www.nhgi.co.uk, Northern Hip & Groin Institute, Joint Replacement Knee Hip, Arthroscopy, Computer Assisted, Sports, Schilders, Kluge, Leeds, Bradford, Yorkshire

Serious complications and risks of hip resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is normally safe but, as with any surgery, complications can occur. The reason for failure of the implant (or of the bone around the implant) might be infection, aseptic loosening or fractures.

Picture: broken thigh bone after a fall leading to implant failure and cement extrusion – red arrows.

Aseptic loosening can be caused by weir debris leading to breakdown of bone around the prosthesis (osteolysis) – Revision Surgery might be needed. In case of breakage and wear of the prosthesis further surgery is required to replace the damaged implant by a conventional hip replacement. Infection near the prosthesis might lead to fracture of the bone, loosening of the implant and disastrous soft tissue damage. If the infection does not settle the hip might have to be left without actual joint. This allows the patient to walk, however, the leg length will be reduced. 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.

Please click here to read more about serious complications and risks of hip resurfacing.