Things to Know About Hip Replacement Surgery

A Hip replacement may be done for various reasons. There are certain conditions that can damage the hip joint and result in needing to have hip replacement surgery.

·       Rheumatoid arthritis. Caused by an overactive immune system, rheumatoid arthritis produces a type of inflammation that can erode bone and cartilage and deform joints.

·       Osteoarthritis. Commonly known as wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis damages the cartilage that covers the ends of bones and helps joints move smoothly.

·       Osteonecrosis. If there is inadequate blood supply to the ball portion of the hip joint, the bone may collapse and deform.

The risks associated with hip replacement surgery may include:

·       Fracture. During surgery, healthy portions of your hip joint may fracture.

·       Blood clots. Clots can form in your leg veins after surgery.

·       Infection. Infections can occur at the site of your incision and in the deeper tissue near your new hip.

·       Change in leg length. Sometimes this is caused by weakness in the muscles surrounding the hip. In this case, progressively strengthening and stretching those muscles may help.

·       Dislocation. Certain positions can cause the ball of your new joint to become dislocated.

·       Loosening. Although rare with newer implants, your new joint may not become solidly fixed to your bone or may loosen over time, causing pain in your hip.