How to Know the Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery

When you are immobilized and experience pain from a bad hip, it’s easy to just want a new one. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. There are everlasting results. Before you make a decision, it is important to know the risks of hip replacement surgery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Doctor

1. Research the possible complications during any surgery by visiting Web sites like The Hip and Knee Institute (see Resources below). This site examines all aspects of hip replacement surgery, including general surgical risks like bleeding complications, damage to internal organs, and reaction to anesthesia.
2. Talk to your doctor about the risks of surgery. Very rarely patients may develop pneumonia when recovering. Pain may also be present from the incision. Other risks include bleeding, blood clots and infection.
3. Discuss other risks with your surgeon, such as the possible occurrence of bone deposits in soft tissues around the hip joint. These could lead to a loss of mobility or cause pain in which a second surgery could be necessary.
4. Speak with a physical therapist to understand that there could be a difference in the length of your legs, which can usually be remedied with a shoe insert. Your physical therapist may also mention the inability to participate in certain strenuous recreational activities, like tennis or running.
5. Talk to others who have had the surgery. They may tell you to be aware of an increased risk of infection. When false parts are present in the body, infection is more common and spreads more easily between parts of the body.

Tips & Warnings

• If more than one joint needs replacement, you’ll need to consult your doctor to determine the best order for them to be completed.
• To prevent infection, antibiotics may be necessary prior to any invasive medical tests or procedures for the remainder of your life.
• Loosening of the artificial hip is the most common problem associated with long-term risks of hip replacement surgery. This occurs when tissue grows between the bone and its artificial workings.