What Are The Possible Complications?

Complications can occur after surgery however, most are successfully treatable. Among the complications that can arise include:

  • Infection - Infection may occur in the wound around the prosthesis. It may happen while in the hospital or develop at home. In some cases, it may even occur years later. Minor infections in the wound area are generally treated with antibiotics. Major or deep infections may require more surgery and even the removal of the prosthesis.

*Remember any infection in your body can spread to your joint replacement.

The following conditions/injuries can occur after surgery:

  • Blood Clots - Blood clots can result from decreased mobility. This causes sluggish movement of the blood through the leg veins. If pain and swelling develop in the calf or thigh, blood clots may be the culprit. If this occurs, your orthopedic surgeon may consider tests to evaluate the veins of the leg. Several measures may be used to reduce the possibility of blood clots, including:
  • blood thinning medications (anticoagulants)
  • elastic stockings
  • exercises to increase blood flow in the leg muscles
  • plastic boots that inflate with air to compress the muscles in your legs

Despite the use of these preventive measures, blood clots may still occur. If you develop swelling, redness or pain in your leg following discharge from the hospital, you should contact your orthopedic surgeon immediately.

  • Nerve Injuries - Nerves in the vicinity of the total joint replacement may be damaged during surgery, although this type of injury is infrequent. This is more likely to occur when the surgery involves correction of major joint deformity or lengthening of a shortened limb due to an arthritic deformity. Over time nerve injuries often improve and may completely recovery.
  • Dislocation - After total hip replacement surgery, sometimes the ball can become dislodged from the socket. If dislocation occurs, a brace may be worn for a period of time. In most cases, the hip can be relocated without surgery.

In the longer term, a patient may experience the following:

  • Loosening - Loosening of the prosthesis within the bone may occur after a total joint replacement causing pain. If the loosening is significant, a revision of the joint replacement may be needed. The likelihood of this occurring is 10% or less by ten years and 20% or less by 20 years in the average patient.
  • Wear - Some wear can be found in all joint replacements. However, excessive wear may contribute to loosening and may require revision surgery.
  • Prosthetic breakage - Breakage of the metal or plastic joint replacement is rare. However, if a breakage occurs, revision surgery is necessary.