What is Hip Replacement?

Related Media: Hip Replacement

This surgery is done when pain and stiffness limit your normal activities. This pain and stiffness is usually due to arthritis . Surgery is done when other treatments have been tried and are no longer working. These other treatments include rest, medicines, and physical therapy.

Within six weeks, you should be able to resume normal light activities. A replacement hip typically lasts 10-15 years.

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have a hip replacement, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Hip dislocation (most common complication)—occurs when the ball portion of the prosthesis dislocates from its normal position in the hip
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Swelling or bleeding
• Injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels
• Anesthesia-related problems, like pneumonia

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Pre-existing medical condition (eg, heart or lung problems)
• Obesity
• Infection (eg, urinary tract infection , gum disease )—Having an infection increases the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream and infecting the joint.
• Previous problems with blood clots
• Smoking

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