findings mean for individuals considering hip replacement and the broader implications for healthcare policy and practice.

Hip Replacement in Korea: Key Trends Unveiled

Surreal illustration of hip joint diagrams forming a blooming flower in an operating room.

A recent study meticulously analyzed national data collected by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) in South Korea from 2007 to 2011. The study focused on several key aspects of hip replacement procedures, including:

The study population included a substantial number of procedures:

60,230 bipolar hemiarthroplasties (BH)
40,760 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs)
10,341 revision THAs

The analysis of this data revealed several key trends.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Hip Replacement

Understanding the trends in hip replacement is not just an academic exercise; it has real-world implications for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By staying informed and proactive, we can work together to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need to maintain their mobility and quality of life for years to come.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.6.852, Alternate LINK

Title: Epidemiology Of Hip Replacements In Korea From 2007 To 2011

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Korean Medical Science

Publisher: Korean Academy of Medical Sciences

Authors: Pil Whan Yoon, Young-Kyun Lee, Jeonghoon Ahn, Eun Jin Jang, Yunjung Kim, Hong Suk Kwak, Kang Sup Yoon, Hee Joong Kim, Jeong Joon Yoo

Published: 2014-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the main focus of the study regarding hip replacements in South Korea?

The study primarily focuses on analyzing the epidemiological trends of hip replacements in South Korea from 2007 to 2011. It examines the procedural numbers, prevalence rates, and revision burdens associated with different types of hip replacements, using data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). This detailed analysis provides insights into who is getting hip replacements, why, and how often, offering a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of hip replacements in South Korea.

What specific types of hip replacement procedures were analyzed in the South Korean study?

The study in South Korea analyzed three main types of hip replacement procedures. These include 60,230 bipolar hemiarthroplasties (BH), 40,760 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs), and 10,341 revision THAs. The data for these procedures were meticulously examined to identify trends and patterns related to each type, offering valuable insights into the prevalence and outcomes of these procedures within the South Korean healthcare system.

How can insights from South Korean hip replacement data benefit patients and healthcare providers globally?

Insights from South Korean data can significantly benefit both patients and healthcare providers globally. For patients, understanding the trends in hip replacement, such as the prevalence of different procedures like bipolar hemiarthroplasties (BH) and total hip arthroplasties (THAs), helps in making informed decisions about their treatment options. Healthcare providers can use this data to tailor healthcare strategies, improve resource allocation, and understand the specific needs of diverse populations, considering factors such as genetic predispositions and lifestyle differences that are reflected in the South Korean data.

Why is it important to study hip replacement trends, and what real-world implications do these trends have?

Studying hip replacement trends is crucial because it provides valuable insights into the changing demographics and health needs of populations. Understanding who is getting hip replacements, why, and how often helps inform healthcare policies, resource allocation, and the development of more effective treatment strategies. For patients, this means improved access to the care they need to maintain their mobility and quality of life. Healthcare providers can use this data to stay informed about the latest advancements and best practices in hip replacement surgery, ensuring that patients receive optimal care.

What is the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), and how does it contribute to understanding hip replacement trends?

The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) is a key component in understanding hip replacement trends, especially in South Korea. HIRA collects comprehensive data on healthcare procedures, including hip replacements, and provides a rich dataset for analyzing epidemiological trends. By using data from HIRA, researchers can examine procedural numbers, prevalence rates, and revision burdens associated with different types of hip replacements. This data-driven approach helps uncover patterns and insights that inform healthcare policies, resource allocation, and the development of improved patient care strategies.