Hip Replacement Complications – The Other Side Of The Coin
Complications of Hip Replacement
Nerves in the vicinity of the total joint replacement may be damaged during the total replacement surgery, although this type of injury is infrequent. This is more likely to occur when the surgery involves correction of major joint deformity or lengthening of a shortened limb due to an arthritic deformity. Over time these nerve injuries often improve and may completely recover.
Blood clots may occur as a complication of hip replacement. Thrombophlebitis is one of the causes of blood clot resulting from slow moving blood in the veins that is caused by decreased mobility after surgery. It is manifested by pain and swelling in calf and thighs. The doctor may suggest several preventive measures for occurrence of blood clot. These include medications that cause thinning of blood, use of elastic stockings, increasing mobility of leg through exercises, and use of special boots that compress the muscles to enhance circulation.
Even after following all precautions, the blood clots do occur. In such cases, the doctor should be immediately contacted and advice sought.
Infection may occur in the wound or deep around the prosthesis. It may happen while in the hospital or after you go home. It may even occur years later. Minor infections in the wound area are generally treated with antibiotics. Major or deep infections may require more surgery and removal of the prosthesis. Urinary tract infection may also occur. Any infection in your body can spread to your joint replacement.
The implanted prosthesis is an artificial device and may loosen. Loosening of prosthesis may be a cause of pain after the surgery. In such cases, the surgery has to be performed again. This shortcoming of artificial joints can be minimized by newer techniques of implantation.
Hip joint is a ball and socket joint. An artificial femoral ball can get dislodged from the prosthetic acetabulum. In minor cases, it can be rectified without the need of surgery. The dislocation can be corrected by wearing a metal brace for sometime. Dislocations are commonly seen after revision surgeries. Wear and tear are common in all hip replacements but excessive wearing down can lead to loosening and can be a reason for revision surgery. Rarely, the metal or the [plastic component of the joint may break.
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