What are the risks of hip replacement surgery?

AI-generated illustration. Based on a photograph of Prof. Dr. Gürkan Özkoç; it does not depict an actual event or patient consultation.

Hip replacement aims to reduce pain and improve movement in suitable patients. Like any surgery, it carries risks. Their magnitude varies with the individual and the reason for the operation.

Which risks should be discussed?

These include infection, venous blood clots and clots travelling to the lungs, dislocation, fractures around the implant, nerve injury and anaesthetic complications. A perceived difference in leg length or implant loosening over time may also be relevant.

A single percentage for everyone would be misleading. Other conditions, previous surgery, bone quality and medicines matter in an individual assessment. Expected benefits and ways to reduce personal risks should be discussed together.

How can risk be reduced?

Preoperative health optimisation, appropriate infection precautions, individual clot prevention and safe early movement are planned together. Early walking is helpful but does not eliminate every risk by itself.

Contact the team promptly for wound drainage, increasing redness, fever or significant new swelling in one leg. Call 112 for sudden breathlessness, chest pain or fainting. Do not wait until the next review for these symptoms.

Sources

• AAOS: Total hip replacement
• AAOS: Joint replacement infection

This article provides general information. Individual diagnosis and treatment require a clinical assessment.