Surgery and Surgery Complications

Interactive Surgery

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Complications of Post-Surgery

1. Bloodclots in the veins of the legs are the most common complication of hip replacement surgery. As long as the clots remain in the legs they are a relatively minor problem. Occasionally they dislodge and travel through the heart to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Potentially serious, death due to embolism (BUT RARE). Medication Drug :Coumadin (a blood thinning drug) to help prevent clots from forming after your surgery. Additionally, compressive calf pumps are used and leg exercises are encouraged to prevent blood clots. Blood clots can occur despite all these precautions.

2. Infection. Risk of infection after joint replacement was much greater than with most other operations, unless special precautions are taken. Bacteria can enter the open wound at the time of the surgery in a regular operating room. Antibiotics given to you before, during and after the operation further help to lower the rate of infection. Chances of infection is 0.5%.The risk of infection in the weeks after the operation is increased if you have rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, if you have been taking cortisone for prolonged periods of time.
3. Loosening of the prosthesis from the bone is the most important long-term problem. How durable the prosthesis depends on.....
   1. How well the surgery is done. This is by far the most important factor.
   2. The quality of your bones. The harder your bones are, the better the bond will be, and the longer the replacement will last.
   3. How active you are.
   4. Your weight. You should also keep your weight down
   5. The design of the implant. Small abrasion particles from the implant may play a role in implant loosening. Plastic surfaces shed more particles than metal or ceramic ones.
4. Dislocation of the hip replacement occurs in a small percentage of patients regardless of how good your surgeon is (some surgeons report as high as 4%).In the first six weeks after the surgery, the ball is only held in the socket by muscle tension. During this time, before scar tissue forms around the ball, and before muscle strength returns, the hip is more likely to dislocate.
5. Fracture of the femur can occur during hip replacement.
6. Residual pain and stiffness can occur. In virtually all cases hip replacement will make a significant improvement in your pain and mobility. In most cases, you will have no pain at all, and the hip will feel “normal.” The completeness of the pain relief, and the degree of mobility is partially determined by your hip problem before surgery
7. The length of the leg may be changed by the surgery. Getting leg lengths exactly right can be very difficult. Some leg length difference may be unavoidable. Sometimes the leg will be deliberately lengthened in order to stabilize the hip or to improve muscle function.
8. Injury to the arteries or nerves of the leg
9. Allergy to the metal parts About 15% of the population has skin sensitivity to some metals. All metal implants release some metal ions into the body.