My boss had both hips replaced, same operation, in his 50’s He still does karate.
I also got a hip “resurfacing” three years ago and it has been trouble free. I was told I could run on it, but that activity might reduce its lifespan (I am 63). This procedure has become a bit more controversial since I got it (Barry Meier of the New York Times has written a number of articles), at least partly because both parts of the appliance are metal (that is the only option for resurfacing). It is usually recommended for young, active men. One reason is because if it needs to be “revised” in the future (almost a certainty in your friend’s case), it is much easier than with a traditional hip replacement.
You want to get the best, most experienced surgeon you can for this procedure. If you are in the New York area, go to the Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr Edwin Su was my choice and he has done thousands of these. Pay attention to what device the surgeon is using. In my (rather unscientific) review, Smith & Nephew’s BHR is the oldest and most reliable device out there.
Getting a resurfacing may be a bit of a gamble, but the younger you are, the more that gamble is worth taking.
I have a friend who had a hip fracture just recently and was in the hospital, he had surgery and he isn’t even 30! He said he was told it was due to osteoporosis, and admitted he has been a heavy drinking alcoholic for years and thinks that might be the cause.
I was just floored someone his age would collapse from a hip fracture and have osteoporosis!