Christie Brinkley on hip replacement surgery 26 years after helicopter crash: ‘I knew I had to do this'

EXCLUSIVE: Christie Brinkley is feeling more youthful than ever – thanks to a new hip.

In early 2021, the 67-year-old revealed on Instagram that she took some time for herself during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in 2020 to get hip replacement surgery after a helicopter crash in 1994. The accident occurred while the model was on a ski trip in Telluride, Colorado.

"I feel fantastic," the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit icon told Fox News. "I’m so glad that I did it. I almost wish I would have done both hips because my hip on the side that I did it feels so new! But really, I feel so great. I’m thrilled with it. Let’s face it, one of the keys to staying youthful is a youthful attitude. And when you start to get limited by injuries, that’s such a drag."

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Brinkley was told 12 years ago that her hip needed to be replaced. However, the idea of surgery was too "daunting" at the time. She avoided it as long as possible, but the lingering pain couldn’t be ignored.

"That’s the only time I ever started to feel really old," said Brinkley. "When I finished my last run of ‘Chicago’ on Broadway about two years ago now, my hip was really hurting me. I felt as if I was trying to unfold myself. That’s when I knew I had to do this. It wasn’t going to get better if I continued to leave it alone. And I put it off for so many years because I really thought that it was going to be a major, difficult procedure to recover from."

When COVID-19 impacted the globe, the SBLA ambassador realized the extra free time she found herself with was the perfect opportunity to finally address her health woes.

CHRISTIE BRINKLEY FINALLY GETS NEW HIP AFTER 1994 HELICOPTER CRASH

"I thought it was the time to do it," she said. "When it felt safer, I went to the doctor so I can finally accomplish this. And that’s what I did. And I’m so happy I did."

"If you don’t move, you will rust," Brinkley continued. "You’ve got to constantly find ways to stay healthy through daily exercise and good nutrition. And sometimes, it takes a good hip replacement to keep going. That way you can stay energetic."

The star’s Instagram post revealed she had surgery at Thanksgiving and by New Year’s Eve, she was dancing in her kitchen. During the New Year, she explored the coral reefs.  

"When I was feeling good again, I started riding a stationary bike," she said. "I also use Total Gym, which is great for at-home body fitness."

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In 2019, Brinkley was faced with another challenge. The supermodel broke her arm during rehearsals for "Dancing With the Stars," which required surgery, the Los Angeles Times reported. Her youngest daughter, Sailor Brinkley-Cook, took over Brinkley’s spot in the reality competition.

"[The arm] still bothers me to this day," said Brinkley. "It’s hard to do yoga with this hand because I don’t have the full range of motion. So it’s tough and it’s my right arm. I need my right arm for everything. But I take it a day at a time and find different ways to stay active."

Today, the cover girl encourages people to address any health concerns or changes they’re experiencing, even if they’re feeling hesitant or fearful.

"Some people think that once things start to hurt, it’s like, ‘I’m just in that stage now. I’m just going to sit back, take it easy and watch TV for the rest of my life,’" said Brinkley. "No, no get out there. Have those conversations with your doctor. Get with a physical therapist. Find out why certain things are hurting. Address it. Fix it. Build muscle around the joint that’s hurting. Find ways to feel energetic again. Rebuild that strength. You’ve got to keep moving. That’s the secret to staying young."

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Now, Brinkley is focusing on getting stronger and adapting to workout routines that can be done at home.

"I’m just so grateful that I decided to finally take that time for myself and do something about the pain," she said. "I only wish I had done it sooner."