Complications from hip replacement can include bleeding, infection, and changes in leg length. This eMedTV article lists these and other possible complications (both major and minor) and risk factors that can contribute to their development.
Every surgery leaves a scar, and total hip replacement surgery is no exception. However, as this eMedTV resource explains, the scar's appearance can vary, and how the scar looks does not reflect the results of the procedure.
Although rare, nerve injuries can occur with total hip replacement. This page of the eMedTV Web site offers statistics about how often these injuries happen, possible symptoms, and how long they can last.
You may notice changes in leg length following hip replacement surgery. This page of the eMedTV library explains why the length of a person's leg may be altered as a consequence of the surgery and how to reduce uncomfortable symptoms, should they occur.
Loss of life during hip replacement surgery occurs in less than 1 out of every 1,000 patients. This eMedTV article lists factors that can increase the chance of this occurring, but also emphasizes how rare this is.
While an infection following total hip replacement can occur, as this page of the eMedTV library explains, this complication occurs only rarely. This page explains where infections can occur and how they are typically treated: antibiotics or surgery.
As this eMedTV page explains, implant loosening after hip replacement surgery may occur if you put more stress on the artificial hip than it can handle. This page offers other reasons why this occurs, how often it occurs, and how it is handled.
In rare cases, a hip dislocation can occur with a total hip replacement. This page of the eMedTV archives explains why such dislocations occur and how they can be treated and prevented. For example, a brace may be used to keep the joint in place.
Although rare, it is possible for someone to have a heart attack during hip replacement surgery. This page of the eMedTV Web site explains possible causes of this complication and how doctors work to prevent the problem.
It is possible -- although rare -- for fractures during hip replacement surgery to occur. This eMedTV resource discusses how these things happen and how they are typically treated, such as with repeat surgery or cables.
This page of the eMedTV Web site discusses statistics, symptoms, and possible treatment options for bone healing problems following total hip surgery.
The information presented in this portion of the eMedTV archives explains the possibility of excessive bone formation following hip replacement surgery and how it may be treated.
This eMedTV Web page discusses the formation of blood clots with total hip replacement surgery. Developing a clot after surgery is not necessarily serious; however, it can be, depending on the size of the clot and where it is located.
As this eMedTV page explains, some bleeding during total hip replacement is expected, but if bleeding is severe, a transfusion may be necessary. This page explains how bleeding is treated and also offers statistics about the safety of blood transfusions.
As with any medication, the drugs used for hip replacement surgery can cause adverse reactions. This page of the eMedTV site discusses total hip replacement and allergic reactions, including possible symptoms of a reaction, such as a skin rash.
You have a higher risk of complications with a total hip replacement if you take steroids or have arthritis. This eMedTV page discusses arthritis, steroids, and total hip replacement surgery, and how to prevent complications from occurring.
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