According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 120,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Surgery lasts between one and two hours. Complications are minimal, due in part to new surgical techniques and technology.
Blood Clots
Blood clots are the most common side effect after hip replacement surgery. Your surgeon will take precautions, such as prescribing blood thinners, using support hose on your legs, and using inflatable leg coverings for several weeks after the surgery.
Hip Dislocation
After surgery, hip dislocation can occur because artificial hips are smaller than normal hips. This occurs when the ball comes out of the socket. This generally occurs in only certain positions.
Pain
Pain before surgery is often a common symptom. Pain lasting several weeks after surgery is common as your body heals, and during physical therapy. Different degrees of pain can occur even after recovery from hip replacement surgery.
Time Frame
Hip replacements generally last at least 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. Advancements in materials and techniques used are working to extend the life of a replacement.
Considerations
You can lessen hip replacement surgery side effects with proper care after surgery. Patients are encouraged not to cross their legs or bend their hips at more than 90 degrees, not to turn their feet too much inward or outward, and to sleep with a pillow between their legs. This will help with recovery from the surgery.
Tags: after surgery, more than, recovery from, replacement surgery, several weeks, several weeks after