Northern Hip & Groin Institute
Further serious complications and risks of hip replacement
Blood-thinning medications after surgery, compression devices, and exercise to increase blood flow through the veins are important measures to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Bending of the hip more than 90 degrees and crossing the legs should be avoided for about 3 months after the surgery in order to avoid dislocation of the hip. Some patients have to wear braces to restrict movement after surgery.
The surgeon takes steps to achieve equal leg length. However, the implant may make the leg feel longer or shorter. Often this is caused by weakness in the muscles. In this case, strengthening exercises can help to resolve the issue. Extreme soft tissues hardening around the joint replacement is called arthrofibrosis. If new bone is forming within soft tissue we talk about ossification. Both conditions can lead to joint stiffness.
Very Rare Complications:
Damage to a main leg artery. Damage to major nerves around the hip.
Rupture of a major muscle or tendon.
Inflammation of superficial varicose veins (Phlebitis). A small number of people have serious problems such as a heart attack, a stroke, or a bad chest infection soon after the operation. It is a good idea to stop smoking before an operation because smoking makes all these problems more likely.
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