Hip Replacement Surgery: Risks and Complications

The hip joint consists of the pelvic bone, which has a receptacle to receive the end (ball) of the femur. When the cartilage or joint bones are diseased or severely damaged, a surgical procedure called total hip replacement can be done to remove the diseased ball and replace them with prosthetic materials or hip implants, explains the orthopaedic in Delhi.

The goals of hip replacement surgery in Delhi are to improve joint function and relieve chronic symptoms of severe pain. It is usually done due to the progressive worsening of arthritis in the hip, which is often due to degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis. This condition is usually associated with aging, congenital anomaly or trauma to the joint.

Other conditions that can lead to total hip replacement in Delhi include rheumatoid arthritis, fractures of the hip joint and death (necrosis) of the hip bone. Necrosis can be caused by hip fracture, chronic drug use, alcoholism and some diseases (such as lupus).

Hip replacement surgery in Delhi is an important surgical procedure that involves some risks and complications. Apart from the usual complications that are associated with most surgeries in the immediate postoperative period (such as bleeding, infection, fever, pain, nerve injury and blood clots), the surgical procedure also carries some long-term risks and complications. It could happen months or years after a patient is discharged from the hospital. These can lead to implant failure, which may be due to several causes, such as:

• Loosening of implants in the absence of infection. This is a common problem, which can be caused by several factors such as the type of implant chosen, the surgical technique and the amount of force applied to the joint by the patient.
• Bone fracture
• Component fracture
• Late infection
• Late dislocation
• Joint stiffness
• Abrasive forces in the union that lead to the production of debris
• Bone loss (osteolysis), which occurs when the body reacts to eliminate waste when it is recognized as foreign particles. This is the most frequent long-term hip replacement complication, causing almost 75% of all hip implant failures. Severe joint pain can result from debris production and osteolysis.

Orthopaedic surgeon in Delhi usually refer their patients to a rehabilitation team after surgery to help them with physical and occupational therapy. Patients are instructed to observe some precautions for several weeks to avoid dislocation of their new hip. These include:

• Do not bend the hip more than 90 degrees
• Don't cross your legs
• Do not turn the affected leg or too far

Total rehabilitation usually takes at least six months. Patients are also placed on an exercise program to follow after going home, even while still having physical therapy to help speed their recovery. Weight control is also necessary to reduce stress on the hips. However, one must remain active to maintain flexibility, strength and endurance. Activities may include walking, swimming, dancing and riding a stationary bicycle. The most exhausting activities, such as tennis or jogging are not advisable by the orthopaedic in Dwarka.

Most hip joint implants last 10 to 20 years without loosening. This can depend on factors such as the patient's lifestyle, the amount of stress that is given to a joint, the weight of the patient and how well the healing process goes, says the orthopaedic in Delhi.