HipReplacement

What are the risks of hip replacement surgery? Infection: This is not common but can occur soon after surgery or even years later from bacteria that can enter the blood stream and settle in your artificial joint. An infection often results in the need for additional surgery.

Phlebitis: Blood clots may go to your lungs and cause difficulty breathing or chest pain. If it does occur, is most likely to occur shortly after surgery. After surgery, you will be on medication to decrease your risk of having a blood clot go to your lungs (pulmonary embolism). Dislocation: The hip can pop out of its socket if the hip is flexed or rotated excessively. Remember hip precautions. Swelling: Swelling of your leg is common after hip surgery. Your support hose stockings (TEDS) will help with this.

Other risks such as nerve injury, fracture around your artificial joint, and the joint wearing or loosening with time are less common. Your new joint will be held in place by your own soft tissues (muscles) which will temporarily be weakened as a result of the surgery. Your physical therapist will teach you an exercise program to do before and after your surgery to strengthen and tone these muscles. Your recovery will be much better if you do these exercises as taught to you. Despite these risks, hip replacement is usually very safe and effective! You can look forward to decreased pain and the ability to be more active.