Total hip replacement surgery (hip arthroplasty) is a highly successful, life-changing procedure for many patients with severe and debilitating hip pain from factors like arthritis and trauma. It involves removing worn, damaged components of the hip joint and replacing them with man-made implants (prostheses) to restore comfortable movement and improve quality of life for the patient. Nevertheless, all medical procedures come with some measure of risk and possible side effects, and hip replacement surgery is no exception.
Things to Keep in Mind
Possible side effects of hip replacement surgery include:
- Slight difference in leg length following surgery
- Infection around the incision site or within the joint
- Anesthesia-related blood clots in the veins in the legs or pelvis
- Joint implant dislocation or loosening
- Damage to healthy structures around the hip joint
It’s important to note that life-threatening complications from hip replacement surgery are not common—in fact, it’s estimated that fewer than 2% of patients experience serious side effects (i.e. joint infection and blood clots).
Another factor to keep in mind is the importance of carefully adhering to your physician’s guidance following surgery and attending all recommended follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions. The success of your surgery and what side effects you may experience will depend largely on how well you observe your physician’s recovery instructions.
In the weeks following surgery, it’s a good idea to:
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Keep the incision site clean and dry, and promptly report any signs of infection to your physician
- Move/exercise according to your physician’s or physical therapist’s guidance
- Avoid smoking
When to Consider Hip Replacement Surgery
While joint replacement surgery comes with a few possible side effects, the benefits far outweigh the risks for patients who have been identified as good candidates for this procedure. Hip replacement surgery may be a viable treatment option for you if:
- Your hip pain is severe in nature or prevents you from performing basic movements
- Your hip pain or stiffness does not improve with conservative methods like physical therapy, injection therapy, and medications
- You are at a healthy weight
- You do not have a condition that impacts the muscles or bones surrounding the hip join
- You do not have a serious illness or infection
Hip Replacement Surgery at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group—a division of Florida Medical Clinic and the longest-operating orthopedic practice in the Tampa area—is proud to include Dr. Daniel Murphy, a board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon. Collaborating with a diverse team of orthopedic experts, Dr. Murphy utilizes state-of-the-art hip prostheses and muscle-sparing surgical techniques to minimize potential side effects of hip replacement surgery and achieve the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today if you would like to consult with an orthopedic physician about your hip pain treatment options and if hip replacement surgery may be right for you. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you achieve a life with less pain.
