Hip arthroplasty is the clinical term for surgical replacement of the bones in the hip joint. During this procedure, according the University of Maryland Medical Center, part or all of bones in the hip joint are replaced, which can relieve pain and improve movement of this joint. Severe arthritis is often the cause of damage to the hip joint, and may lead to severe limitations in movement and decrease the quality of life. Though hip arthroplasty is most often successful, complications may result.
Blood Clots
The National Institute of Arthritis and Neuromuscular Diseases reports that one severe complication that may occur as a result of hip arthroscopy is the development of blood clots. This occurs often when blood moves through areas slower than normal. Blood clots restrict, and can even block, the flow of blood. The symptoms of blood clots after hip arthroplasty include leg pain and swelling.
The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that blood clots may dislodge from their place in the hips or legs and travel to the lungs, causing life-threatening blockages of important blood vessels in the lungs. This complication, called a pulmonary embolism, is rare but possible following hip arthroplasty. Overweight patients are more likely to develop blood clots following this procedure.
Hip Dislocation
Another potential complication after hip arthroplasty is dislocation of the hip, notes the NYU Langone Medical Center. In fact, this is the most common complication of this surgical procedure. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, meaning the head of the femur forms a ball-like structure that fits into the socket, which is a depression in the pelvic bone. During a hip arthroplasty, the femoral head is replace with a prosthesis. Following surgery, there is the risk that the prosthetic femoral head will pop out of the joint, causing a painful hip dislocation.
Hip dislocation is often treated without additional surgery, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Neuromuscular Diseases. The doctor may also prescribe a brace around the hip be worn for a certain period of time to prevent further dislocations.
Infection
Infection is also a potentially serious complication following hip arthroplasty. This procedure comes with the risk that the new joint or the incision wound may become infected despite the surgeon and nurse's attempts to keep the area sterile and free of bacteria during surgery. The National Institute of Arthritis and Neuromuscular Diseases notes that this infection may cause symptoms, such as swelling and pain, while the patient is still in the hospital, once the patient returns home, or even after a considerable amount of time has passed after the surgery. Some infections can be cleared by treatment with antibiotics. If the infection is especially deep in the joint and/or severe, a second operation may be required to treat the infection, and the joint may even need to be replaced
References
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Hip Replacement
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Joint Replacement Surgery: Information for Multicultural Communities
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoarthritis--Surgery
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hip joint Replacement Series--Indications
