In general, hip replacement complications are not major. However, you need to understand that this is a major surgery and involves the risk of serious, even if, rare problems. Weight, age, and health of patients are major contributing factors. One of the biggest risk factors is diabetes. Substance abuse, smoking, and certain medications can have an impact on the person’s risk of developing complications.
Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.
Possible Complications
There are a few complications and risks associated with hip replacement surgery including cardiac and respiratory malfunction. Other complications may occur right away or after a few years, including:
- Blood clots: About 1% of the people undergoing hip replacement may develop deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg) or pulmonary embolism (clot in the lungs)
- Infection: Infection occurs in only 0.4% to 1.5% patients
- Loosening: Wear and tear can cause loosening of the implant. This is a long-term problem and is becoming rare as prosthetic surfaces and materials get better.
- Breakage: Less than 0.5% patients may experience a broken implant because of wear and tear
- Difference in length of leg: It is rare for patients to end up with one leg longer than the other requiring a shoe lift. A skilled surgeon will correctly measure the length of leg during and after the procedure.
- Instability or stiffness of the joint: Heterotopic ossification may cause the joint to stiffen
- Fracture
- Injury to blood vessels and nerves
- Weakness
- Need for additional surgery
People with systemic lupus or severe rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk for complications. Patients suffering from malnourishment, obesity, diabetes, and hemophilia are also at a higher risk of complications. You need to make sure that you speak with an orthopedic surgeon immediately.
Dislocation
Dislocation occurs when the ball portion of the hip implant slips out of its socket. This is a rare complication and usually occurs when tissue around the artificial hip is still in the healing phase. Dislocation doesn’t usually require revision surgery. It can be repaired by popping the ball portion back into place.
Effect on Bladder Control
Hip replacement surgery should not have any affect on your bladder movement and control. You should speak with your healthcare provider if you experience any new symptoms following the procedure.
Playing Sports
Running and other high-impact sports are usually not recommended. You may resume cycling, walking, golf, and swimming among other low-impact sports once you recover from the surgery (with permission from the healthcare provider.) Don’t forget to discuss all your desired and expected activities with the surgeon.
Necessity for Hip Revision Surgery
Joint replacements don’t always last forever. However, there has been an increase in the lifetime of modern prostheses as compared to earlier prostheses. You may need a hip revision surgery if the artificial hip becomes painful.
Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan of the Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI) receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.
Contact the Southern California Hip Institute
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
