Risks You Should Be Informed of Before Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery involves taking out damaged portions of your hip joint and replacing them with new parts. It is often done when hip pain is interfering with your life and mobility and causing you pain. While it is one of the most common surgeries performed in the country, like any other surgery, it comes with some risks. 

Blood Clots

One post-surgery risk after a hip replacement surgery is blood clots. According to OrthoInfo, blood clots can form in your leg veins after surgery. The risk of these clots is that they can travel through your body to your lungs which can cause pulmonary embolism, which is a serious condition. One way to reduce this risk is by taking a blood thinning drug, so talk to your doctor about how likely the risk is for you and what preventative drugs can help.

Infection or Allergic Reactions

Other risks associated with this surgery include infections and allergic reactions. Infections can occur at the site of incision or in the deeper tissue. Signs of an infection can include redness or swelling, fever, nausea, or chills. One way to help prevent an infection is by keeping the wound dressing clean. There is also the possibility that you will have an allergic reaction to the material used to replace damaged hip joints. Since implants contain metal, your doctor will do tests to determine whether you are allergic to any metals. According to CrownBuyers, your body is less likely to have an allergic reaction to a high noble alloy. Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash or skin discoloration.

Dislocation or Fracture

According to Verywell Health, dislocation and fracture are also associated hip replacement surgery risks. Moving into different sitting or standing positions can make your hip ball joint come out of its socket, or dislocate. This is most likely to happen in the first few months post-surgery. Usually this can be remedied by wearing a brace, but in some cases you may need additional surgery. Fractures can also occur to your hip joint during surgery. Small fractures typically heal on their own, but larger fractures may require further intervention, such as stabilization with screws or a metal plate.

While there are risks associated with hip replacement surgery, the benefits of having the surgery done often outweigh them. These surgeries have a high success rate, and can alleviate your pain and increase your mobility. In addition, hip replacements are long-lasting, often lasting 20 years or more.

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