If you have been living with chronic hip pain due to illness or injury you may have decided to have hip surgery to relieve your symptoms. In most cases the surgery is safe and there are no complications. In other cases you may develop an infection after surgery. You need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of an infection so you can get treatment as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Considerations
Fewer than 2 percent of hip surgery patients develop complications as severe as a joint infection, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Your doctor may recommend screening you prior to surgery to detect any infections that may be present. These infections will need to be treated and cleared up to help reduce your risk. In addition, you may need to take precautions, such as taking antibiotics when having dental work or other procedures after your surgery.
General Symptoms
If an infection develops, you may notice the area around the incision becoming red and swollen. You may also experience a discharge of fluid from your wound. Also be aware of any other infections you may develop such as a bladder infection, sores on your skin or infections in the gums.
Pain
The area around the incision may become painful and tender. With an infection, the pain in your hip may become progressively worse whether you are resting or active.
Fever
If you develop a fever of greater than 101 degrees F, then you need to see your physician. If there is an infection, your fever may also be accompanied by chills.
Prevention
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that "The most common causes of infection following hip replacement surgery are from bacteria that enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, urinary tract infections or skin infections. These bacteria can lodge around your prosthesis." Wright Medical Group in Arlington, Tenn., has several suggestions for prevention that include not sitting in one position for more than an hour, not sitting in a chair without arms and not crossing your legs at the ankles or the hips (see link in Resources).
