Severe hip bone degradation caused by infection or disease may require surgical replacement of a patient's hip bone. During hip replacement surgery, artificial hip components are inserted within the body in place of the injured or diseased bone tissue. Patients should be aware of the most common side effects of hip replacement surgery before having this type of procedure performed.
Discolation of the Hip Joint
Dislocation of the hip joint is one of the most common side effects of hip replacement surgery, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The artificial hip joint components placed during surgery are typically smaller than the normal or natural hip bone tissue. Consequently, the ball of the artificial hip bone can easily slip out of the hip socket after surgery. Discoloration of the hip joint can result in additional side effects, such as pain or difficulty walking. Affected patients may require further treatment from a doctor to replace the dislocated hip joint in the proper position.
Loosening of the Hip Joint
After hip replacement surgery, patients can develop an unusual loosening of the hip joint. This side effect occurs if the artificial hip joint induces an inflammatory reaction within the treated patients. Inflammation of the hip joint may cause mild bone degradation, which can result in loosening of the hip joint, the NIAMS reports. Typically, patients who develop this common side effect of hip replacement surgery receive treatment with anti-inflammatory medication. In certain cases, a patient may require additional surgery to replace the artificial hip joint.
Blood Clots
Blood clots within the pelvic region or legs can occur as a common side effect of hip replacement surgery, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons warns. A blood clot is a thick, sticky mass of blood components that can adhere to the inside of a patient's blood vessels.
Affected patients can experience leg or pelvic swelling, pain or skin discoloration due to blood flow changes caused by the presence of a blood clot. Patients who develop blood clot symptoms require prompt medical care. In the absence of treatment, a blood clot can detach from a blood vessel in the pelvis or leg and travel to the lungs, where it can cause potentially life-threatening medical complications.
Pain
After hip replacement surgery, patients can experience mild to moderate pain as a common side effect. Initially, sensations of pain can prohibit a patient from standing or walking normally. Hip pain or discomfort can typically be managed through the use of doctor-prescribed pain medication, the University of Washington School of Medicine reports. Patients who experience severe or increased pain after hip replacement surgery should seek prompt medical care, as such side effects can be signs of infection.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Hip Replacement - What are Possible Complications of Hip Replacement Surgery
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Hip Replacement - Complications
- University of Washington School of Medicine: Minimally-Invasive Total Hip Replacement Surgery
- Drugs.com: Total Hip Replacement
- Highland Hospital - The Evarts Joint Center: Total Hip Replacement - A Guide for Patients
