Hip replacement is a surgical technique that involves removal of a diseased hip bone and insertion of a new, artificial hip joint. Patients who have this type of surgery are typically between the ages of 60 to 80 and suffer from an arthritic condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, report health professionals with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS. Complications from hip replacement surgery are rare but should be discussed with a doctor before a patient undergoes the procedure.
Hip Dislocation
Hip dislocation is the most common complication from hip replacement surgery, experts with the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases report. If this occurs, the ball of the newly placed hip can dislodge from the joint, causing pain and difficulty walking.
A doctor may fit patients with a brace to help prevent hip dislocation complications following hip replacement surgery as additional surgery may be necessary to place the artificial hip ball back into the hip joint.
Hip Fracture
Hip bone damage during hip replacement surgery can cause small cracks called fractures to appear within the affected bone. If these fractures are large, a patient can experience mild to severe hip pain and may have difficulty placing weight on the fractured hip. Affected patients may require surgery to help repair hip bone fracture complications from hip replacement surgery, MayoClinic.com professionals explain.
Asymmetrical Leg Lengths
Leg length complications can occur in certain patients following hip replacement surgery. A patient can notice that their legs aren't the same length, AAOS health professionals report. This complication can contribute to walking difficulties or limping following surgery. A doctor may recommend that an affected patient use a shoe lift to help alleviate leg discomfort resulting from length discrepancies.
Hip Loosening or Joint Stiffness
Hip loosening or joint stiffness can develop following surgery. Loosening of the hip joint may increase a patient's risk of experiencing hip dislocation, which can be painful and uncomfortable. Joint stiffening, also called heterotopic ossification, can make it difficult to move the newly placed hip joint, UpToDate medical professionals explain.
Blood Clots, Bleeding or Infection
Patients who have hip replacement surgery can experience blood clot, bleeding or infection complications, AAOS professionals warn. Infection symptoms can include fever, chills or increased hip pain, while blood clot symptoms involve breathing difficulties and leg pain.
Patients who undergo hip replacement surgery are at the highest risk of developing an infection following dental treatment or development of a skin or urinary tract infection. To decrease this infection risk, a doctor may recommend that a patient take specific antibiotic medication prior to any future surgical or dental procedures.
Excessive bleeding is rare, though a patient may require a blood transfusion if this complication arises. These complications can be fatal if affected patients do not receive prompt and appropriate medical care.
References
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center: Hip Replacement
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Hip Replacement - Complications
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Hip Replacement
- UpToDate: Total Hip Replacement - Arthroplasty Complications
- Mayo Clinic: Hip Replacement - Risks
