My 10 year old hip is metal on metal, a Birmingham resurfacing, and my THR is ceramic on ceramic and 8 years old. I don’t expect either of them to wear out in the time I have left, but then again I did not start by jogging 10 miles a day!
The latest materials are expected to last at least 30 years in normal use, I can’t imagine sensible running will do that much to cause wear and tear and plenty of others seem to have the same opinion. I am happy to race half-marathons and have run 28 miles during a 6 hour event, albeit slowly.
Last year I took part in a research project at the University of Essex to assess how artificial joints hold up during the forces associated with running, jumping and turning – I was plastered with sensor patches and reflectors for the 3D camera system and made to perform movements over a forceplate, and leg muscle strength readings were take in many directions. The force of landing in a cushioned shoe seemed to be about 1.7g (about 200lb for me at 130lb weight).
The research hypothesis is that modern joints are more capable than some surgeons are willing to recommend, and with any luck the results should be available later this year.
I shall post their findings here when they are published.