“Does a ball socket have to be replaced?”
My mother had a ball socket operation 12 years ago and has a rod inserted. Do we have to get the rod replaced in a few years?
8 Answers
OrthopedistBallsocketsurgery
No not unless there is loosening of the stem or pain from loosening of the joint prosthesis. See an Orthopedic surgeon for follow up.
Implants last a variable amount of time. There are many factors that can affect longevity. Variables can relate to the injury, the patient, the success of surgery etc. The best way to determine need for replacement is to follow up with a surgeon for an exam and X-ray. Pain often is an indicator of failed implants.
Nabil A Ebraheim
Orthopedist
No, it does not have to be replaced unless it is painful or has no function.
A hip replacement consists of a prosthetic socket placed in the pelvis bone and a metal stem placed in the thigh bone. Once solidly fixed, they only come loose about 3% of the time. So the need to revise the parts is generally low.
Not necessarily. If the ball is worn that could be changed.
Get the hip x-rayed at least every 2 years. If there is signs of an impending problem, the doctor will tell you. If your mother lives long enough it may have to be redone, but the hip may last as long as 20 years.
This will depend on pain and function (or lack of function). These surgeries are great treatments, but do not cure the problem (meaning, the problem of pain or lack of function may return some day). The best way to keep the replaced joint functioning well (with little pain) is to appropriately exercise the muscles around it (these are found at Pop-doc.com), maintain an appropriate weight, and to do activities (work, sporting, recreational) that are tolerated by the new joint. Do not overdo it or do activities that may cause damage to the joint. The joint replacement does not necessarily last forever.
Only if painful metal is loose.
