Complications From Total Hip Replacement

As with any procedure,
 total hip replacement carries the risk of complications. Minor complications with this procedure can include:
 
  • Infection
  • Numbness around the incision
  • Bleeding.
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These and other minor complications tend to be temporary, and are often easily treated by your healthcare provider. Serious complications are also possible; however, they are rare. Some of these problems can include:
 
  • Blood clots in the legs, pelvis, or lungs
  • Excessive bone formation around the implant
  • Changes in leg length
  • Serious bleeding from damage to blood vessels.
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People with diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or kidney disease have a higher risk of developing complications.
 
(Click Hip Replacement Complications to read more about the risks associated with total hip replacement, including how likely they are to occur.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD