Hip Replacement Complications - Know Your Risks!

All surgeries carry certain risks to your health; the patient and the surgeon are the best people to decide the pros and cons. Hip replacement complications can occur during operation also. If the surgeon is not careful, they may unknowingly damage the blood vessels or harm the sciatic nerve which passes in close proximity to the hip joint. While preparing the hip for an implant, there is a risk of cortical perforation and fracture. The hip replacements can cause inequality in leg length that may require special management.

A hip replacement complication occurring after surgery may be due to faulty techniques, implant quality or as a consequence of replacement itself. Risks of infections are associated with all surgical procedures. Patient’s over-enthusiasm can dislocate or displace the artificial hip. The inactivity following surgery is a root cause of respiratory, cardiovascular, skin and metabolic complications. Bowel and urinary complications occurring in few patients is attributable to the procedure. A few patients after hip replacement may experience pain and swelling in the knee and ankle. The incision site can be complicated by dehiscence of the wound.

The risks of complications are not over with the patient’s resumption of activities after hip replacement. The hips are at risk of aseptic loosening due to activity-related stress. In due course of time, the bone around the implant may be lost. There is sustained risk of dislocation and infection even after weeks of replacement. In very rare cases, the hip implants may sustain fracture in their component. The condition requires the implant to be changed. Ectopic ossifications are seen to happen in some cases.

Also see; hip replacement complications.

About The Author:

Dr. Bharat Sharma is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.hip-replacement-care.com. He has been working in the medical rehab field for more than a decade. Keeping up to date with techological advancements he has become a self appointed expert.