Possible Complications

The complication rate following hip replacement surgery is low.  Serious complications, such as joint infection, occur in less than 2 percent of patients.  Major medical complications, such as heart attack or stroke, occur even less frequently.  However, chronic illnesses may increase the potential for complications.  

Blood clots in the leg veins or pelvis are the most common complication of hip replacement surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe one or more measures to prevent blood clots from forming in your leg veins or becoming symptomatic.  These measures may include special support hose, inflatable leg coverings, ankle pump exercises, and blood thinners.

Leg-length inequality may occur or may become or seem worse after hip replacement surgery.  Your orthopedic surgeon will take this into account, in addition to other issues, including the stability and biomechanics of the hip. Some patients may feel more comfortable with a shoe lift after surgery.

Other complications such as dislocation, nerve, blood vessel injury, bleeding, fracture, and stiffness can occur.  In a small number of patients, some pain can continue, or new pain can develop after surgery.

Over years, the hip prosthesis may wear out or loosen. However with newer materials and techniques, this has become less likely.  If the prosthesis wears, bone loss may occur because of the small particles produced at the wearing surface. This process is called osteolysis.

 

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