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Risk Factor Associated With Hip Replacement You Should know

Author: Sahil Sharma
by Sahil Sharma
Posted: Jan 10, 2020

Most total hip replacement surgeries are successful; however, complications may occur in a few cases. Learning about the complications and risks associated with the surgery will help you to be careful and aware. It will also go a long way in early detection and you will be able to address the problem quickly.

Below is a list of some potential complications. Most of these are not life-threatening.

Hip Dislocation: Hip dislocation is the most common complication of hip replacement surgery. 3 to 4% of people who have undergone a hip replacement surgery may have to face hip dislocation.

For more than 40% of patients who suffer hip dislocation, it is a one-time event that can be corrected without the need for a second surgery. If the patient repeatedly suffers from dislocation, he may be required to go through a second surgery to stabilize the new hip.

You are most likely to suffer from hip dislocation in the first 6 to 8 weeks after hip replacement surgery.

Dislocation is more common in the following category of patients:

  1. 1. Females
  2. 2. Patients who are 80 years of age or older
  3. 3. Alcoholics
  4. 4. People undergoing a second hip surgery
  5. 5. People with weak muscles around the hip

A few other factors can also make a person more prone to hip dislocation after the surgery. You should talk to your surgeon to find out if you are at a higher risk for it.

Infection: Infection rate amongst people undergoing hip replacement surgery is very low. Only 1% of the patients above 65 years of age are likely to get an infection after hip replacement surgery.

The doctor will give you antibiotics at the time of surgery to reduce the risk of infection. The risk of infection decreases with time as the wounds heal.

Inflammation: The patient may experience swelling in the affected leg for up to several months following surgery.

Legs May Be Slightly Different Lengths: Your surgeon will take care to ensure that the affected leg is the correct length. However, in some cases, the length of the leg may be changed to optimize joint stability.

Stiffness In The Hips: Some people may develop scar tissue around the new hip making the new hip feel stiff. This occurs mostly in people who had limited flexibility before surgery.

An Allergic Reaction To The Bone Cement Used: If bone cement is used in the surgery, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction to the bone cement.

Damage To Muscles Around The Joint: Soft tissues such as muscles or ligaments around the hip may be damaged during the surgery.

Increased Pain: In some rare cases, the patient may experience more hip pain after the surgery than before surgery.

If you are planning to undergo a hip replacement surgery in India, you must keep the above risk factors in mind. Hip replacement surgery in India is offered at several orthopedic hospitals that come equipped with world-class infrastructure and an expert orthopedic team.

About the Author

I am a health Consultant and provides health tips whose you can maintain your health.

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Author: Sahil Sharma

Sahil Sharma

Member since: Mar 04, 2019
Published articles: 7

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