Hip joint replacement

Hip arthroplasty; Total hip replacement; Hip hemiarthroplasty

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.