Hip implant surgeries are highly successful worldwide. A hip replacement surgery involves prostheses to replace portions of the hip joint. It is effective for addressing hip pain and helping patients regain mobility and resume daily activities. It is a necessary replacement surgery for many patients suffering from severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteonecrosis.
That said, it has benefits and risks, as with any surgery. Hip implants can present complications that can seriously harm your overall health. They also threaten a significant lifestyle change. Risks associated with anesthesia, blood clots, the difference in leg length, and more are uncommon but serious if they occur.
Consider speaking with an orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Hill to discuss the complications and risks of hip implant surgery.
Risks of Getting Hip Implants
Some surgical complications associated with hip implants are mechanical, while others are not risky but can impact patients’ comfort. Let's look at the risks of getting hip orthopedic surgery.
Blood Clots
Blood clots are one of the most serious medical complications involving anesthesia. Although the risk of blood clots is low, you can’t always tell. Besides hip implants, blood clots are a common risk in joint replacement surgeries.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when patients develop a blood clot in the leg. It results in a sudden increase in post-surgery swelling. Patients also experience calf stiffness. These are the most common and few of the first few signs of DVT.
Pulmonary Embolus (PE)
The pulmonary Embolus is a clot that breaks off and travels toward the lungs. Chest pain and an abnormally-fast heartbeat are indicatory signs of PE.
Hip Dislocation
The prosthetic ball comes out of the socket in case of hip dislocation. Usually, patients do not require surgery to return the ball to its place. However, anesthesia and hip manipulation are necessary. According to experts, between 1 and 3 percent of people end up with hip dislocation after getting hip implants. It is common in the following patients:
Women
Older adults
Second or third-time hip surgery patients
Those with weak surrounding muscles
Your doctor will typically ask you to avoid certain motions to avoid the probability of dislocating your new hip. For example, orthopedic surgeons advise patients who have underwent posterior surgery against sitting crossed-legged.
Infection
Infection is another common hip implant complication involving anesthesia. Sure, you can treat superficial wound infections with anesthesia, but what about a deeper infection? Certain post-hip implant surgery infections require at least one surgical procedure to remove the infection.
According to experts, 1 and 2 percent of people develop an infection after hip replacement surgery. You are at a greater risk of surgery if
You’re overweight
Are diabetic
Have anemia
Suffer from sickle-cell disease
Have blood clotting disorders
Suffer from inflammatory conditions and diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
Bottom Line
Orthopedic surgeries can quickly and effectively reduce or eliminate chronic hip pain. It is also ideal for those suffering from a serious hip injury. While it is one of the best solutions, hip implants have risks. The most common risks and complications are blood clots, hip dislocation, and infection. Get in touch with a professional like Dr. Hill to learn how to avoid hip implant risks.
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