Hip replacement surgery involves replacing a diseased or worn out hip joint with a new, artificial joint made of plastic, ceramic or metal. The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that most hip replacement surgeries are due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or traumatic arthritis. Patients are typically between the ages of 60 and 80. Followed by extensive physical therapy, hip replacement surgery can relieve pain and restore mobility of the hip joint. Though generally safe, some complications may occur with hip replacement surgery.
Blood Clot
Blood clots in the leg veins or pelvis are the most common complication after hip replacement surgery, according to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. To prevent this complication, surgeons may order blood thinners for patients after their operation. Other preventive measures may include support hose, ankle pump exercises and inflatable leg coverings known as sequential compression devices.
Change in Leg Length
After hip replacement surgery, patients may experience unequal leg length. According to MayoCinic.com, surgeons take steps to avoid this complication, but sometimes the new hip may make one leg longer or shorter than the other. If this occurs, patients may need to wear a shoe lift in order to correct the leg length inequality.
Broken or Worn Out Prosthesis
MayoClinic.com reports that, in rare cases, an artificial hip can break several years after surgery. Should this occur, another surgery would be required. Also, prosthetic hip joints may wear out over time. For patients who have hip replacement surgery at a younger age, this may mean needing another surgery to replace the worn joint down the road. MayoClinic.com notes that newer joint materials are making the prostheses more durable and joint replacement less likely.
Dislocation, Fracture and Infection
An infection may occur in deeper tissue at the hip joint or at the surgical incision. Infections are treated with antibiotic therapy, according to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Also, during the surgery, a healthy portion of the hip joint may fracture. Depending on the size of the fracture, surgical repair may necessary. In addition, certain post-operative positions can cause the ball of the new hip joint to become dislocated. To prevent dislocation, patients are instructed not to bend more than 90 degrees at the hip and to not let one leg cross over the other leg.
