Total hip arthroplasty, commonly called hip replacement surgery, was first performed in 1960, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). During this procedure, a damaged hip bone is replaced with a metal or ceramic artificial hip joint. Patients can experience hip replacement side effects after surgery and should consult a doctor if such complications arise.
Blood Clots
Hip replacement surgery can cause certain patients to develop blood clots as a side effect of treatment, MayoClinic.com explains. Blood clots most frequently arise in the leg and can interfere with the normal flow of blood through this region of a patient's body. Patients can experience unusual swelling, redness, warmth or discomfort within the affected leg. A blood clot can cause life-threatening complications if it travels from the legs into a patient's lungs. Patients who develop blood clots as a side effect of hip replacement surgery require prompt medical care.
Hip Fracture
During hip replacement surgery, the healthy portions of hip bone tissue that remain in the body can be damaged and may fracture, The Evarts Joint Center at Highland Hospital reports. Small fractures within the hip bone typically do not cause additional side effects and heal without further medical intervention. Patients who experience a severe or extensive hip fracture during hip replacement surgery can require additional surgery to repair the damaged bone.
Hip Joint Loosening or Dislocation
Patients commonly experience hip joint loosening or dislocation as side effects of hip replacement surgery, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports. If the newly placed hip joint slips out of its socket, affected patients can experience sensations of pain and can have difficulty placing weight on the affected leg. Additional treatment from a medical professional is typically necessary to resolve hip joint loosening or dislocation side effects in affected patients.
Hip Joint Stiffness
Tough scar tissue can form around the artificial hip joint as a patient begins to heal after hip replacement surgery. Scar tissue is not as flexible as normal, healthy tissue, and can cause joint stiffness side effects in treated patients, MedlinePlus warns. Affected patients can have difficulty rotating or moving the hip joint normally, which can contribute to difficulties walking or climbing stairs.
Altered Leg Length
Leg length differences can arise as a side effect of hip replacement surgery, according to AAOS. This side effect can be uncomfortable for affected patients and may increase their risk of tripping or falling while walking. A doctor may advise that an affected patient use a shoe lift to help alleviate these side effects caused by leg length alterations.
Infection or Bleeding
Patients can develop infection or bleeding side effects after hip replacement surgery. Bleeding complications are rare and are typically treated immediately upon detection. Infection side effects can include hip joint swelling or tenderness, incision-site drainage, chills or fever. AAOS health professionals report that skin or urinary tract infections or dental procedure complications are the most common causes of hip replacement infection. After surgery, patients may need to take antibiotic medication before undergoing further surgical or dental procedures to limit the risk of developing an infection.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Hip Replacement - Risks
- The Evarts Joint Center: Total Hip Replacement - A Guide for Patients
- MedlinePlus: X-Plain - Hip Replacement Surgery
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Hip Replacement
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Hip Replacement
