As you or your loved one is planning for hip replacement surgery, it is common to have concerns regarding the risks involved in this procedure. Well, like any surgery, hip replacement also involves risks. These include blood clots, infection, fracture, dislocation or loosening of the joint, change in leg length, and nerve damage.
As per a long-term clinical study, around 95% patients report excellent outcomes. Only 5% or less report some form of complication. But the good news is that these risks are rare and can be mitigated by choosing an experienced joint replacement surgeon.
Most importantly, the benefit you get after a hip replacement surgery far outweighs the minimal discomfort you may have in the initial days after the procedure. In short, a hip replacement is a worthy procedure for patients unable to do daily tasks due to severe pain and who don’t respond to non-surgical treatment.
What Is a Hip Replacement Procedure?
Hip replacement surgery is a blessing for patients suffering from severe hip injury or arthritis and living a restricted and dependent life. It involves replacing the damaged part of the hip joint with an artificial joint that mimics the natural one.
We know deciding to undergo surgery is a tough call. But remember, it’s for your benefit, for your independence, and for your fulfilling life. Once you make up your mind, find a reputed surgeon with a good portfolio of joint replacement surgeries.
Discuss your doubts and questions with your doctor openly so you can be more informed and motivated. Thereafter, you will undergo a medical examination for a fitness check and be advised on surgery preparation tips, like quitting smoking for a few days before and after surgery.
On your surgery day, you will be comforted and given controlled general anaesthesia for a painless procedure. Once you get sedated, the surgeon will make an incision over the hip, remove the damaged bone and cartilage, and place the artificial joint in place. The incision will be closed with a suture, and you will be taken to a recovery unit. The whole hip replacement procedure takes around an hour.
You will be, then, put under close observation for a few hours. Once the effect of anaesthesia wears off, you will be gradually encouraged to walk with support. After a few days of physiotherapy, you will slowly return to your normal routine and do all the activities without any discomfort and dependence.
Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery
Remember, hip replacement is a safe surgery and rarely causes problems. You can avoid those issues by choosing a reputed surgeon. Even if they happen, they can be managed well when discovered early and addressed promptly.
The following are some complications of primary hip replacement surgery, with their incidence rate. Remember, the incidence rate is derived based on the evaluation of some studies and clinical experience.
Blood Clots
Blood clots can develop in the leg veins. This condition is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can cause leg swelling and other complications. If this clot reaches the lungs, heart or brain, it can cause severe damage.
The incidence rate of symptomatic blood clots in veins (Venous thromboembolism – VTE) is around 1.11%. However, with proper measures, it can be reduced significantly. Following an active lifestyle and physiotherapy after surgery, and taking prescribed blood thinners, can further reduce the risk.
Hip Dislocation
The first few months are critical. Some positions, poor hip stability, and weak surrounding muscles can cause the ball of the new joint to come out, causing hip dislocation.
The incidence of dislocation is between 0.2% and 10%. Most of them occur in the first three months after the surgery. A brace may help to keep the joint in the correct position. If the problem continues, a surgery may be needed to stabilise the hip joint.
Infection
It is a common risk factor for all surgeries. Hip replacement is no exception. Usually, the infection rate is less than 15.3%, with most of them occurring during the first year of the procedure.
It can occur in the incision site or the deeper tissues of the new joint. Those at the incision site can be treated with antibiotics. However, a deep infection may require surgery. People with excess weight, diabetes, anaemia, or inflammatory disease are more vulnerable.
Change in Leg Length
Occasionally, the implant makes one leg longer or shorter than the other. Sometimes, it happens due to mismeasurement or contracture of muscles around the hip. Its incidence rate ranges from 1% to 27%. Small differences can be managed with stretching or strengthening exercises or using a special shoe insert. Small gaps are not noticeable after a few weeks. However, a larger one may need intervention.
Notably, patients feel their affected leg is a little longer as they have previously walked on an arthritic hip. After some time, it feels comfortable.
Damage to Nearby Structure
Soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and tendons), nerves, arteries, and veins around the hip joint can be affected during surgery. This can cause a lot of problems. The incidence rate of nerve damage ranges between 0.1% and 3.7%.
Loosening of the Prosthetic
A mismeasurement can cause loosening of the new joint over time. This can cause pain in the hip. According to a study, 18.2% to 35.1% of revision total hip replacements are done to correct the loosening of the prosthetic.
Femoral Stem Fracture
A healthy part of the femur bone can be affected during surgery. The reported incidence of this complication is between 0.1% to 3.4%. Small fractures may heal on their own, but larger fractures may need intervention.
How to Reduce Your Risk?
The above-mentioned risks of hip replacement surgery are very rare and can easily be avoided by choosing a good surgeon and following aftercare properly. It’s normal to have some concerns and fear of surgery. But remember the reasons you are undergoing this surgery: a pain-free and independent life. Consult our specialists today for expert guidance and a safe and effective hip replacement surgery.