Total Hip Replacement: Risks to be aware of

• Jul 31,2023
• By: hipkneecare expert

Hip replacement surgery is a highly successful procedure, with over 81,130 such operations performed in England in the 2018-19 period. The success rate is high, with more than 90 percent of patients

Hip replacement surgery is a highly successful procedure, with over 81,130 such operations performed in England in the 2018-19 period. The success rate is high, with more than 90 percent of patients reporting significant improvements. However, like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Here, we will discuss these risks after a hip replacement surgery and the measures your surgeon will take to mitigate them.

 

Blood Clots: After surgery, there's a risk of developing blood clots in the calf vein (deep vein thrombosis/DVT) or the lung (pulmonary embolism/PE). This risk is higher in those with a history of blood clots or those taking certain medications like oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. To reduce the risk, you may be prescribed compression stockings to wear for a few weeks and medication to prevent clotting. It's also important to stay hydrated and start moving as soon as possible to restore blood circulation in the legs.

 

Infection: There's a small risk of infection after surgery. While superficial infections can be treated with oral antibiotics, deep hip joint infection, though rare (less than 1% risk), are more serious. Your surgeon will administer antibiotics during the operation to prevent this.

 

Bleeding: Some bleeding during the operation is normal and usually doesn't require treatment. However, in case a transfusion is needed, your surgeon will have cross-matched blood available.

 

Dislocation: The artificial ball of the hip replacement is smaller than the original, so there's a risk it may slip out of the socket, a condition called dislocation. This risk is about one in one hundred patients. Your surgeon may use different types of hip replacement components to reduce this risk, and a physiotherapist will advise you on post-operative activities. The risk of dislocation significantly reduces after three months.

 

Unequal Leg Length: It's common for patients to experience a slight discrepancy in leg length after hip replacement. The surgeon uses various techniques to equalise leg lengths during the operation. If the discrepancy causes problems, a shoe raise may be provided.

 

Nerve Injury: The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve of the lower limb, is close to the operating area. There's a minimal risk of injury to this nerve, which could lead to a condition called drop foot. Your surgeon will take precautions to avoid this.

 

Fracture: There's a very small risk of fracture during the surgery, especially if the hip replacement components used are press fit (uncemented) and the bone is weak. Your surgeon will select the components that best suit your bone structure.

 

Other Risks: The risks of heart attack, stroke, and death during hip replacement surgery are extremely small.

 

Mr Rakesh Choudhary, a consultant hip replacement surgeon, has extensive experience in performing various types of hip replacement procedures. He can see you at the New Hall Hospital in Salisbury or the Cherwell Hospital in Banbury.  He will discuss the procedure, the components he will use, the surgical approach, post-operative rehabilitation and hip replacement aftercare with you to achieve the best possible outcome. He uses a posterior approach to the hip joint, which minimises the risk of developing a post-operative limp. His complication rates are very low, and most of his patients are very pleased with the outcome, as shown on Doctify data (https://www.doctify.com/uk/specialist/rakesh-choudhary)

Mr Choudhary would see both self-funding and insured patients. You would like his website  www.hipkneecare.co.uk very informative.