What Are the Risks Associated with Hip Replacement Surgery?

Bysiiora

Hip replacement surgery is performed on people with hip fractures. This surgery is common in elderly people as cases of hip fractures are common in them. It involves the replacement of the damaged part of the hip with an artificial hip joint/hip prosthesis. 

To get high-quality prostheses, find reliable Orthopaedic Device Companies.

Two types of hip replacement surgeries are there, partial hip replacement and complete hip replacement. In a partial hip replacement, only the damaged part of the hip is removed and replaced with a prosthesis. While on the other hand, complete hip replacement surgery involves the removal of the whole hip joint and replacing it with a prosthesis.

Being a surgical procedure, there are several associated complications. This surgery can affect the overall health of the patient. In some cases, the surgery might cause lifelong complications. In this post, our sole focus will be on discussing the risks associated with hip replacement surgery. Let us see what could cause complications after hip replacement surgery. 

 

Complications with Anesthesia

Anesthesia is always given in major and minor surgeries, and it may cause complications as well. In hip surgery as well, the surgeon gives anesthesia to the patient so that he/she doesn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Though there is a low risk of complications with anesthesia during hip replacement surgery, it can still occur. 

 

Blood Clots

Blood clotting is one of the commonest issues faced by people after joint replacement surgery. This may lead to:

Deep Vein Thrombosis

This is a condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the leg. When this occurs, it results in swelling in the leg along with tenderness in the calf. 

 

Pulmonary Embolus

This is when blood clot breaks and moves to the lungs. Chest pain is the commonest symptom of this condition along with shortness of breath. Fast heart rate may also be experienced. 

 

Hip Dislocation

Hip dislocation is another complication that may occur in people after hip replacement surgery. Though this is not common, it may occur in around 1-3% of people after surgery. This complication is common in:

  • Females
  • Elderly
  • People with previous hip replacement surgery
  • People with weak hip muscles
  • People who have poor hip stability

 

To avoid these complications, people are advised to follow the doctor’s instructions and avoid making certain movements that increase the chances of dislocation of the new hip. 

 

Infection

Infections may also be on the cards after hip replacement surgery. Superficial infections can be treated with antibiotics but when a deep infection is there, additional surgeries may be required. Keep taking prescribed antibiotics to reduce the risk of such complications. 

For the content source, contact Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd., an Indian-FDA-approved orthopedic device manufacturer. The company specializes in producing a wide range of orthopedic implants and instruments that are also exported to clients based in other countries. To expand its market reach, Siora is also looking to become one of the best Orthopedic Equipment Suppliers in Greece.