Benefits and Risks

Risks
The risk of complications is low in total hip replacements, and your surgeon and medical team will take a variety of preventative measures to reduce the risk even further.

The most common post-surgery complications don't actually affect the new hip. In fact, the most common complication is a blood clot forming in a vein in your lower leg. To help keep clots from forming, your surgeon may prescribe support hose, a Sequential Compression Device (SCD) or blood thinning medications. Other non-hip related complications include pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lung) and urinary tract infections. The risk of a heart attack or stroke is even lower.

Surgical complications, such as adverse reactions to anesthesia or damage to nearby blood vessels, bones or nerves, are also possible - but unlikely.

To help prevent infection of the hip joint, your surgeon will start you on antibiotics even before the operation. He'll also keep the procedure as short as possible to further reduce the risk of infection. ¹

Post-operative complications may include:

In the weeks after your surgery, be sure to follow the surgeon's instructions carefully. Avoid behaviors that may damage your new joint as you heal, such as high impact activities, twisting motions or anything that can cause increased hip flexion. Remember that the joint is metal or plastic, and that some problems may occur - particularly if the joint is subjected to too much stress too soon. Severe complications, such as infection, loosening or dislocation of the prosthesis, may require additional surgery. Excessive weight or activity levels can also imperil the performance or life of the implant.

In the long run, there is a risk that you'll need another surgery, or that the wear particles that accumulate at the joint surface will cause bone softening (osteolysis).

Next: Causes of Hip Pain

Hip

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