What are the risks of hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement is a well-established procedure, but like any major surgery, it carries potential risks. Most patients recover without serious complications, but understanding the possible problems is an important part of surgical planning.

Possible risks include

• Infection
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Bleeding
• Hip dislocation
• Nerve or blood-vessel injury
• Difference in leg length
• Implant loosening or wear over time
• Fracture around the implant
• Persistent pain or stiffness
• Anaesthesia-related complications

The likelihood of complications depends on factors such as age, diabetes, smoking, weight, bone quality, previous surgery, cardiovascular health, and the complexity of the hip problem.

Modern surgical planning, appropriate antibiotics, blood clot prevention, physiotherapy, and careful implant positioning are used to reduce these risks. Dr. Atul Mishra assesses individual risk factors before hip replacement and discusses the expected benefits and possible complications with the patient before surgery.