“Does my hip rod need changing?”
I had hip surgery 15 years ago and a rod was inserted. Does this rod need to be changed every so often? It's still the same one from 15 years ago.
11 Answers
No; if it's bothering you, you could have it removed.
If the rod was placed for a fracture, there is no reason to change it. Also no reason to remove unless symptomatic.
Typically this does NOT need to be changed.
No. If however you have hip or thigh pain an X-ray should be done to determine whether you are developing hip arthritis.
If this was for a fracture the answer is no
Hello,
Thanks for your question. The rod you have in your femur should not need to be changed if it is not causing you any problems.
Susan Day, MD
Thanks for your question. The rod you have in your femur should not need to be changed if it is not causing you any problems.
Susan Day, MD
No, Not unless it is causing a problem.
Placing a rod in (I presume your femur) is for the purpose of treating a fracture. Removal may be considered once the fracture has healed and usually one year later dependent on the age of the patient. After fifteen years, it may be a difficult task to remove the rod and in my opinion should be left alone unless there's a reason to the contrary. In any event, there is no indication for the removal in order to exchange it with a new rod. A rod may also be inserted as a prophylactic measure when dealing with a malignancy present in the bone in anticipation of a possible impending fracture, and in this case, the rod should not be removed.
No unless it’s painful
Unless it is a hip replacement that is loose or painful, or a femoral rod or plate that is painful, orthopedic hardware usually never has to be “changed.” If there are no symptoms or issues with the X-ray, I would leave it alone. Please obtain an orthopedic consultation if you have concerns.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
No. Your fracture should be healed, so you don’t really need the rod to hold the bone in place.
