More than 193,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, or AAOS. While advances in materials, design and techniques since the surgery was first performed in the 1960s make the risks for this surgery quite low, all surgeries carry some risk. Total hip replacement surgeries also have a few risk factors particular to the procedure.
Blood Clots
The AAOS notes that blood clots in the pelvis or legs are the most common risks associated with hip replacements. Signs of a blood clot include pain other than pain from the surgical incision, tenderness or redness in the calf or leg, and swelling in the thigh, calf, ankle or foot. Exercise, blood thinners and intermittent sequential compression devices are often used to reduce the risk of blood clots following any surgery, and joint replacement surgeries in particular, states the AAOS.
Infection
Another common, though infrequent, risk associated with hip replacement surgery is infection. According to an article on the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine’s website, less than 1.5 percent of people having hip replacement surgeries get an infection at the surgical site. MayoClinic.com notes that this type of infection is usually treatable with antibiotics, but once in a while the hip prosthesis will have to be replaced.
Dislocation
Another risk factor associated with total hip arthroplasty is dislocation of the prosthesis. This refers to the unusual situation of having the ball part of the joint located at the top of the leg bone separate from the socket part, which is attached to the big pelvic bone. Doctors, physical therapists and occupational therapists teach people who have their hips replaced how to protect against dislocation by avoiding certain movements and leg positions.
Surgery Risks
The AAOS includes heart attack and stroke as possible risks for hip replacement, but these risks are associated with all types of surgery, as are general anesthesia risks and the need for blood transfusions during or after surgery. Those who have chronic illnesses usually take longer to heal, and are therefore more at risk for developing complications following surgery. A complete physical prior to having hip replacement surgery helps reduce these risks.
Other Risks
In addition to blood clots, infection and dislocation, other possible risks, according to MayoClinic.com, are excessive bleeding and fractures. Patients may also find that their new hip makes that leg shorter or longer than the opposite leg, depending on several factors the surgeon has to take into consideration when fitting the prosthesis.
The University of Washington's Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine adds loosening of the prosthesis, which develops over a long period of time, to the list of risk factors. Newer materials and techniques are gradually reducing this potential risk. Rarely, an infection or fracture may also occur at the surgical site quite a long time after the surgery.
