The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says that more than 193,000 hip replacements are performed annually. A hip replacement is indicated for people who suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic arthritis of the hip. Unfortunately, hip replacements aren't without complications.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication of a hip replacement. A DVT refers to a blood clot in the legs or groin region (femoral vein). The Mayo Clinic says that specific symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling of the leg, feet or ankle, pain in the foot or ankle and redness or warmth at the affected region.
Being bedridden for prolonged periods of time like what occurs after hip replacement surgery contributes to the development of deep vein thrombosis.
Treatment for DVT involves taking blood thinners (anticoagulant) medications such as warfarin or heparin. These prevent blood clots from forming. Clot-busting medications such as tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) can be used to breakup the blood clots. Other DVT treatment options include inserting a vena cava filter to catch the blood clot before it moves to the lungs. Compression stockings can also be used to decrease leg swelling.
Leg Length Discrepancy
Leg length discrepancy refers to uneven legs. Children's Hospital Boston says that two types of leg length discrepancy exists--structural and functional discrepancy. Structural discrepancy occurs when the leg bones on one leg are of unequal size when compared to the other leg. Functional discrepancy refers to a condition in which a person has equal leg lengths but the legs are not symmetrical. Specific symptoms of leg length discrepancy include trouble walking, one leg that is larger than the other, walking on the toe and pain in the knee, ankle or hip.
Treatment for leg length discrepancy involves using a shoe lift or prosthetics. Sometimes, surgical treatments are necessary to manage leg length discrepancy.
Hip Dislocation
A hip dislocation refers to a condition in which the hip joint moves out of its socket. MedlinePlus says that specific symptoms of a dislocation include a visibly dislocated bone, swelling, bruising and pain. A fall or trauma that can occur during a car accident are specific causes for a hip dislocation. A hip dislocation is typically treated with surgery. Screws, pins and metals are used to stabilize the hip joint.
