my husband had a hip replacement 8 1/2 years ago.recently he had pain and is limping.The doctor took an ex ray and told him the vedge has loosened and he needs to rest 6 weeks and use a cane,to be sure not to twist. we are wondering,will this really grow back on,and if not,what could be done?

-- Inge Meister (i.meister@glcn.com), December 08, 2002

Answers

One cannot be sure of what is meant by "vedge" loosening. Pain and x-ray changes in a hip replacement are not usually good signs and may indicate prosthesis loosening. Revision surgery may be necessary. Your physician would be able to give specific answers based on examination and x-rays.

-- Errol L. Bennett, M.D. (dross2@jhmi.edu), January 07, 2003.