Hip Replacement Surgery Risks

Hip replacement surgery is performed to replace diseased or damaged hip joints with artificial implant materials designed to restore normal hip anatomy and function. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with hip replacement surgery.

Infection

• Hip replacement surgery carries a risk of infection. The surgical incision made to expose the hip joint during surgery can develop an infection if bacteria or germs invade the surgical site.

Femur Fracture

• There is a very small chance that the femur (thigh bone) can become fractured during surgery. This can happen when the hip prosthesis implant is pounded into place and secured deep within the femur.

Blood Clots

• Blood clots can develop in the operated leg during hip replacement surgery. This is normally due to leg immobilization and the use of a tourniquet during surgery to stem blood flow. In rare cases, blood clots in the leg can break off and travel to other parts of the body, including the lungs.

Nerve Injury

• Injury to the nerves in proximity to the hip joint, especially the femoral nerve, is a small risk associated with hip replacement surgery. In rare instances, sciatic nerve damage can occur as the result of leg lengthening during the procedure.

Dislocation

• Dislocation of the hip replacement prosthesis is a risk in the days and weeks following hip replacement surgery. This risk is due to laxity of the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the hip joint as the result of the surgery. As these tissues heal and stabilize, hip dislocation risk is reduced.