Ask the Expert

Get answers to your total joint replacement questions.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Hip joint replacement - Risks

Alternative Names

Hip arthroplasty; Total hip replacement; Hip hemiarthroplasty

Risks:

Risks for any anesthesia are:

Allergic reactions to medicines
Breathing problems

Risks for any surgery are:

Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs
Infection, including in the lungs, urinary tract, and chest
Bleeding
Heart attack or stroke during surgery

Some risks of this surgery are:

Dislocation of the artificial joint
Infection that requires removing the joint
Loosening of the artificial joint over time
Pneumonia
Extra bone growth that can cause stiffness
Allergic reaction to the artificial joint
Injury to nerves or blood vessels
Mental confusion (dementia): Many people who fracture a hip already have some problems thinking clearly. Sometimes, having a fracture and surgery can make this worse.
Pressure sores (also called pressure ulcers or bed sores) from being in bed or a chair for long periods of time.

People who have a prosthesis, such as an artificial joint, need to carefully protect themselves against infection. You should carry a medical identification card in your wallet that says you have a prosthesis. You may need to take antibiotics before any dental work or invasive medical procedures.

$Hip fracture$

Hip fracture

Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis

Hip joint replacement - series

Reviewed last on: 2/9/2009
C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Harkess JW. Arthroplasty of the hip. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 7.

Jones CA. Total joint arthroplasties: current concepts of patient outcomes after surgery. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. Feb 2007; 33(1): 71-86.

St Clair SF. Hip and knee arthroplasty in the geriatric population. Clin Geriatr Med. Aug 2006; 22(3): 515-33.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)