Socket loosening after hip arthroplasty. Radiographic observations in 241 cases up to 15 years.

Serial radiographs of 241 consecutive, noninfected low friction arthroplasties performed between 1968 and 1972 were evaluated with respect to socket migration and the presence of radiolucencies, progressive or not. The number of intact sockets in 207 cases of arthrosis decreased slowly and, depending on their classification, approached 95-88 per cent about 10 years postoperatively. Contrary to previous reports, we could not observe any increase in the rate of loosening with time; half of the hips were observed for more than 10 years, and only a few cases of socket loosening were found beyond this point. In rheumatoid arthritis the number of intact sockets was significantly fewer--23 of 34--after about 10 years of service.