As with any major operation, total hip replacement surgery carries potential risks. The decision to proceed with the surgery is made because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
It is important that you are informed of these risks before the surgery takes place.
Complications can be medical (general) or specific to the hip
Medical Complications include those of the anaesthetic and your general well being. Almost any medical condition can occur so this list is not complete.
Complications include:
- Allergic reactions to medications
- Blood loss requiring transfusion with its low risk of disease transmission
- Heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, pneumonia, bladder infections
- Complications from nerve blocks such as infection or nerve damage
- Serious medical problems can lead to ongoing health concerns, prolonged hospitalisation, and even death
Specific hip replacement surgery complications include
Infection
Infection can occur with any operation. In the hip this can be superficial or deep. Infection rates are approximately 1%; if it occurs it can be treated with antibiotics but may require further surgery. Very rarely your hip may need to be removed to eradicate infection.
Dislocation
This means the hip comes out of its socket. Precautions need to be taken with your new hip forever. If a dislocation occurs it needs to be put back into place with an anaesthetic. This rarely becomes a recurrent problem needing further surgery.
Blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
These can form in the calf muscles and travel to the lung (pulmonary embolism). These can occasionally be serious and even life threatening. If you experience calf pain or shortness of breath at any stage, you should notify your surgeon.
Damage to nerves or blood vessels
This is also rare but can lead to weakness and loss of sensation in part of the leg. Damage to blood vessels may require further surgery if bleeding is ongoing.
Wound irritation
Your scar can be sensitive or have a surrounding area of numbness. This normally decreases over time and does not lead to any problems with your new joint.
Leg length inequality
It is very difficult to make the leg exactly the same length as the other one. Occasionally the leg is deliberately lengthened to make the hip stable during hip replacement surgery. There are some occasions when it is simply not possible to match the leg lengths. All leg length inequalities can be treated simply with a platform shoe on the shorter side.
Wear
All joints eventually wear out. The more active you are, the quicker this will occur. In general 80-90% of hip replacements have proven to last for roughly 15-20 years.
Failure to relieve pain
It is very rare for total hip replacement surgery to fail in relieving pain but may occur especially if some pain is coming from other areas such as the spine.
Unsightly or thickened scar
This is an unavoidable side effect of hip replacement treatment.
Limp due to muscle weakness
This should improve over time, but if the condition deteriorates you should contact your surgeon.
Fractures (break) of the femur (thigh bone) or pelvis (hipbone)
This is also rare but can occur during or after surgery. This may prolong your recovery, or require further hip replacement surgery. Discuss your concerns thoroughly with your orthopaedic surgeon prior to treatment.